Summary:

 House Bill 560 (HB 560), relating to public education, enacts the Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act. HB 560 requires establishment of workforce readiness programs. HB 560 requires evaluation and reports; HB 560 makes an appropriation. 

Legislation Overview:

 House Bill 560 enacts the Workforce Readiness and Student Engagement Act (Act) and requires workforce readiness programs.
SECTION 1 adds a new section of the Public School Code to enact the Act.
SECTION 2 provides Definitions as used in the Act.
SECTION 3 adds a new section of the Public School Code to address Graduation Requirements.
A. A student may choose a workforce readiness pathway as part of the student's graduation requirements. Workforce readiness pathway options include:
(1) a certification program aligned with the state's workforce needs through which a student may earn a certification in a professional field as specified in this paragraph.
(2) enrollment in dual credit courses through an institution of higher education in the state;
(3) an apprenticeship or employment with a local employer that has established a partnership with the student's school for the purposes described in this section; and 
(4) on-the-job training and mentorship that offers an opportunity for a high school student to learn directly from professionals in various professional fields. 
B. Every school that serves students in grades nine through twelve shall develop an apprenticeship program. 
C. Every school that will offer a workforce readiness program shall develop the program in collaboration with the Workforce Solutions Department (NMDWS) to ensure that the program aligns industries with high labor demands and local labor market needs. 
SECTION 4 adds a new section of the Public School Code addressing Student Engagement and Attendance Improvement.
A. To improve student engagement, schools shall implement engagement strategies as specified in this subsection.
B. The department shall develop a comprehensive plan to monitor and improve attendance rates as specified in this subsection.
SECTION 5 adds a new section of the Public School Code to provide program evaluation and accountability.
A. Each year, the department, in collaboration with the NMDWS, shall evaluate the effectiveness of the workforce readiness programs provided for in the Act. The evaluation shall include the data specified in this subsection.
B. The department shall submit an annual report to the legislature on workforce readiness programs provided for under the Act. The annual report shall describe the progress of workforce readiness programs, attendance improvement strategies implemented through the programs and the effectiveness of the programs.
SECTION 6 makes an appropriation of $20,000,000 from the General Fund to the Public Education Department for expenditure in Fiscal Year 2026 and subsequent fiscal years to support workforce readiness programs created pursuant to the Act. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund.