NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in House Bill 201, House Bill 116, Senate Bill 91, and Senate Bill 79

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 244 appropriates $75.0 to New Mexico State University (NMSU) to implement a state noxious weed control program.

Significant Issues

This appropriation will be used to pay expenses of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the state's Soil and Water Conservation Districts to implement a noxious weed control program in order to protect the environment and the state's economy from the impacts of noxious and exotic weed infestations. This appropriation would be passed through the NMDA to the state's soil and water conservation districts.

According to the NMDA, a New Mexico Strategic Plan for Managing Noxious Weeds was completed in 2000. Twenty-seven different entities, including federal and state agencies along with livestock industry and environmental organizations, helped create this plan and have agreed to work together on noxious weed problems. Although the appropriation in this bill would go to Soil and Water Conservation Districts, projects would be accomplished in cooperation with all involved entities within the boundaries of each participating district.

All New Mexico higher educational institutions were asked to submit an overall priority listing of new and expansion research and public service project requests to the Commission for Higher Education (CHE). The NMSU Board of Regents ranked this request as a priority and approved funding of $500.0 for this program. The CHE, however, did not recommend expansion funding for this program.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $75.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

House Bill 244 relates to Senate Bill 79, Senate Bill 91,House Bill 116, and House Bill 116. These bills all appropriate funds to Soil and Water Conservation Districts and are administered/distributed by NMSU and the NMDA.

AMENDMENTS

The CHE suggests the following language for all new recurring higher education programs and expansion of current programs (assuming that funding will continue beyond 2001-2002):

"The institution receiving the appropriation in this bill shall submit a program evaluation to the Legislative Finance Committee and the Commission on Higher Education by August 2, 2004 detailing the benefits to the State of New Mexico from having this program implemented for a three-year period."

LG/ar