HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS

HB 83 creates space for career technical education and capstone courses

Today, new legislation that adjusts New Mexico’s high school graduation requirements to allow for more customized career prep in an individual’s education passed the House Education Committee with bipartisan support. 

Sponsored by Rep. G. Andres Romero (D-Albuquerque), House Bill 83 increases the flexibility of career technical education (CTE) courses to satisfy certain core subject units, and allows a capstone course (often known as a senior thesis or final year project) to be substituted for a core subject for 11th and 12th-grade students. 

“House Bill 83 gives New Mexican students buy-in on the types of classes they take, making them more engaged and more likely to graduate,” said Rep. Romero. “Not only will HB 83 increase graduation rates, but it will better prepare students for life after high school, whether that involves higher education, trades, or other careers in the New Mexico workforce.” 

New standards under House Bill 83 would apply to students entering ninth grade in the 2022-2023 school year and after. 

HB 83 passed the House Education Committee with a bipartisan 12-3 vote, and will be heard next in the House State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee. 

Members of the public can track legislation on the New Mexico Legislature website, access committee meetings and House floor sessions via the Webcasts tab, or participate by Zoom to provide public comment on committee hearings. During the 2021 Legislative Session, the House of Representatives is focused on passing critical legislation while protecting the health and safety of the public, the staff, and the legislators.