The proposed "Distance Learning Act" (HB 253) would fundamentally change virtual education in New Mexico. If passed, it would give the Public Education Department (PED) unprecedented control over where and how your child learns.

1. More Red Tape, Less Stability

• The "Annual Permission" Rule: Every virtual program in the state would have to re-apply for approval every single year. There is no "grandfathering" in. This means the school your child loves this year might not be "allowed" to exist next year.
• The PED has the Final Word: The PED must approve all programs, and if they say "no," there is no process to appeal that decision. It gives a single government agency total control over your school choice.

2. Funding Cuts that Target Virtual Learners

• The "Third-Party" Penalty: Many virtual schools partner with experienced providers for their curriculum and platforms. This bill would strip funding from schools that use these vendors, essentially trying to starve these programs of the resources they need to operate.
• Zero Growth: For the next two years, most programs would be barred from growing, meaning new families looking for virtual options would be locked out.

3. Changes to the Cyber Academy

• "May" vs. "Shall": The state’s obligation to provide courses for grades 6–12 is being weakened. Instead of being required to provide these options, the state would only do so if it chooses to.
• Strict Boundaries: The bill seeks to impose geographic boundaries on where students can live while attending certain programs, potentially forcing students back into physical districts that don't meet their needs.

The Bottom Line

HB 253 treats virtual education as a "temporary" or "extra" service rather than a valid, full-time choice for New Mexico families. It creates high hurdles for schools and less certainty for parents. We need to demand your state rep no support HB 253.