The bill amends existing laws related to public school finance in New Mexico, specifically focusing on the Public Education Reform Fund and the processes for accountability and evaluation plans. It allows the fund to be used for reform projects that are included in plans approved by the Department of Finance and Administration. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Finance and Administration to consult with the Legislative Finance Committee and the Legislative Education Study Committee before approving instructions for these plans.

Key changes include the requirement for the Department to submit recommendations for appropriations related to programs with accountability and evaluation plans that demonstrate evidence of improving performance measures. The bill also establishes a more structured process for developing and submitting accountability and evaluation plans, including specific requirements for identifying goals, activities, performance measures, and evaluation methods. The deadline for submitting these plans is set for June 15 each year, with final approval required by September 1.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-8-12.1, 22-8-23.13