The bill amends Section 22-8-18 of the New Mexico Statutes to update the calculation of program units for public school finance, specifically by including new categories for bilingual education. The total program units will now account for licensed school employees with a bilingual endorsement, as well as English learners and bilingual license endorsements, expanding the previous list of program units. The bill also clarifies that funds generated under the Public School Finance Act are discretionary for local school boards and charter schools, provided that they meet the special program needs outlined in the legislation.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 22-8-23.17, which establishes the criteria for calculating program units for licensed school employees with a bilingual endorsement. This includes verification by the Public Education Department that these employees are part of a department-approved bilingual multicultural education program and are receiving a salary differential that meets specified criteria. This new provision aims to ensure that bilingual education is adequately supported and funded within the public school system.