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.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

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 Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 74 appropriates $305.8 to develop statewide services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Significant Issues

The bill would provide services to improve coordination and access to emergency medical interpreting, mental health services, case management systems, interpreter services, and dual-handicap (deaf-blind) pilot program.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

House bill 74 appropriates $305.8 from the general fund and would be recurring.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The commission indicates that the service development will be sub-contracted. The Commission has adequate administrative staff and resources to manage these funds and services.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents of New Mexico are currently denied access to public and private services which are readily available to non-disabled residents.

RMS/gm