HOUSE BILL 575

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Rick Miera

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF INCREASED SCHOOL BUS FUEL COSTS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY FUND; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 22-8-29.6 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1995, Chapter 208, Section 15) is amended to read:

     "22-8-29.6. TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY FUND.--

          A. The "transportation emergency fund" is created in the state treasury. Money in the fund shall not revert to the general fund at the end of any fiscal year. Money in the fund is appropriated to the department for the purpose of funding transportation emergencies. The [state superintendent] department shall make distributions [only] to ensure the safety of students receiving to-and-from transportation services; provided that for school years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, the department shall make distributions from the transportation emergency fund first to provide additional funding to school districts and state-chartered schools for increased school bus fuel costs. The distribution of funding shall be based on miles traveled for to-and-from transportation of public school students. School districts and state-chartered charter schools shall request funds for fuel from the fund and provide supporting documentation that they have incurred increased costs due to higher fuel prices. The department shall approve requests for funding for fuel cost increases and make distributions on a reimbursement basis.

          B. The [state superintendent] department shall account for all transportation emergency distributions and shall make full reports to the governor, the legislative education study committee and the legislative finance committee of payments made."

     SECTION 2. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.

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