The bill amends the Hispanic Education Act to enhance its purpose by explicitly including the protection and preservation of New Mexico's heritage Spanish language and culture as a key objective. This addition aims to ensure that educational systems not only focus on the academic success of Hispanic students but also on the cultural aspects that are integral to their identity. The bill also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and collaboration among various stakeholders, including community organizations and educational institutions, to improve educational opportunities for Hispanic students.

Additionally, the bill establishes the requirement for the Hispanic Education Advisory Council to convene at least twice a year during biannual Hispanic education summits. It allows council members to receive per diem and mileage compensation, aligning with provisions for nonsalaried public officers. This change is intended to facilitate better engagement and support for the council's mission to advise the secretary on improving public education for Hispanic students and increasing their success in post-secondary education.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-23B-2, 22-23B-5
Final Version: 22-23B-2, 22-23B-5