Transcript Highlights:

• And by the time that happened, we will be much more successful in adding millions of more electric vehicles
• The best path forward, as you alluded to, is really to continue to decarbonize our energy supply and
• But really, we view this as the expanding oil production is a false solution to the current oil supply

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee heard several measures focused on conservation, wildlife access, and coastal protection. SB 1108 would create the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in Merced County to coordinate land, water, habitat, and wildlife corridor protection in the largest remaining wetland/grassland complex west of the Mississippi. Supporters, including the Grasslands Water District and Audubon California, emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, groundwater sustainability, and voluntary conservation easements; there was no opposition. The committee members generally praised the bill’s regional coordination and ecological significance. The committee also heard SB 1021, which would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create a program allowing youth with physician-certified life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities under structured supervision. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate, tightly limited program with conservation safeguards, hunter education requirements, reporting, and a sunset. There was no opposition, and members expressed support for the bill’s intent. SB 949 would designate the Santa Cruz Mountains as a resource of statewide significance, with an emphasis on biodiversity, watershed protection, wildfire resilience, public access, working lands, and collaboration with tribes and private landowners. Support came from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Sempervirens Fund, and several local and conservation organizations; no opposition was heard. The committee also considered SJR 12, which urges the federal government to remove California from proposed offshore oil and gas leasing plans and calls for stronger environmental review and public engagement. Supporters cited spill risks, coastal economic harm, and prior local and state opposition to offshore drilling. All measures were approved by the committee, with the bills and resolution moving forward on recorded votes, and the consent calendar items were also adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• adding, And by the time that happened, we will be much more successful in adding millions of more electric
• The best path forward, as you alluded to, is really to continue to decarbonize our energy supply and
• But really, we view this as the expanding oil production is a false solution to the current oil supply

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee heard several conservation and wildlife-related measures. SB 1108 by Senator Caballero would create the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the California Natural Resources Agency to coordinate protection and restoration of the Grasslands Ecological Area in Merced County. Supporters, including the Grasslands Water District, Audubon California, Defenders of Wildlife, California Waterfowl Association, The Nature Conservancy, and others, said the area is a major wetland and wildlife corridor facing groundwater-driven land retirement and needs a coordinated, voluntary, incentive-based framework. Senator Laird noted the bill followed prior conservancy models and moved it forward. The committee later approved SB 1108 on a 7-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1021 by Senator Choi, which would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create a narrowly tailored program expanding hunting and fishing opportunities for youth with life-threatening illnesses. The author and supporters from Field of Dreams and the Angling Hunting Conservation Coalition described it as a compassionate, supervised program that would create meaningful experiences for families while maintaining hunter education and conservation safeguards. No opposition was presented, and the bill was approved 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 949 by Senator Becker would designate the Santa Cruz Mountains as a resource of statewide significance, with supporters from Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Sempervirens Fund, Green Foothills, and others citing biodiversity, watershed protection, wildfire resilience, public access, and coordination across public and private lands. Some committee members raised questions about working lands, property rights, and fire responsibility, but the bill was moved forward and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The committee also adopted SJR 12 by Senator Laird, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing plan for California waters; supporters emphasized spill risks, coastal economic impacts, and public opposition, and the resolution passed 5-1. File item 3, SB 1085, was pulled, and the remaining consent calendar items were adopted 7-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we've all heard the conversation and recognized the need for new electric generation in the Northwest
• We have a lot of arrows in our quiver as we're trying to address water supply challenges really throughout
• the state. ...to address water supply challenges really throughout the state.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several water and energy-related measures. Senate Bill 1337 would allow, in small irrigation districts of 15,000 acres or less, a landowner to serve as a director from a division where they own land even if they live in a county adjoining the district, if approved by a two-thirds vote of the local board. Supporters said the change addresses board recruitment problems caused by farm consolidation in rural areas. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 737 proposed merging the Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources with the Office of Species Conservation to improve coordination, permitting, and operational efficiency, with supporters citing modest savings and a one-stop-shop approach. Senator Taylor noted concern that the merger could shift funding away from species conservation, and written testimony opposing the merger was referenced, but the committee still voted to advance the bill. Senate Bill 1303 would expand support for the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources by broadening the revenue language from renewable energy to renewable or sustainable energy sources, with testimony emphasizing Idaho’s need for more generation and transmission; it was also sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also approved House Bill 503, which transfers the Soil and Water Conservation Commission from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Water Resources, with proponents describing it as a government-efficiency measure aligned with the commission’s mission. House Bill 676 drew extensive testimony on Boise’s geothermal heating system and would allow municipal geothermal systems to be treated as a municipal purpose under the reasonably anticipated future needs statute, while requiring non-consumptive use and reinjection; supporters said it would help Boise plan for expansion, while an opponent argued the bill alters a drinking-water statute and could affect aquifer users. After questions about oversight and reinjection, the committee voted to send it to the floor. Finally, House Joint Memorial 14, urging development of 750,000 acre-feet of new water storage in Idaho by 2100, was supported as a long-term water-security measure and was approved for the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with rising costs, inflation, routine expenditures like fuel, electrical, and other consumable purchases
• With rising costs of equipment, supplies, and repairs, this threshold has become outdated.
• can manage expenses for modern equipment such as fire apparatus, SEBA gear, and emergency medical supplies

Transcript Highlights:

• infrastructure failure of the siphon, which was resolved with a pumping station, first a diesel and then an electric
• we get to this piece. due to an infrastructure failure of a political subdivision's public water supply
• You either get it from the river, from the surface supply, or then you're allowed not to exceed or overdo

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:46.280><c> generation</c> such as a large electric generation such as a large electric generation
• </c><00:42:08.960><c> and</c> incomplete analysis of electricity and incomplete analysis of electricity
• </c><00:48:09.720><c> a</c> produce 600 megawatt of electricity a produce 600 megawatt of electricity
• </c><01:30:18.000><c> utility</c> uh the commission on electric utility uh the commission on electric
• </c> charges for other sources of electricity charges for other sources of electricity they<01:34:58.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rates in the nation the electric rates in the nation the electric<01:15:25.120><c> company</c><01:15
• company wanted to meet with me electric company wanted to meet with me about<01:15:27.080><c> why</c
• </c> Scott Su the CEO of Hawaii electric Scott Su the CEO of Hawaii electric Industries<01:15:39.080>
• They are the backbone of Hawaii's supply chain, and their efforts deserve recognition.
• </c><02:51:48.800><c> election</c> into the Hawaii Electric election into the Hawaii Electric election

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ELIMINATED TAXES ON BABY ITEMS, DISASTER SUPPLY, AND COMPLETELY ELIMINATED THE TAX AND BUSINESS RENT
• KNEE CAPPING OF ESG AND OUR INVESTMENTS WITHIN OUR ELECTRIC GRID AND WORKING WITH PRESIDENT ALBRITTON

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It could be supply chain issues or workforce issues.
• And this can come both in terms of taxes, but also things like electricity prices, health care costs,
• </c><00:22:41.760><c> prices,</c><00:22:42.320><c> health</c> things like electricity prices, health
• things like electricity prices, health care<00:22:42.799><c> costs,</c><00:22:43.600><c> um</c><00:22
• </c><00:48:26.240><c> chain</c><00:48:27.200><c> uh</c> parts of the automotive supply chain uh parts

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Clair said she is the director of supply chain automation and analytics for CHS.
• chain capabilities and staff our supply chain capabilities and staff and<00:53:28.119><c> at</c><00:
• chains and ensure maintain our supply chains and ensure that<00:56:14.559><c> the</c><00:56:15.280><
• chains thank you Transportation Supply chains thank you for<00:56:44.760><c> your</c><00:56:44.960><
• </c><01:15:22.960><c> vehicles</c> manufacturers are on electric vehicles manufacturers are on electric

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First stop was at the convention center, which was turned into a supply hub at the time.
• People showed up in every way they could, bringing meals, supplies, and encouragement.
• We could get a hot meal, Meals, supplies, and encouragement.
• If there’s a leak in a water supply, you’re going to move forward with that.
• Every one of us has been in a car that has tires, even if it’s an electric car. It has tires.

Bills: HR1046, SB1733, SB1439

Keywords: Oklahoma City, terrorism, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, memorial, remembrance, first responders, community support, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, fossil fuels, liability protection, climate change, energy independence, oil and gas

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several special recognitions tied to the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber honored the 138th Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department as Veterans of the Week, and also recognized Dr. Camissa Stewart as Doctor of the Day and Tammy Powell as Nurse of the Day for their roles in the 1995 bombing response. A lengthy floor presentation followed, featuring remarks from legislators, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, memorial museum leaders, Justice Stephen Taylor, and Pastor Ronnie Fields, all focused on remembrance, the Oklahoma standard, the victims and survivors, and the importance of hope, civility, and the rule of law. On legislation, Senate Bill 1733 was presented and debated. The bill requires school personnel who have reason to believe a student is a victim of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct to report it to law enforcement within 24 hours. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens reporting requirements to protect children, while opponents warned it could trigger harmful public accusations and undermine trust in educators and administrators. The House passed the bill 92-1, and the emergency clause also passed 92-1. The House also considered Senate Bill 1439, an oil and gas measure intended to bar speculative climate-related lawsuits and limit liability to actual violations and provable harm. Supporters argued it would prevent frivolous litigation, protect the state’s energy economy, and keep costs down for consumers; opponents said it would create a special legal carve-out for industry and shift costs to taxpayers and families. The bill passed 74-16. In addition, Senate Bill 2184 was assigned to Rules, and H.J.R. 1078 and H.J.R. 1079 were withdrawn from Rules and sent to appropriations and budget committees. The House adjourned after announcements and introductions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So tapping into existing sewer, electric, water, wastewater, right on Main Street, to redevelop some
• The Chamber supports market-based tools that expand housing supply while revitalizing underutilized properties
• Expanding housing supply is critical to workforce stability and long-term economic growth.
• This bill increases housing supply without mandates, preserves local planning authority, and encourages
• , transit, and services to support workforce mobility and community stability, increasing housing supply

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• countries like Turkey and Egypt, leading to higher costs and uncertainty around new construction supply
• So if you just domestically rely on that supply, we don't have enough supply domestically anyway, and
• even importing from other states isn't really an alternative. because most states have become supply
• I believe a lot of the Chinese imports that we were getting are now just going to supplant supply deficits
• Key, or like any other semiconductor, we have water needs, we have electricity needs.

Bills: SB2037, SB1757, SB1758, SB1759, HB29

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to have some role in that because that is how we can actually supply our own supply chain.
• You have to have some role in that because that is how we can actually supply our own supply chain.
• And we saw some of the vulnerabilities in our supply chains.
• I serve as a supply chain manager with PGT Innovations, whose brands are now under the MITR Brands Group
• serious delays with importing critical parts that we had sourced overseas or someplace along our supply

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links. Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill. Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would reduce strain on the Texas electrical grid and preserve local control and fiscal accountability
• This bill would reduce strain on the Texas electrical grid and preserve local control and fiscal accountability
• It saves thousands of dollars in electricity costs per year and boosts home affordability.
• But the benefits of this practice go beyond having a consistent supply of fresh eggs, including pest
• under certain circumstances, and MOUs, memorandums of understanding, are exempted in regards to electrical

Bills: SB2784, HB23, HB247, HB1533, HB2011, HB2013, HB2273, HB2421, HB2464, HB3120, HB3424, HB3575, HB3788, HB4370, HB4809, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HJR34

Keywords: Somervell County, hospital district, board of directors, elections, local governance, staggered terms, third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, border security, tax exemption, ad valorem, real property, infrastructure

Summary: The committee heard and left pending several local government, property tax, development, and public safety measures before later voting some of them out. Senator Birdwell explained SB 2784 for the Somerville County Hospital District, which would move the board to staggered four-year terms after a transition and was requested to be held pending until the House companion could be acted on; no public testimony was offered. HB 5084 would allow local approval for fireworks sales tied to Lunar New Year celebrations, with testimony from Hutchinson County Judge Cindy Irwin emphasizing local fire risk and the need for county discretion. HB 5534 would let county commissioners post agendas electronically instead of on a physical bulletin board. HB 4370 would expand permissible projects for certain special districts to include geothermal water conveyance systems, and HB 312 would require residential child detention facilities to enter local MOUs, report health and safety information, and conduct background checks for state-funded facilities; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. HB 5057 would give displaced solid waste providers time to wind down after a city grants an exclusive franchise, and HB 2421 would extend the life of the Save Historic Muni District to continue work on preserving Lions Municipal Golf Course; both were left pending after supportive testimony. HB 2011 would let former owners repurchase property taken by eminent domain if the acquiring entity fails to pay property taxes for two years, and the committee substitute to SB 3065 was also laid out and left pending after a technical correction to eminent-domain language. The committee then took up additional bills on development, appraisal, and local regulation, including HB 3575, HB 4809, HB 2273, HB 247/HJR 34, HB 2464, HB 3424, HB 2013, HB 5668, HB 3788, HB 1533, and HB 23, with testimony ranging from support to opposition on issues such as appraisal procedures, historic property valuation, Galveston emergency governance, border-security tax treatment, home-based businesses, chicken covenants in HOAs, municipal utility district authority, hospital authorities’ use of assets, and third-party building review. HB 23 drew the most extensive testimony, with builders, engineers, counties, and cities split over third-party plan review and inspection authority, liability, licensing, and local code enforcement; many witnesses said the House amendments created problems and the bill was left pending. In the end, the committee voted SB 2784, SB 3065, HB 5686, HB 247, HJR 34, and HB 2011 out of committee, with the first several receiving local and uncontested calendar recommendations where applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in the midst of an unprecedented housing supply and affordability crisis, and despite legislative
• Today I present AB 2748, which delays the new electric vehicle readiness requirements in the California
• So why would I bring a bill like this when I actually agree with having electric chargers?
• Third, the bill makes it harder for residents to access the cost savings of driving electric.
• Scott Wedge, on behalf of the California Association of Electrical Workers, the California State Pipe

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and first heard AB 748, which would create pre-approved housing plans for single-family homes and small multifamily projects under 10 units, with delayed implementation for smaller cities and counties. The author said the bill is modeled on the state’s ADU preapproval process and is intended to make housing approvals ministerial and faster. Support came from housing and business groups, while several cities opposed it. Senators raised concerns about local control and whether small or rural jurisdictions have the staff and infrastructure to implement the program, but the author emphasized that local agencies would still control the plans and land-use decisions. No vote was taken because there was no quorum. The committee then heard AB 1621, which would tighten timelines and accountability for post-entitlement permits, limit plan-check resubmittals, and restrict field changes unless needed for health and safety. The California Building Industry Association and many housing groups supported the bill, arguing that permitting delays raise costs and slow housing production. The League of California Cities, counties, and several local governments opposed it, saying the two-plan-check limit is too rigid and that the bill could create litigation risk and reduce local flexibility to ensure code compliance. Members debated the proper standard for additional review and whether the bill should allow exceptions for state mandates; the author said the bill was meant to stop endless back-and-forth while preserving health-and-safety exceptions. The bill was recommended for a due-pass motion to Appropriations when quorum is reached. AB 2748 was next, proposing a three-year delay in the new electric-vehicle readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing projects, keeping the older 40% standard during that period. The author and affordable housing advocates said the change would reduce costs and help scarce housing dollars go further, while opponents from environmental, transportation, and clean-energy groups argued the current code is already cost-effective and that the bill would create a double standard and reduce EV access for low-income residents. Senators discussed whether the bill should require additional EV-capable infrastructure if projects use the older standard, and several members said they supported the bill but urged continued work on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining to student housing projects at public universities and community colleges with long-range plans. The author and student housing advocates said campus housing shortages are driving student homelessness and that the bill would help projects move faster; some senators supported the concept but questioned the bill’s geographic limits and whether labor standards or rural-campus criteria might be too restrictive. The meeting also included AB 1738, which would require jurisdictions to offer virtual inspections for certain simple home inspections. Supporters said remote inspections save time and money and have been used safely in California, while one senator said she could not support virtual inspections for more complex items like roofs and solar work. No final votes were taken during the transcript, and several bills were held pending quorum or further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• They may not have electricity.
• We're not only do we have electricity, we have water.
• I mean, we're being told how much electric they're going to use.
• I mean, we're being told how much electric they're going to use.
• My electric bills are going to go down, is it? Long term, yes.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 267, which would change the membership rules for the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors by adjusting appointment qualifications, term limits, and nomination procedures. Vice Chair Thomas explained the bill was meant to address the lack of nominations from existing entities and to allow the governor more flexibility, especially in smaller districts. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported HB 267 favorably. The committee then considered House Bill 478 on utility overcharge reimbursements. The bill, as amended, requires utilities to clearly label reimbursements on customer bills and sets a deadline for issuing refunds. After discussion with the Public Service Commission and utility representatives, the committee changed the reimbursement timeline from 45 days to 90 days and clarified that the bill would not interfere with larger settlement or regulatory credits. HB 478 was then reported favorably as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 924, a consumer protection measure aimed at contractors who solicit residential property owners after declared disasters. The author said the bill was intended to curb predatory storm-chasing and fraudulent insurance-related practices, while still allowing emergency mitigation work. The committee adopted technical amendments and then a conceptual amendment shortening the catastrophe response period from six months to 30 days. Testimony was split: the Insurance Commissioner and some roofing industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to deter fraud, while other contractors argued it would hurt small businesses, limit legitimate door-to-door work, and not solve enforcement problems. The bill remained under consideration after extensive testimony and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must ensure continued supply of essential medications with forces coming after access to gender-affirming
• Madam President, we've also had a discussion in this debate relative to the increased cost of electricity
• amendment merely requires a dashboard to be established to provide information about the cost of electricity

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of amendments to a supplemental appropriations bill and related measures, with several adopted and several rejected or withdrawn. Early amendments on equitable approaches to public safety and a Holyoke local account clarification failed, while amendments providing $2.5 million for Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers technical assistance and expanding access to gender-affirming medications and mifepristone were adopted. The chamber also adopted a technical amendment on alternative protein grants, a clarification to ETF modernization, and an energy storage systems amendment. Other proposals on homeowner protections, La Casa funding, emergency contract reform, an energy dashboard, EV charging ratepayer impacts, hate crimes, distressed hospital payments, and task force membership were rejected or withdrawn. A substantial portion of the debate focused on health care, food assistance, and public safety. Senators spoke in support of funding for community health centers, hospital relief, and EBT anti-skimming protections, including $15.5 million for chip-enabled EBT cards and related replacement-benefit support. One amendment to strengthen protections against impersonating federal officers was rejected, while another on professional protections was withdrawn after discussion of ballot address privacy and security concerns. The Senate also adopted amendments to continue prior appropriations for a North Shore food pantry and drought management efforts, and it later approved a sick leave bank for a Department of Mental Health employee. The chamber then took up the fiscal year 2025 fair share supplemental budget conference report, which Ways and Means described as $1.39 billion in spending split between transportation and education, including MBTA improvements, Chapter 90 aid, regional transit authorities, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, higher education deferred maintenance, and career technical education capital grants. After a roll call, the bill passed, with one recorded negative vote. The Senate also adopted a separate Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to third reading before final passage. The session ended with adjournment motions and a moment of silence honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman and other victims of political violence, along with a memorial adjournment for firefighter Jeffrey DeSanchez.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Committee on Public Health, HB 3706 by Zwierlings to the installation of residential tenant of electric
• vehicle supply equipment and a parking space assigned to the tenant for the Committee on Trade, Workforce
• HB 3746 by Darby rulings to the exemption of gas and electricity from sales and use taxes for the Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• drives affordability even more than local housing supply, which is why a majority of states have passed
• We really do have some outdated zoning barriers which limit our housing supply.
• Housing affordability is ultimately a supply issue.
• When we constrain supply through over-regulation, costs rise for everyone, including renters, buyers,
• Frankly, more housing is good old-fashioned supply and demand.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 211, which would appropriate $5 million for the Las Vegas Rodriguez Park. Senator Campos said the money would help continue upgrades to baseball, softball, and little league fields and address fencing, flooding, and other park improvements as part of a larger regional park plan. There was no public opposition, and the bill received a unanimous do pass recommendation, 7-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 131, a broad housing and zoning reform measure sponsored by Senator Maestas. The bill would allow more housing types by right, including accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes, apartments in commercial zones, small-scale commercial uses in neighborhoods, and would eliminate minimum parking mandates; an amendment to remove height restrictions was adopted unanimously. Supporters, including Pew, housing advocates, chambers of commerce, builders, and some local officials, argued the bill would increase supply, lower costs, and modernize outdated zoning. Opponents, including the Realtors, Municipal League, neighborhood representatives, and several senators, argued it would preempt local control, ignore community differences, and could create infrastructure and neighborhood impacts. After extended debate, the committee tabled SB 131 by a recorded vote. Senate Bill 183 was next, proposing a feasibility study for a regional urgent care or emergency facility in Torrance County. The sponsor and local officials described long ambulance transports, heavy use of I-40, and the need for quicker access to care for rural residents and travelers. The bill drew support from a former hospital administrator and no opposition, and it passed 9-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 222, which would appropriate $20 million for physician residency programs outside the federal system to help retain doctors in New Mexico. The sponsor and supporters said the state loses many medical graduates because of limited residency slots, while one witness urged accountability for large hospital systems. Some senators questioned the premise and feasibility, but the bill advanced on a 6-4 do pass vote to Finance.