The bill amends Section 21-1-34 NMSA 1978 to establish the "educational television equipment replacement fund" as a nonreverting fund within the state treasury. It mandates the higher education department to develop criteria and rules for disbursing funds for the replacement of equipment at educational television and radio stations operated by state institutions of higher education or public schools. Disbursements will be made through the department of finance and administration upon receiving vouchers signed by the secretary of higher education.

Additionally, the bill expresses the legislature's intent to include a specific line item for educational television and radio replacement in future appropriations recommended by the department. The previous language regarding the non-reversion of appropriations to the fund has been deleted, streamlining the process for future funding without the stipulation that appropriations revert unless explicitly stated.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 21-1-34