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. The Higher Education Department is tasked with developing criteria and rules for disbursing funds from this account specifically 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 to these institutions through warrants issued by the Department of Finance and Administration, contingent upon vouchers signed by the Secretary of Higher Education.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the legislature's intent to include a specific line item for educational television and radio equipment replacement in the appropriations recommended by the Higher Education Department. This inclusion aims to ensure that funding is allocated for the maintenance and upgrading of educational broadcasting resources, thereby enhancing the quality of educational programming available to students and the public.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 21-1-34
Final Version: 21-1-34