Transcript Highlights:

• Once again we'd like to welcome you to today's session of the New Mexico Senate.
• We had this argument before earlier in this session.
• for the first time, 3 sessions in a row, 3 years ago.
• Uh, and I gave some examples of that earlier in the session. I can do it again.
• We have an old school 19th century 60 day session and a 30 day session.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.C.M. 2009 passed and is signed in open session.
• H.C.R. 2015 passed and is signed in open session.
• H.C.R. 2015 passed and is signed in open session.
• vote: by a vote of 17 ayes, 12 nays, and one not voting, H.C.R. 2020 passed and is signed in open session
• vote: by a vote of 29 ayes, 0 nays, and one not voting, H.C.R. 2057 passed and is signed in open session

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a recorded roll call showing 28 present, 0 absent, and 2 excused. The chamber approved the journal and then took up several motions to reconsider or return bills, including requests to return HB 2035 and HB 2249 to the House and to reconsider HB 2192. The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole for calendar items. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2248, a public health mandates bill; HB 2313, concerning school employee/teacher strike and remote instruction issues; HB 2379, relating to school district governing board training; HB 2380, relating to school district board meetings and expenditures; and HB 2720, relating to prostitution assessments and the anti-human trafficking fund. HB 2248 drew the most debate over whether it would prohibit schools, employers, and medical facilities from requiring medical interventions such as vaccines; an amendment narrowing the definition of medical intervention was adopted, and the bill advanced. HB 2379 and HB 2380 both received committee and floor amendments focused on school board training and livestreaming/meeting transparency requirements, and HB 2313 and HB 2720 also advanced. The Committee of the Whole reported all four bills as do pass, with HB 2248, HB 2379, and HB 2380 as amended. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report after defeating an amendment that would have changed the HB 2248 recommendation to fail. The chamber next considered HCM 2001 and HCM 2002, memorials urging federal terrorist designations for the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR, and HCR 2047, recognizing Judea and Samaria; all three passed despite strong opposition speeches criticizing them as targeting Muslim communities or advancing religious/political messaging. The Senate also passed HB 2118 on mobile food vendors, HCM 2009 on mineral access and federal land withdrawals, HCR 2015 on school physical activity and dietary guidelines, HCR 2020 on housing outside designated provider service areas with assured water supply, and HCR 2057 supporting next-generation geothermal energy. Finally, the Senate passed HB 2248, HB 2379, and HB 2380 on third reading, approved the House’s request to adjourn, and adjourned until April 21, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I understand the constraints of a 30-day session.
• For me, it was best to address all of the background information that I needed during this 30-day session
• As simple as the people that are working here in the legislature right now helping us in a session—you
• However, again, because this was a 30-day session and we knew of the budgetary constraints that we would
• Representative was a 30-day session and we knew of the budgetary constraints that we would be faced and

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and first heard House Memorial 7, which asks Legislative Council Service, the State Personnel Office, DFA, and GSD to study the use of temporary, term, seasonal, casual, on-call, and other non-regular classifications in state government. The memorial was presented as a response to concerns that some workers are repeatedly terminated and rehired, sometimes after a one-day break, to avoid regular status and associated benefits. Testimony from CWA and AFSCME described long-term temporary workers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and other agencies who allegedly do full-time work without health insurance, retirement, leave, or consistent pay progression, and who in some cases were denied union coverage. Committee members questioned the scope, definitions of temporary employment, and whether the issue should instead be referred to the state auditor; the sponsor said the study would gather data and recommendations first. The committee voted due pass, and House Memorial 7 passed unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 177, which appropriates funds to the Veterans Services Department to contract for shelter and care of service and companion animals so veterans can access housing, medical care, and other services without fearing separation from their pets. Support came from the Veterans Services Department, Animal Protection New Mexico, and the Veterans and Military Families Caucus/Veterans Integration Center, all of whom said pets are often a barrier to veterans seeking care and that existing community-based animal boarding models could be used. The bill received no opposition, and the committee voted due pass with no opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill intended to update and clarify the Public Employees Retirement Act and align it with administrative practice. Testimony focused on a provision allowing PERA to use licensed physicians, including out-of-state physicians who can be licensed in New Mexico, to serve on the disability review process when needed so disability cases are not delayed. Committee members raised concerns about ensuring medical expertise and avoiding abuse of the licensing flexibility, but PERA explained the change was meant to address recruitment difficulties and maintain timely review. The committee voted due pass on House Bill 43.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, House Bill 121, is a cleanup to follow up on the good work we did last session.
• But our session will expire prior to that ruling, which is why we need the bill.
• Because every session, we seem to follow these trends. Yeah, it's a great question.
• So this is a must-pass bill for the session. Thank you very much. Thank you all.
• Moledina for his continued advocacy this session and in his testimony.

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515, HB126, HB121

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• Last session and special session, he was in the hospital. Thank you all.
• He had an opportunity to run for Speaker because my first session, Price Daniel Jr. had promised that
• This is a bill we passed last session. I've worked with a lot of folks in the interim.
• HB 171 is a bill we passed last session out of the House.
• Member: ...that flipped a seat from red to blue this session? Rep.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've talked about that a lot last session and other bills.
• We're six and a half months until the next session.
• It's one that we had used in the 2025 session.
• Something else during the session was transition centers.
• But this keeps coming up session after session. So something is not functioning right.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We seek your wisdom in today's session and for the meetings that lie ahead.
• Uh, this is an issue we've worked on multiple times over the last few sessions. it.
• Pearson, yes. in session and I'd hope that you would in session and I'd hope that you would let<01:42
• <01:47:00.880> and this some more in this session and this some more in this session and um
• committees for the 2026 budget session committees for the 2026 budget session of<02:07:30.000>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sherman— >> did you actually >> did you actually session? session? session?
• more executive sessions today. more executive sessions today.
• This is a committee work session.
• This is a committee work session.
• Um, I'll speak with you session.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also aligns with the internal health work we did last session.
• I look forward to working with you throughout the session.
• and the session before.
• The problem is that 10 sessions is often not enough.
• It frequently will take 12 or more sessions, maybe 20.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with the Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Financial Services explaining that the day’s agenda would focus on health insurance and other insurance matters, with a large number of witnesses and a request for brief testimony. Legislators were taken out of order to accommodate their schedules, and the committee heard testimony on several bills, including coverage for hair prostheses for alopecia (H. 1223/S. 832), medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivors (H. 1258), modernizing fertility and family-building coverage (H. 715/H. 1190 and related bills), coverage for prosthetic devices to support physical activity for people with limb loss (the “So Everybody Can Move” bill), remediation coverage for home heating oil releases (S. 813/H. 1302), and expanded access to physical therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (H. 1170). A separate bill on sickle cell care and registry development (S. 788) was also discussed by Senator Liz Miranda. Witnesses largely offered personal stories and expert testimony in support of the bills. Advocates for alopecia coverage described the medical and emotional impact of hair loss, the high cost of quality wigs, and the argument that scalp and facial hair prostheses should be treated like other medically necessary prosthetics. Cancer survivors and supporters of H. 1258 said oral and dental care after head and neck cancer treatment is a quality-of-life issue and often not covered despite major out-of-pocket costs. Fertility specialists, LGBTQ+ advocates, and legislators supporting the modern family-building bills said the current infertility definition is outdated and discriminatory, excluding same-sex couples, people needing donors or gestational carriers, and others with medical barriers to conception. For the limb-loss bill, parents and adults with prosthetic needs stressed that activity-specific prostheses are essential for children and adults to run, swim, play sports, and stay healthy, but are often excluded from coverage. The home heating oil testimony focused on the financial devastation caused by residential oil spills and the need to make spill coverage automatic in homeowners policies. Environmental professionals and homeowners described cleanup costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, the strict liability homeowners face, and the fact that many policyholders do not know the rider exists. The insurance industry testified in opposition to the mandatory-coverage approach, arguing for clearer distinctions between first- and third-party coverage, risk-mitigation standards, a delayed effective date, and more emphasis on education and notification rather than mandates. Committee members pressed the industry witness on why agents do not routinely tell customers about the rider and suggested that the issue may require broader disclosure by insurers, agents, and fuel dealers. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and discussed possible compromise language and future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a motion to come out of executive session, second. All those in favor say aye.
• Do I have a motion to leave executive session?
• The committee went into executive session and counted to 10. I just want to let...
• We're still in regular session. We're not in executive session. We have not adjourned for the day.
• We are out of executive session, and we will adjourn for the day. executive session second second all

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We couldn't do last session.
• My core the 2026 legislative session.
• <00:34:31.440> session.
• , sometime before session starts.
• For before session, that’s fine. After session, I think you just probably better schedule them.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The working group convened with all members present, approved the minutes from its October 16, 2025 meeting and its October 28, 2025 Halawa Correctional Facility site visit by unanimous consent, and received no public testimony on the agenda or minutes. The chair then reviewed the statutory timeline under Act 292/SB 104, noting the group continues until January 8, 2027, and discussed required reporting dates and the need to develop a work plan for the remaining meetings. The chair also said the October 16 DCR presentation would be treated as satisfying the group’s interim-report purpose, though the legal reporting obligations to the Legislature and oversight commission still needed to be sorted out. The main discussion focused on DCR’s proposed amendments to Act 292 and the department’s interim report. Director Johnson said the department’s October 16 presentation included recommended statutory amendments because the law, as written, could not be fully complied with; the proposals were described as section-by-section changes intended to address implementation problems. Members discussed several specific issues, including transfer language for higher levels of care, the 2010 MOA with the Department of Health, and replacing “physician” with “clinician” to reflect staffing realities. DCR explained that the change would allow licensed clinicians, including APRNs and doctors of osteopathy, to make decisions when physicians are not on duty, and that the MOA is being updated so transfers can occur from any DCR facility to the state hospital. An OHA staff member gave a detailed critique of the proposed amendments, saying they would weaken Act 292’s intent by reducing procedural protections, expanding exceptions, and relying on aspirational language such as “strive” and “if practicable.” OHA also raised concerns about the lack of baseline data on restrictive housing use and said the department’s report showed serious operational problems, including overcrowded and outdated facilities, limited space for private medical or mental health exams, and the use of suicide/safety cells for people who may not need mental health treatment. DCR responded that it had requested 35 new medical positions in the budget, supported by the governor, and said those positions are needed to meet basic care obligations for people in custody. The group did not take a vote on the proposed amendments. Instead, members agreed to continue the discussion, with the chair saying the reports, settlement tracker, 2010 MOA, and comparison guidelines would be distributed and used as the basis for future work. In the final discussion on work-plan priorities, members identified staffing shortages, physical plant limitations, and the need to examine humane alternatives and implementation challenges as key topics for upcoming meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I know we've, last session and a session before that, talked a lot about mandatory minimums in the
• And so they could, and I like the idea of having a parent session available.
• Prevention education usually you want a multi-session approach, so at least two sessions.
• It would be a couple sessions. And I believe red flag, green flag is that two-session approach.
• So when you say sessions, I mean, are we talking like hours or like half-hour each session?

Summary: The committee first approved the December 16 minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their economic and public-system impacts. She explained that ACEs are population-level risk indicators, not individual diagnostic tools, and said higher ACE exposure is associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare and justice involvement, and lower workforce participation. She cautioned that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across the life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based interventions and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, trends in ACEs, and home visiting; she emphasized supportive relationships, protective factors, and the importance of positive childhood experiences. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco, along with a recorded family story from Abby, about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota. Abby described how Healthy Families North Dakota supported her family after a premature birth and NICU stay by providing weekly in-home coaching, developmental screenings, postpartum mental health check-ins, referrals, and parenting support. The presenters explained that home visiting is voluntary, relationship-based, and usually begins prenatally or shortly after birth, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, pregnancy navigators, human service zones, self-referrals, and other community partners. They said North Dakota currently has four main evidence-based models operating through 12 organizations, with Healthy Families available in all 53 counties, though only a fraction of eligible families are served. Funding was described as a patchwork of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E, Medicaid, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and other grants; members discussed whether the Legislature or agencies should expand support and how to improve outreach and sustainability. Finally, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, focusing on AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and chatbot-related risks. The report summarized federal and state law, including North Dakota’s existing computer-generated image provisions, the federal PROTECT Act, the Take It Down Act, and recent federal executive orders on AI policy. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI’s effect on critical thinking and misinformation. The committee then heard from BCI Special Agent Cassidy Halsef, who said AI is already driving a sharp rise in child exploitation cases in North Dakota, including AI-generated explicit images of real minors and school-based incidents involving mass-shared manipulated images. She said investigators are seeing more cyber tips, more difficult forensic work, and lasting harm to victims and families, and urged stronger legal penalties, specialized training, victim services, and prevention education in schools and communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• one in the 89th legislative session.
• Last session was Senate Bill 2368, which was...
• Part of the 88th legislative session.
• The short answer is yes, and I think you will recall this past session.
• And there was a bill last session that related to the cost of litigation.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm reminded of the scripture as we start this session that I think that I know it's important to me
• The standing committees and the Members, therefore thereof appointed for the second regular Session of
• She's gonna be my judiciary intern for this entire session, and looking forward to working with her.
• She will be my intern this session on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Members, I have an intern with me for this legislative session.

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• A quorum being present, the House is formally in session.
• Postles, dated Wednesday, June 17, 2026, regarding absence from session.
• And I'm looking forward to watching this session and learning a lot of new things. That's it.
• Thank you for having me here, and I look forward to observing this session.
• I'm really enjoying the Boy State program, and I can't wait to observe today's session.

Summary: The House received communications from the Senate announcing passage of several bills and resolutions and requesting concurrence on a number of measures, including Senate Bills 287, 326, 337, 264, 294, 217, 319, and House bills such as HB 131, 299, 291, 380, 323, 296, 339, and 308, along with House Concurrent Resolution 140. The chamber briefly adjourned and then reconvened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, and heard a prayer focused on guidance, justice, Juneteenth, and voting rights. A major item of business was House Concurrent Resolution 155, recognizing the young men from across Delaware participating in the 2026 session of Delaware’s Boy State. Several Boy State delegates were introduced and spoke about their experiences and future plans. The resolution was read by title, a voice vote was taken, and HCR 155 passed the House. Members also used privilege of the floor to introduce guests, including local officials, constituents, and a job-shadowing student. Announcements included a staff birthday, a reminder about illegal fireworks and House Bill 63, and notice that Doggy Day would return to Legislative Hall the next day. The House then passed consent calendar number 26, consisting of SCR 200, 206, 207, 209, 210, 211, and 212, and recessed to the call of the Speaker until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the gallery today is my awesome staff for the 2026 session.
• So just a quick story um this year actually makes 25 years to the session where I actually served in
• If you could rise as I call session. If you could rise as I call your<00:11:31.279> name.
• <00:11:49.440> where<00:11:49.680> I<00:11:49.920> actually the um the session
• where I actually the um the session where I actually served<00:11:50.399> in<00:11:50.560>

Bills: HB2028, HB1859, HB1851, HB1660, HB1890, HB1892, HB1893, HB2122, HB2012, HB1770, HB2121, HB1979, HB1650, HB1982, HB218

Keywords: Labor Day, construction workers, tax credit, economic development, state law, employer support, workforce development, employment, career counseling, local economy, high-demand jobs, taxation, apprenticeship, income tax credit, qualified apprenticeship program, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors

Transcript Highlights:

• of the special session, $240,000, and $1,000,000 for the courts to expand AOPA.
• Today's session ended with a final balance of $167.2 million.
• I think it could be tightened up maybe in a 30-day session.
• We'll have to look during this regular session. Thank you, Mr. Chair. That response.
• I will make the commitment to you that we will look at the numbers in a special session.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:29:02.480> the Is there anything else we need to discuss today while we're in executive session
• Motion to go into executive session. Second. Okay, motion to adjourn.
• we're<00:30:13.120> in<00:30:13.360> executive we're in executive we're in executive session
• ><00:30:16.600> to<00:30:17.000> of<00:30:17.159> executive<00:30:17.600> session
• session motion to of executive session session motion to of executive session second<00:30:20.760

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can while the house is in session.
• <00:19:27.200> and that like to watch in on session and that like to watch in on session and
• the last times I've been in session the last times I've been in session here,<00:31:07.039> it
• , Beginning in the 2027 general session, Beginning in the 2027 general session, at<00:51:38.720><
• Uh if we care for a budget session.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, I think I mentioned this during the last session.
• Hopefully, y'all can get that clarified in the next session.
• And that is HB 242 from last session.
• As the demands on our polling place workers increase from session to session, there are more responsibilities
• We've been receiving a static amount from year to year or session to session, even though costs have

Keywords: 1184, house, all