The Senate Education Committee voted to advance House Bill 64 after extensive testimony that the measure would expand eligibility for reduced in‑state tuition and certain state tuition supports to adult learners, immigrant workers who file New Mexico income taxes and young people applying for special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS).

Representatives and witnesses framed HB 64 as workforce development. Representative Chavira (presenting) said the change would help “hardworking New Mexicans” access certificate and noncredit training in high-demand fields such as health care, HVAC and welding. Gabriela Iván Díaz Guzmán, staff attorney at Somos Un Pueblo Unido, explained the bill’s mechanics, saying the proposal would add criteria that mirror existing residency tests: attendance at an adult-education program for at least one year, two consecutive years of New Mexico income-tax filing, or pending SIJS for youth under 21.

Multiple community members testified in support, including workers and adult learners who said they pay state taxes and face tuition barriers. One witness said, “With in state tuition, my school fees would be cut by, more than half. I could continue studying and grow in my health work field.” The New Mexico Independent Community Colleges and other educational organizations testified in support, noting the bill would expand access to training in rural areas and industries with labor shortages.

Committee members pressed witnesses on documentation, verification, and the interplay with federal immigration and financial-aid rules. Senator Ezell raised questions about special immigrant juvenile status timelines and the risk that an SIJS application could remain pending; witnesses said SIJS approvals can take months to more than a year but that the memorial and state rules would permit eligible applicants to access tuition benefits while their federal application is pending.

The committee recorded a do-pass recommendation by a 5–4 vote and advanced HB 64 to the next legislative step.