Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Rising Star Program'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (2-25-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- In programs that are technology forcing.
- Texas A&M. Texas A&M.
- Texas A&M is currently doing it today.
- Thanks to the leadership of Governor Abbott and others in the Texas state government, Texas A&M stands
- Thanks to the leadership of Governor Abbott and others in the Texas state government, Texas A&M stands
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 02:38
SB 178 Discussion 03:36
SB 178 Roll Call Vote 43:10
SCR 66 Discussion 47:55
SCR 66 Roll Call Vote 53:48, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up Senate Bill 178 by Senator Greg Elkins. Supporters, including representatives of the U.S. Chamber, Kentucky Chamber, Kentucky Chemistry Council, and Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, said the bill would require state environmental regulations to rely on the best available science, align with federal standards when applicable, and use technologically achievable requirements. They argued it would improve predictability for businesses, promote national uniformity, and increase public confidence in regulatory decisions. Senator Elkins and supporters also said the bill is aimed at several environmental and public health areas, including emergency response, solid waste, water quality, radiation/NORM, environmental permitting, and coal-related regulation.
Committee members asked questions about what “best available science” means and whether the bill duplicates existing law. Supporters responded that it means reliable, unbiased, peer-reviewed, scientifically sound studies and that the bill is intended to reduce political influence in regulatory decisions. They also said similar measures had passed in Tennessee and Alabama. Some senators expressed concern that science is already political and asked for clarification on the bill’s scope.
Opponents, including Audrey Ernsberger of the Kentucky Resources Council, research scientist Erin Haynes, and attorney Katherine Harcourt Rice, argued that SB 178 would sharply limit Kentucky’s ability to protect public health and the environment. They said the bill would prevent agencies from adopting stronger protections than federal minimums, create ambiguity and regulatory paralysis, and impose an overly restrictive scientific standard. They also objected to language requiring a direct causal link and manifest bodily harm, saying it would force agencies to wait until people are already sick before acting. Harcourt Rice argued the bill is duplicative of existing law and evidentiary rules. No final vote or other action on SB 178 was taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There are four existing programs, University of North Texas, Houston Community College already has one
- I later discovered the PASS program at Texas A&M.
- Texas, on the other hand, only has a few programs that would fit our needs. still are very new, we're
- Currently, Texas lags behind in other states in the availability of approved programs.
- Had a program like that been available? available in Texas, I would have gone there.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Philip Kaufman; the Head of Entomology at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Corey Gann; the Big Game Program
- I'm the Big Game Program Director for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- In that, they then switched to what they call the Southwest program, so it obviously started with Texas
- , Texas AgriLife, and Texas Parks and Wildlife.
- The return of New World screwworms to Texas will be devastating to rural Texas and to all of Texas, in
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So now the program is idea programs.
- IDEA is an education program, not a medical program.
- IDEA is an education program, not a medical program.
- IDEA is an education program, not a medical program.
- IDEA is an education program, not a medical program.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 1, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Benjamin Meg, CEO of Bayou City Hemp Company based in Houston, Texas.
- You know, the state hemp program has declined in cultivation acres from 243 in 2020 down.
- You know, the state hemp program has declined in cultivation acres from 243 in 2020 down.
- Five stars on Google. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Five stars on Google. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard a lengthy agenda of bills, with the chair limiting public testimony to about one minute per speaker. Early action included passage of HB 203, which allows certain counties to opt back into transportation concurrency, as amended to narrow the bill to small counties. The committee also favorably reported CS/HB 43, allowing renters to reuse tenant screening reports for 30 days, and HB 897, a timeshare-related strike-all that clarified timeshare governance provisions and annual board meeting requirements. The committee then approved HJR 1,215, proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate tangible personal property tax for farmers and agricultural businesses, with support from agriculture and business groups.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the committee’s hemp package. Members discussed the committee bill PCB for HAT-25-01, which would create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products, including licensing, packaging and labeling restrictions, testing, and sales limitations. Testimony was mixed: industry representatives and distributors generally supported regulation but urged changes on branding, packaging, milligram limits, and sales locations; convenience store and petroleum marketers opposed restrictions that would exclude gas stations; and consumer-safety and addiction advocates supported tighter controls, including bans on synthetics, online sales, and child-appealing packaging. The committee also heard and approved PCB for HAT-25-02, a companion tax bill imposing excise taxes on hemp consumables and beverages, despite concerns raised about possible triple taxation and higher compliance costs.
The committee next passed HB 211, expanding the definition of farm products to include edible and non-edible plants and clarifying agricultural preemption on bona fide farm operations. It also favorably reported PCS for HB 561, creating a chief manufacturing officer role within the Department of Commerce, a workforce development grant program, a voluntary manufacturing promotion campaign, and required reporting, along with PCS for HB 563, which adds an annual fee of up to $100 for participants in the promotional campaign. Both manufacturing bills drew broad support from industry and economic development groups.
Finally, the committee took up HJR 1257 and its conforming bill HB 1259, which would create property tax benefits for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians with a separate homestead. Supporters argued the measure would encourage long-term rentals and investment in Florida, while opponents from counties and cities warned it would shift tax burdens and reduce local revenue. After debate, the joint resolution passed 9-4 and the implementing bill also passed 9-4, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 26th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- originally began with an alternative project delivery method, and that process looked to establish a pilot program
- Establish a pilot program for two funded projects through DOTD and two through the Office of Highway
- We typically do that on federally grant-funded programs.
- to study the feasibility of incorporating an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program
Keywords:
highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, Utility Terrain Vehicles, UTVs, safety regulations, transportation, Louisiana, task force, vehicle operation, legislation, accidents, HCR112, House Concurrent Resolution 112, Louisiana Highway 1
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments.
The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays.
The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Apr 2nd, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Keywords:
education trust fund, appropriations, budget, fiscal year 2026, public education, K-12, pre-K, early childhood education, community colleges, higher education, Alabama Community College System, teacher pay, teacher stipend, school nurses, literacy, numeracy, reading coaches, math and science teachers, career and technical education, CTE
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- and the state and county arbor advisory committees to cooperate to carry out the exceptional trees program
- Establishes a land conversion fee fund to, among other things, support the healthy soils program.
- Namely that it<00:21:15.039>
references <00:21:15.520>funding <00:21:15.840>programs - funding programs that are yet<00:21:17.039>
to <00:21:17.200>exist <00:21:17.840>uh - from say conversion fees into programs from say conversion fees into programs like<00:21:59.120>
Keywords:
invasive species, agriculture, biosecurity, lease provisions, environment, natural resources, flood management, vegetation removal, Kainahola stream, Hawaii legislation, trees, exceptional trees, significant trees, urban forestry, arborist advisory committee, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii, county planning, tree preservation
Summary:
The committee heard several measures related to agriculture, invasive species control, trees, reef protection, and land use. SP 2489 would require Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity leases to include access, invasive-species control, and termination provisions; DAB and DLNR supported it, as did several outside groups, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council raised concerns about notice, cooperation with lessees, and placing penalties on leaseholders for preexisting infestations. The chair noted six testifiers in support, one opposed, and three with comments.
SP 2310 would appropriate funds to remove overgrown vegetation from the Kohola stream. DAB supported the bill but explained that the work already completed by its contractor stopped at a DOT boundary, and that the affected parcel appears to be a DOT highway segment on ceded lands; the committee discussed whether the appropriation should instead go to DOT. SP 2372, on exceptional and significant trees, received support from DNR and Outdoor Circle, with testimony describing trees as critical infrastructure and suggesting technical amendments to committee membership and the process for recommending trees to county councils. SP 2426, which would authorize DNR to contract with private parties to maintain sunscreen dispensers at state beaches and promote mineral-based sunscreen as reef-protective, drew support from DNR and reef advocates, while another witness questioned the science behind claims about mineral versus chemical sunscreens and urged broader environmental solutions.
SP 2334 would impose a land conversion fee on agricultural land converted to other uses, create a fee fund for programs including healthy soils, and require state agricultural lands to use a conservation metric. DAB offered comments, and testimony from climate and farm groups generally supported the conservation goals but questioned references to programs not yet in place and objected to language excluding solar and wind uses, with one witness urging that agri-voltaics remain allowed. SP 2925, concerning coconut trees, would recognize them as food, water, and cultural resources, require signage for landscape palms, set labeling standards, and create a tax credit for naturally managed consumable coconut trees. DAB shifted from opposition to comments, DNR supported, and testimony from cultural and subsistence advocates strongly backed the bill as a response to coconut rhinoceros beetle impacts; committee questions focused on enforcement of signage, inspection resources, and the proposed tax credit.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, as I understand, I don't know if the rulemaking process to start up the condo loan program has been
- And the reason for that is because I don't know necessarily what the structural scheme of the HDIA program
- c><00:27:54.559>
the <00:27:54.880>condo <00:27:55.600>loan <00:27:56.080>program - <00:27:56.559>
has <00:27:57.120>been start up the condo loan program has been start - up the condo loan program has been passed<00:27:57.840>
yet <00:27:58.159>or <00:27:58.399
Keywords:
licensing, professional license, individual taxpayer identification number, immigration, state residency, right to repair, wheelchairs, consumer protection, repair providers, device documentation, HB1753, Hawaii Social Media Data Deletion Act, social media, account deletion, data deletion, privacy, consumer privacy, personal information, sensitive personal information, data retention
Summary:
The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 10, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 1849 relating to licensing drew comments from DCCA’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division and the Hawaii Real Estate Commission, both of which stood on written testimony. The Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights testified in strong support, emphasizing that some immigrants, including DACA recipients, are already contributing in Hawaii and that the state should help create pathways for them to remain and advance professionally. No vote or final action was taken on HB 1849 during the portion shown.
The committee then heard HB 2000, the wheelchair right-to-repair bill. Encart opposed the measure, arguing that repair delays are largely driven by insurance prior authorization and that wheelchair repairs involve FDA-regulated medical devices where improper repairs could create health risks. Peter Fritz testified in support, saying the bill was modeled on similar laws in other states and that he had personal experience through his sister’s use of a wheelchair. Members questioned whether repairs done outside insurer networks might not be reimbursed, and Fritz said that was a concern but that the need for timely repair outweighed it. The committee also discussed HB 1753 on social media, where DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but suggested an amendment to the definition of personal information.
On HB 1511 relating to consumer protection, DCCA’s Insurance Division supported the bill, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association offered comments seeking to preserve legitimate manufacturer and dealer communications about vehicles, warranties, recalls, and related services. The committee also took up HB 276 HD1 and HB 1513 on condominiums. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission offered comments on HB 276 HD1. For HB 1513, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority supported the bill, but DCCA’s Insurance Division opposed it, warning that diverting HHRF funds could weaken reinsurance arrangements and raise premiums for consumers who rely on the fund. Members questioned whether the proposed condo loan program would need HHRF money and whether the amounts in the bill were necessary, and the division said it opposed using HHRF for that purpose.
The committee also heard HB 2188 on housing, where OCP supported the measure and the Hawaii Association of Realtors raised concerns about conflicts with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the use of tenant screening reports, noting that a working group is already addressing landlord-tenant issues. Members asked OCP to research how other states handle similar laws and whether additional language is needed to avoid federal conflict. Finally, on HB 1876 relating to mental health, the Department of Health’s Adult Mental Health Division supported the bill but said it remains opposed to harmful, non-evidence-based treatment modalities; Pride at Work Hawaii also testified in strong support. No final votes or committee decisions were reported in the excerpt.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- going to vote aye, and I hope we seriously look at additional funding and supporting these great programs
- The WICHE program was brought back in 2022 with Chairman Shope [member_605].
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, stormwater, water storage, replenishment credits, groundwater, aquifer, Arizona Revised Statutes, irrigation rights, water duty, water allocation, management areas, Arizona beef council, beef promotion, agricultural marketing
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is a program that will assist so many people and equalize the playing field so that homeowners
- It undermines apprenticeship programs and lowers the pool of trained craft professionals at a time when
- It undermines apprenticeship programs and lowers the pool of trained craft professionals at a time when
- is that it's still... ...with our re-employment assistance program is that it's too easy to get.
- This bill also focuses more on this year than last year, workforce development grant program to support
Keywords:
reemployment assistance, fraud prevention, eligibility verification, Department of Commerce, benefit disqualification, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration, license plate fees, annual use fees, Florida DHSMV, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, deauthorization, financial reporting, nonprofit organizations, college license plates, university license plates, veterans plates, law enforcement plates, Fraternal Order of Police
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered ten bills, beginning with SB 594 on local housing assistance plans. Senator Burton explained that the bill would make residents of mobile home parks and manufactured housing communities eligible for SHIP rental assistance and, in some cases, repair or rehabilitation funds, recognizing that many own their homes but rent the lot. Supporters from AARP and the Federation of Manufactured Homeowners said the bill would help seniors and low-income residents remain housed. The bill was reported favorably by a roll call vote.
Members then approved two Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles measures: SB 488, the agency package updating Florida’s motor fuel tax compliance with IFTA, allowing online filing and private license plate agencies to act as agents, raising the crash-damage reporting threshold, expanding email communications, and updating tank vehicle compliance; and SB 490, a related public records exemption for email addresses collected for renewal notices. Both were reported favorably without opposition. The committee also passed SB 246, creating a specialty license plate for the UFC Foundation, despite concerns raised that the foundation is based out of state and that the plate was politically motivated; the bill was approved on a split vote.
The committee gave favorable reports to SB 216 on reemployment assistance eligibility, which would tighten job-search requirements, require more frequent eligibility verification, and add reporting on fraudulent claims. The bill drew substantial opposition from labor and policy advocates who argued it would add barriers for unemployed workers, especially in rural and skilled-trades jobs, and that the state’s unemployment system remains difficult to navigate. Supporters said the bill was aimed at fraud prevention and ensuring claimants remain eligible. SB 356 on utility terrain vehicles generated extensive debate over safety, local control, and whether UTVs should be allowed on certain roads; supporters emphasized rural utility and law enforcement benefits, while opponents cited manufacturer warnings and crash risks. The sponsor ultimately temporarily postponed the bill.
The committee also reported favorably SB 528 on manufacturing, which expands the Department of Commerce’s manufacturing responsibilities, codifies the chief manufacturing officer position, and creates workforce development grant support; SB 584 on commercial driving schools, which authorizes DHSMV agreements with county tax collectors to help enforce school regulation; and SB 388, which raises the annual use fee for the Florida Wildflower specialty plate from $15 to $25 to support the Florida Wildflower Foundation. The final bill, SB 470 on the Fraternal Order of Police specialty plate, was introduced as a measure to broaden eligibility for the existing plate and stabilize funding for law enforcement memorial efforts, but no final action on that bill was reached in the portion of the transcript provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Austin Texas we had returned from Texas Austin Texas we had returned from Texas four<00:14:52.000
- 494 commission is an outreach program 494 commission is an outreach program called<00:20:30.760>
- <00:32:48.600>
dollars um carbon reduction fund program dollars um carbon reduction fund program - That is programming cost for the DVS vehicle services system.
- about $770,000 um that is programming about $770,000 um that is programming cost<00:47:40.680>
Keywords:
accident reporting, law enforcement, data privacy, contracted service providers, public safety, HF639, Minnesota driver license, Department of Public Safety, driver medical review, loss of consciousness, voluntary control, seizure, nonepileptic seizure, epilepsy, antiseizure medication, physician statement, medical certification, commercial driver, CDL, medical examiner's certificate
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Fund these great programs now.
- Fund these great programs now.
- Fund these great programs now.
- Fund these great programs now.
- Fund these great programs now.
Keywords:
public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- skilled workers and families face Rising skilled workers and families face Rising costs<00:06:53.400
- <00:35:03.599>
I so to say and uh this this uh program I so to say and uh this this uh program - used to be a quite an expensive program used to be a quite an expensive program and<00:43:24.680
- pre-existing CNA training program pre-existing CNA training program because<00:52:10.319>
I'm - <00:56:47.640>
and the EMS locally as a pilot program and the EMS locally as a pilot program
Keywords:
HF110, Adrian Independent School District, Independent School District No. 511, school construction, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, refundable exemption, construction materials, capital improvements, school roofing, playground remodel, retaining walls, plumbing, bathroom remodel, locker room remodel, window replacements, local tax relief, general fund appropriation, Minnesota chapter 297A, retroactive tax refund
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Don't cave in to that giveaway program down giving away money—we got needs up here, okay?
Keywords:
workers' compensation, public education, employee injury, insurance trust fund, on-the-job injury, administrative procedures, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance (2-15-23)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU-A8E3V4Hk, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEETING START 00:00
ROLL CALL 02:46
DISCUSSION WITH THE PROPERTY VALUATION ASSOCIATION, DUSTIN BILLINGS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 05:11
DAVID O’NEILL, FAYETTE COUNTY PVA, AND LEE MARTIN, GRAVES COUNTY DEPUTY CONCERNING AERO
SURVEYING AND HOW IT POSITIVELY AFFECTS KY AGRICULTURE NEEDS. AERIAL IMAGERY, REVIEWING
IMPROVEMENTS, INFLUENCING FACTORS OF PROPERTY, CHANGE DETECTION, AND SKETCH VERIFICATION.
DISCUSSION WITH REVENUE CABINET, TOM CRAWFORD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY EVALUATION 26:31
WITH DEPT. OF REVENUE, AND MIKE TACKETT, MINERAL TAXATION AND GIS SERVICES WITH DEPT. OF REVENUE.
THE KYFROMABOVE PROJECT IS GOING TO BE A HUGE BENEFIT TO KY. BENEFITS TO SMALLER COUNTIES WHO
DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. COST SAVINGS FOR ALL KY COUNTY PVA OFFICES.
DISCUSSION WITH KENT ANNESS, DIVISION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION, PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR THE 33:10
KYFROMABOVE PROJECT ABOUT AERIAL MAPPING, PROJECT UPDATES, PROJECT OVERVIEW, STATUS, RETURN
ON INVESTMENT AND GIS DATA SHARING., 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: Legislative Update May 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And 4th, to address the Colony Ridge situation here in Texas, which is an embarrassment to Texas.
- , it showed the people of Texas that E-Verify.
- but really what should be a priority for all of Texas, and that is protecting Texas kids.
- Like on other issues, the Texas Senate has led the way.
- To 361, it's time for the Texas House to catch up.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 6th, 2026 at 11:27 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, first of all, if you all would rise when I introduce you, Sophia Sanchez, would you rise up?
- I rise today to welcome Mr.
- President, I rise in support of this conferee.
- This program is about $1.5 billion and has been successfully implemented.
- Senator Stewart. stars that year for the state fair, New Mexico State Fair.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Part 1)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise. Uh, floor for five minutes. I rise. Uh, gentleman's<00:15:08.959>
recognized. - Speaker, I rise to Thank you, Mr.
- Malnutrition globally is on the rise. Malnutrition globally is on the rise.
- friend from Texas for yielding the time. friend from Texas for yielding the time.
- Gentleman from Texas reserves. reserve. Gentleman from Texas reserves.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So there is an important two-generation impact of child care, even if it's a star two program.
- So there is an important two-generation impact of child care, even if it's a star two program.
- programs.
- program.
- But we’re speaking standard rates as in star 1, star 2, star, or registered—nothing for star 1, 2, 4,
Summary:
The committee heard first from LFC staff on a brief about New Mexico’s universal child care expansion. Staff said child care assistance has clear benefits for parents and families, but LFC has not found evidence in New Mexico that it improves children’s educational outcomes; they argued pre-K is the better tool for that goal. The brief highlighted four concerns with universal access: an estimated annual cost of about $849.7 million, a sharp decline in registered homes, possible crowding out of lower-income families, and reduced access for children under age two. Staff also suggested possible mitigations such as prioritizing slots for low-income and at-risk families, reinstating sliding-scale co-pays, and tying quality improvements to workforce wages.
Members raised questions about the cost estimate, funding sources, provider quality, and whether the data showed actual crowding out. Several lawmakers expressed support for child care generally but concern about the fiscal impact and whether universal access would divert resources from the families most in need. Others emphasized the importance of child care for workforce participation, rural communities, and family stability, and questioned how registered homes are counted and regulated. LFC staff clarified that the cost estimate was for child care assistance only, not the entire ECECD budget, and that the data showed declines in the share of lowest-income children and infants/toddlers served, though not causation.
The ECECD secretary then presented the department’s response, saying universal child care is intended to complete a cradle-to-career system and that the department has already seen strong uptake, increased capacity, and rising workforce participation. She said 6,206 families were found eligible in the first month, the share of infants and toddlers served rose, and new provider applications and licensed slots increased after the November rollout. The department also emphasized wage increases, quality improvements, and a new wage scale/career lattice, while projecting a lower near-term cost than LFC’s estimate and requesting additional funding for child care, early pre-K, home visiting, workforce systems, and capacity-building. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on questions and testimony.