The New Mexico House of Representatives passed legislation this week that could remove a significant obstacle for the roughly 200,000 adults across the state who lack a high school diploma.
House Bill 167, which cleared the House and now heads to the Senate, would eliminate the $145 fee for high school equivalency testing and provide funding for test preparation programs. The measure allocates $2 million from the state’s general fund to cover these costs in fiscal year 2026.
For many New Mexicans, that $145 has been enough to keep them from even trying.
“I am proud to sponsor this important piece of legislation to ensure New Mexicans receive their high school equivalency credential without facing any financial barrier,” said Representative Joy Garratt, one of the bill’s co-sponsors.
The legislation targets adults who are at least 16 years old, not currently enrolled in high school, and who have demonstrated readiness by passing an official practice test. State officials believe removing the fee barrier could boost test participation by 20 to 40 percent.
The timing matters for New Mexico’s economy. Employers increasingly require credentials that many adult workers never obtained, often because they had to leave school early to work or care for family members. A high school equivalency certificate can open doors to better-paying jobs, apprenticeships, and community college programs.
The bill routes funding through the state’s Higher Education Department, which oversees the testing program. If the Senate approves the measure and the governor signs it, the law would take effect June 20.
New Mexico isn’t the first state to consider eliminating equivalency testing fees, but it’s among those moving most aggressively to address educational attainment gaps that affect workforce development. The state has struggled with high poverty rates and lower-than-average educational outcomes compared to the national average, making initiatives like this a priority for lawmakers focused on economic development.
The Senate will now take up the bill in the coming weeks.
Key Insights of HB167
- Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for free testing, individuals must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Not currently enrolled in secondary school.
- Lacks a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- Have passed an official practice test indicating readiness.
- Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund to the Higher Education Department (HED) for fiscal year 2026 to cover test and preparation costs.