The bill proposes appropriations totaling $337,500 from the general fund to support citizen science projects in New Mexico. Specifically, it allocates $137,500 to the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the Department of Environment, and the Department of Game and Fish for the hiring of program coordinators. These coordinators will oversee volunteer efforts in scientific research and data collection related to wildlife. Additionally, the bill designates $200,000 to the Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico to manage the program coordinators and develop web portals and information systems for tracking and evaluating these citizen science initiatives.

The appropriations are intended for expenditure in fiscal year 2026 and subsequent years, with a provision that any unexpended or unencumbered balance at the end of a fiscal year will not revert to the general fund. This funding aims to enhance public participation in scientific research and improve data collection efforts regarding wildlife in the state.