Representative Karen Herndon, presenting House Bill 519, told the House committee the measure would create a board of directors to oversee operations, maintenance and staffing of the African American Performing Arts Center and Exhibit Hall in consultation with the Department of Cultural Affairs.

The bill would administratively attach the center to the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and move operating and building maintenance funds to that agency; committee staff said the center’s operating money is included in House Bill 2. Herndon introduced Donna Owens as an expert witness and said Owens is a member of the African American Performing Arts Center Foundation board of directors.

Supporters who spoke during public comment said a dedicated management structure is needed. Kate Stetson, vice president of the African American Performing Arts Foundation, said the proposed organization would handle scheduling, maintenance and fundraising for the museum, classrooms and performance stage. “APAC…has a museum and teaching rooms and classrooms, but it has a performing arts center, an actual stage,” Stetson said.

Student Amaka Tuckman told the committee the board would help secure the center’s “long term success and autonomy” and called the facility “a vital space for preserving Black history, uplifting artistic expression, and fostering community engagement.”

Representative Mason asked whether the bill makes the Department of Cultural Affairs the administrative agency; sponsors confirmed it would. Mason also asked how management would interact with State Fairgrounds operations if the fairgrounds move; sponsors said planning about the fairgrounds is ongoing and that roughly $500,000 previously mentioned by the governor for fairgrounds planning remains set aside.

Vice Chair Sanchez moved a due-pass recommendation; Representative Anita Gonzales seconded. The committee voted to report HB 519 with a due pass, and the chair recorded that all members present voted in the affirmative.

The bill now goes to the next House stage for further consideration.