Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance

committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports

if they are used for other purposes.

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are a vailable on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).

Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and

attachments may be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Nava

DATE TYPED 2/15/05

HB

SHORT TITLE Develop Citizen Preparation Curricula

SB 780

ANALYST Chabot

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$100.0

General Fund Recurring

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates HB 567

Relates to HB 671, SB 138, SB 264, SB 305, SB 407, and SJM 29

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Public Education Department (PED)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 780 appropriates $100 thousand from the general fund to PED for the purpose of de-

veloping curricula relating to citizen participation in government and teacher training and provid-

ing assistance to students participating in programs that develop awareness of the United States

Constitution.

Significant Issues

PED assess “the New Mexico K-12 Social Studies Content Standards, Benchmarks, and Per-

formance Standards adopted by the State Board of Education in 2001 contain four strands, of

which one is Civics and Government. It was the premise that the standards would support stu-

dents in acquiring requisite knowledge and skills to become informed and responsible participa-

tory citizens. These standards will provide students with the understanding of the foundations,

principles and institutional practices of the United States as a constitutional republic and a repre-

sentative democracy based on the rule of law.” There are four benchmarks and 102 performance

Senate Bill 780 -- Page 2

standards.

The appropriation could be used to support school districts in revising social studies curriculum

to align with PED’s standards and benchmarks.

PED suggests the portion of the appropriation for teacher and student support could be used to

“expand upon classroom instruction, utilize simulation activities and participate in competitions.

The Close Up Program, Project Citizen, We the People, Mock Trial, Presidential Classroom”

are examples of these programs.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

The bill supports PED’s New Mexico Social Studies Content Standards, Benchmarks and Per-

formance Standards.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $100 thousand contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general

fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2006 shall

revert to the general fund. That portion of the appropriation used for curricula development

could be considered non-recurring; however, the portion related to teacher training and student

assistance is recurring.

The LFC FY06 appropriation recommendation is balanced between revenues and expenditures

and any increase in recurring funding must be offset by reductions in other areas of the recom-

mendation. The Legislature must consider all priorities and funding requirements to find reve-

nue to support this legislation.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

As written, the appropriation would cover any PED’s administrative costs in assisting districts in

curriculum development.

ALTERNATIVES

The bill could be amended to remove curricula development and use the appropriation solely for

teacher training and student participation in programs developing awareness federal and state

governmental processes.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1.

If the curriculum is required by PED standards, benchmarks and performance standards,

is an appropriation for curriculum development needed.

2.

How would the appropriation be distributed to public school districts.

GAC/yr