New Mexico Register / Volume XXXI, Issue 10 / May 19, 2020

Notice of proposed rulemaking

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED or Department) will hold a public video/telephonic rulemaking hearing on June 23, 2020. The hearing will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will be held via GoToMeeting. The purpose of the rulemaking hearing is to take public comment regarding proposed amendments to 5.7.20 NMAC, LEGISLATIVE LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

Join via video:

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/420581005

Join via telephone:

+1 (646) 749-3122

Meeting ID: 420-581-005

Amendments:

5.7.20.7 NMAC, definitions

Purpose:

The purpose of the proposed rule change is to remove language which prohibits students who leave the state and enroll in a non-qualifying institution or who enroll at a non-qualifying New Mexico institution from qualifying for the Legislative Lottery Scholarship Program.

The amendment will provide that if a student first enrolls at a non-qualifying institution and subsequently enrolls at a qualifying institution within 16 months of graduation or receipt of a high school equivalency credential recognized by the State of New Mexico the student may still establish eligibility for the program.

Summary of proposed changes:

The amendment to Section 5.7.20.7 NMAC modifies the definition of “Qualified student”. Language prohibiting previous enrollment at a non-qualifying institution prior to enrollment at a qualifying institution for scholarship eligibility is removed from the definition.

Details for Obtaining a Copy, Public Hearing and Comments: The proposed rule is available at NMHED located at 2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100. The proposed rule is also posted on the NMHED website and may be accessed at http://www.hed.state.nm.us/ under the “Events” section. To request that a copy of the proposed rule be sent to you by mail or e-mail, please contact HigherEd.Info@state.nm.us or (505)476-8411.

A public hearing will be held on June 23, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. via GoToMeeting. Any person who is or may be affected by this proposed rule may participate. Interested persons may submit written comments to NMHED at 2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505 or HigherEd.Info@state.nm.us. Written comments must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 19, 2020. Please note that any written or verbal comments received will become part of the rulemaking record, be posted to the New Mexico Sunshine Portal, and be accessible to the public. If submitting written comments by email, please indicate in the subject line the number and section of each rule(s) for which you are providing comments. Oral comments will also be accepted at the rule hearing, subject to time limitations.

Legal authority for this rulemaking can be found in Sections 6-24-1 et seq. NMSA 1978 and Sections 21-21N-1 et seq. NMSA 1978.

Any person with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing should contact (505) 476-8411 or email HigherEd.Info@state.nm.us ten (10) business days prior to the hearing.