New Mexico Register / Volume XXXV, Issue 9 / May 7, 2024

 

 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

 

Public Hearing

 

The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) gives notice on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, that it will conduct a public hearing for the following proposed rulemaking on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (MDT) in Mabry Hall, located in the Jerry Apodaca Education Building, 300 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501:

 

Repeal of 6.19.7 NMAC, Demonstration of Competency for High School Graduation

New rule 6.29.18 NMAC, Braille Standards

 

The PED will give a verbal summary statement, on record, at the hearing.

 

The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on the proposed rulemaking. Attendees who wish to provide public comment on record will be given three minutes to make a statement concerning the proposed rulemaking. To submit written comment, please see the Public Comment section of this notice.

 

Explanation of Purpose of Rulemaking, Summary of Text, and Statutory Authority

 

6.19.7 NMAC, Demonstration of Competency for High School Graduation

Explanation: At the close of the 2024 Legislative Session, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law House Bill 171. This legislation removed demonstration of competency as a requirement for high school graduation. The proposed repeal would align New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) with current statute.

Summary: The proposed repeal eliminates from NMAC demonstration of competency as required for high school graduation.

Statutory Authority: Sections 9-24-8, 22-2-1, 22-2-2, and 22-2C-3 NMSA 1978.

 

6.29.18 NMAC, Braille Standards

Explanation: The proposed rule establishes standards specifically designed to support students who are blind or visually impaired in developing braille literacy across all school subjects.

Summary: The rule outlines standards for learning environments and defines the roles and responsibilities of educators working with students who are blind or visually impaired. It modifies existing New Mexico content standards to integrate braille literacy comprehensively, ensuring that it is supported across all subject areas.

Statutory Authority: Sections 9-24-8, 22-2-1, and 22-15-26 to 22-15-31 NMSA 1978.

 

No technical information served as a basis for this proposed rule change.

 

Public Comment

 

Interested parties may provide comment at the public hearing or may submit written comments by mail or e-mail.

 

Mailing Address

Policy and Legislative Affairs Division

New Mexico Public Education Department

300 Don Gaspar Avenue, Room 121

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501

 

E-Mail Address

Rule.Feedback@ped.nm.gov

 

Written comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. (MDT) on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The PED encourages early submission of written comments.

 

Public Comment Period

 

The public comment period is from Tuesday, May 7, 2024, to Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (MDT). The PED will review all feedback received during the public comment period and issue communication regarding a final decision of the proposed rulemaking at a later date.

 

Copies of the proposed rule may be obtained from Denise Terrazas at (505) 470-5303 during regular business hours or may be accessed through the PED Policy and Legislative Affairs webpage titled, “Proposed Rules,” at http://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/policy-innovation-measurement/rule-notification/.

 

Individuals with disabilities who require the above information in an alternative format or need any form of auxiliary aid to attend or participate in the public hearing are asked to contact Denise Terrazas at (505) 470-5303 as soon as possible before the date set for the public hearing. The PED requires at least 10 calendar days advance notice to provide any special accommodations requested.