Summary:

 House Bill 515 (HB 515) appropriates $1.5 million from the General Fund to the Board of Regents of Western New Mexico University for expenditure in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to establish and support a men’s baseball program. The bill specifies that any unexpended or unencumbered funds remaining at the end of fiscal year 2027 will revert to the General Fund.
 

Legislation Overview:

 House Bill 515 (HB 515) provides a one-time appropriation of $1.5 million to Western New Mexico University for the creation and support of a men’s baseball program. The appropriation covers fiscal years 2026 and 2027, allowing the university to allocate funds for program development, including facility upgrades, coaching staff, equipment, and operational costs. The bill mandates that any unused funds at the end of fiscal year 2027 revert to the General Fund, ensuring that unspent appropriations are not carried forward indefinitely.

The bill does not specify how the funds must be allocated within the program or whether the university is required to match the appropriation with institutional or private funding. Additionally, it does not establish long-term financial support beyond fiscal year 2027, meaning that future operational costs of the baseball program would need to be funded through the university’s budget or other revenue sources.

Implications

HB 515 facilitates the expansion of intercollegiate athletics at Western New Mexico University by funding the creation of a men’s baseball program. The appropriation provides the necessary financial resources to establish the program, which may include hiring coaching staff, upgrading or constructing facilities, purchasing equipment, and covering travel and recruitment costs. The addition of a baseball program could enhance student engagement, attract prospective students, and increase community support for the university.

The financial impact of the bill is limited to a one-time appropriation, meaning the university must secure long-term funding for the program’s sustainability. Without continued financial support, the program may face budgetary challenges in future years. The bill’s provision for reverting unspent funds ensures that unused appropriations do not remain indefinitely allocated to the program. However, it does not address how the university should manage potential funding shortfalls after the initial two-year period.

If the program successfully generates revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, or increased student enrollment, it may become financially self-sustaining. However, if additional funding is needed beyond fiscal year 2027, the university may need to reallocate resources or seek additional appropriations from the legislature. The bill does not specify performance benchmarks or reporting requirements for the university to demonstrate the program’s impact or financial viability. 

Current Law:

 Under current law, no dedicated state funding exists for the establishment of specific athletic programs at public universities. Western New Mexico University, like other higher education institutions, has the authority to create and fund athletic programs through institutional budgets, private donations, and student fees. Existing appropriations for higher education generally support broad institutional operations rather than funding specific sports programs.