NM HB253

Renames the "Statewide Cyber Academy Act" to the "Distance Learning Act" and establishes new requirements for school districts and charter schools operating full-time distance learning programs, including compliance with instructional hours, class load limits, and annual reporting of enrolled students by grade level

Excludes distance learning students from the calculation of size adjustment program units and rural program units under the public school funding formula, effective July 1, 2026

Prohibits school districts and charter schools from requiring students to enroll in full-time distance learning programs, except during public health emergencies declared under the Public Health Emergency Response Act

Requires the Public Education Department to evaluate all full-time distance learning programs by the end of the 2028-2029 school year and every five years thereafter, with authority to withhold up to 100% of funding for non-compliant programs

Directs the Legislative Education Study Committee to conduct a comprehensive study on virtual instruction outcomes, costs, and potential legislative action, with a final report due by November 1, 2026