Loading chat...

NM SB306

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/14/2026

Primary Sponsor

Nicole Tobiassen

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Eliminates the legal distinction between regionally accredited and nonregionally accredited private post-secondary educational institutions in New Mexico, subjecting all to the same licensure requirements
  • Replaces the separate "registration" process for regionally accredited institutions with a unified "licensure" system administered by the Higher Education Department for all private post-secondary schools
  • Requires all private post-secondary educational institutions to annually apply for licensure, submit curriculum and enrollment information, maintain surety bonds ($5,000 minimum to 20% of gross annual tuition revenue), and adopt student complaint resolution procedures
  • Establishes initial application fees of $200-$5,000 and annual licensing fees of $200-$5,000 for private institutions, with fees proportionate to gross annual tuition revenue
  • Removes the previous exemption that allowed regionally accredited colleges and universities to operate under a simplified registration process tied to their accreditation period

Legislative Description

Higher Ed Regional Distinction

Last Action

Sent to HEC - Referrals: HEC

2/15/2026

Committee Referrals

Education2/15/2026
Committees2/4/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available