Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance
committees of the Legislature. LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they
are used for other purposes.
F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T
SPONSOR Hochman-Vigil
LAST UPDATED
ORIGINAL DATE 1/22/25
SHORT TITLE Star Axis Sculptural Observatory
BILL
NUMBER House Bill 37
ANALYST Jorgensen
APPROPRIATION*
(dollars in thousands)
FY25 FY26
Recurring or
Nonrecurring
Fund
Affected $250 Nonrecurring General Fund
Parentheses ( ) indicate expenditure decreases.
*Amounts reflect most recent analysis of this legislation.
Sources of Information
LFC Files
Agency Analysis Received From
New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU)
SUMMARY
Synopsis of House Bill 37
House Bill 37 (HB37) appropriates $250 thousand from the general fund to New Mexico
Highlands University to conduct a study to assess potential acquisition by the state of the Star
Axis observatory in San Miguel County. The expenditure may be made from fiscal year 2025
through fiscal year 2027.
This bill does not contain an effective date and, as a result, would go into effect 90 days after the
Legislature adjourns if enacted, or June 20, 2025.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
The appropriation of $250 thousand contained in this bill is a nonrecurring expense to the
general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY27 shall
revert to the general fund.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES
Star Axis is a large-scale sculpture that shows relationships between earth and the stars. Work
began on Star Axis in the 1970s and construction is ongoing. Star Axis is projected to have a
public opening around 2028. The sculpture is the property of a 501(c)(3) called the Land Light
Foundation and is currently located on private property and closed to the public.
House Bill 37 – Page 2
CJ/rl/SL2