The bill amends Section 21-1-4.6 of the New Mexico Statutes to expand the nondiscrimination policy regarding eligibility for post-secondary tuition rates and state-funded financial aid. It stipulates that public post-secondary educational institutions cannot deny admission based on a student's immigration status. Furthermore, it ensures that any tuition rates or state-funded financial aid available to residents of New Mexico will also be accessible to individuals regardless of their immigration status, provided they meet certain criteria. These criteria include attending a secondary educational institution in New Mexico for at least one year, completing adult education courses recognized by the higher education department, or earning income in New Mexico and filing tax returns in the previous two years.

Additionally, the bill specifies that individuals for whom a court has made findings under the Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification Act and who have applied for special immigrant juvenile status will also be eligible for the same tuition rates and financial aid. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 21-1-4.6
Final Version: 21-1-4.6