Senate Bill 280 would add the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) to the list of constitutional special schools eligible for funding through the Public School Capital Outlay program. Representatives and witnesses told the House Education Committee that NMMI’s status as a private institution that charges tuition and lacks a municipal taxing authority or district valuation makes it unable to access the usual local match or bond mechanisms used by school districts.

Representative Mark Murphy (R‑Roswell) introduced the bill and explained that NMMI’s unique financial structure — including tuition revenue and lack of property valuation for school districts — makes the standard PSCOC phase‑2 formula difficult or impossible to apply. He said the change would be “another tool in the toolbox” to help the institute address facilities needs such as restrooms, athletic facilities, and other building updates.

Colonel David West, an expert witness for NMMI, told the committee the change would still require matching funds and assessments for particular projects but would “aid the Institute in being able to address some key issues with facilities,” and he specifically referenced Title IX considerations tied to equity in athletics and facilities.

Local supporters testified in favor. Vince Martinez, an alumnus, and Hope Morales, an educational advocate from Roswell, described the institute’s role in local economic and educational opportunities. Morales said NMMI “provides a rigorous academic environment combined with structured leadership training” and argued capital funding would help modernize historic buildings and support dual‑credit and postsecondary pathways.

Committee members asked detailed questions about the institute’s budget and revenue sources. Colonel West provided figures during questioning: NMMI’s approximate annual budget was stated as $42,000,000; scholarships account for roughly 5–10% of revenues depending on the year; the Knowles scholarship program was described as approaching $2,000,000 and was credited with increasing the share of New Mexico resident students; and the campus provides about 965 beds with third-quarter student counts around 782 students, roughly split 50/50 between junior college and high school students.

Members also raised questions about how local match requirements would be met because NMMI cannot levy taxes. Witnesses described possible match sources as existing fund balances, legislative allocations, severance tax or GO bond mechanisms, and permanent land‑grant fund allocations. The committee moved a do‑pass recommendation; the vote was unanimous.

The committee record shows the bill advanced with bipartisan support and no recorded opposition at the committee vote. If enacted, the change would permit NMMI to apply for PSCOC capital outlay funding under a special‑school pathway, subject to matching and program rules.