Transcript Highlights:

• We also do a lot of referrals and assistance and advocacy for our veterans within the VA home to get
• the VA-specific... ...and assistance and advocacy for veterans within the VA home to get the VA-specific
• modifications done by the VA for the veterans that require those.

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee began by rolling House Bill 132 at the sponsor’s request because amendment language was still being worked on. The committee then proceeded without quorum as a subcommittee until additional members arrived. House Bill 285, as amended, was heard first. The bill was described as a cleanup measure to clarify New Mexico’s disabled veterans property tax exemption, including that it applies to a veteran’s primary residence and how it works for properties with multiple owners. Testimony from New Mexico counties, the Tax and Revenue Department, and the Department of Veterans Services supported the bill, saying it would reduce confusion for assessors and help veterans access the exemption. One member raised broader concerns about housing insecurity among unhoused and renting veterans and asked for interim data on how many veterans would actually benefit, but the committee noted those issues were outside the bill’s scope. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 285 as amended with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 128, which updates the state’s occupational disease and disablement law for firefighters by expanding the list of covered cancers and related conditions, aligning the state law with newer research and recent federal changes, and standardizing the employment period to five years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill reflects current science, removes outdated age limits for some cancers, and makes it easier for firefighters to receive workers’ compensation without having to prove causation case by case. Firefighters and union representatives gave emotional testimony about personal cancer diagnoses and the burden of fighting insurers while undergoing treatment. The Workers’ Compensation Administration, labor groups, and trial lawyers all supported the measure. Committee members asked about the federal model, the five-year threshold, the impact on rural jurisdictions, and why women’s cancers were not previously included; witnesses explained that the changes reflect updated data and the underrepresentation of women in the fire service. Dr. Dan Wu, speaking online, said firefighter cancer is an epidemic and argued the science supports the bill. The committee then adopted the motion and passed HB 128 with a do pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also do a lot of referrals and assistance and advocacy for our veterans within the VA home to get
• the VA-specific... ...and assistance and advocacy for veterans within the VA home to get the VA-specific
• modifications done by the VA for the veterans that require those.

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and first announced that House Bill 132 would be rolled at the sponsor’s request because amendment language was still being worked on. The committee then proceeded without full quorum for part of the meeting and moved to House Bill 285, which concerns New Mexico’s disabled veterans property tax exemption. The sponsor and administration explained that the amended bill is a technical cleanup intended to clarify that the exemption applies to a veteran’s primary residence, address multiple-owner situations, and remove duplicative statutory language. Support came from New Mexico counties, the Tax and Revenue Department, and the Department of Veterans Services, all saying the bill would improve uniform administration without changing the substance of the exemption. Members also discussed broader concerns about veteran housing and homelessness, though the sponsor noted those issues were outside the bill’s scope. After quorum was established, the committee formally adopted the amendment to HB 285 and then passed the bill as amended on a do pass motion. Members asked about protest timelines and how the clarification would help veterans who are waiting on certification; the sponsor explained that the bill preserves the ability to protest within existing timeframes and gives veterans additional time to secure certification. The committee then took up House Bill 128, which updates New Mexico’s occupational disease and disablement law for firefighters by expanding presumptive cancer coverage and aligning the state list with newer research and federal changes. Testimony in support came from firefighters, labor groups, workers’ compensation officials, and medical experts, who described occupational cancer as a major cause of firefighter deaths and said the bill would reduce the burden on sick firefighters by presuming coverage rather than forcing them to prove causation. Members also raised questions about women firefighters, the five-year employment baseline, and fiscal impact, and the bill sponsor and Dr. Wu explained that the five-year standard reflects federal compromise and current data limitations. The committee then approved HB 128 on a do pass motion and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite California's constitutional protections for reproductive freedom, our state's veterans and VA
• Without this bill, veterans may only access care by paying out of pocket at a non-VA provider.
• Despite California's constitutional protections for reproductive freedom, our state's veterans and VA
• Without this bill, veterans may only access care by paying out of pocket at a non-VA provider.
• When I called the VA for help, I was told it was a 14-month wait for a therapist for PTSD.

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• equipment, and to be eligible for this exemption, the equipment has to be partially funded by a federal VA
• applications for that VA grant.
• have, Pete, which is the housing preference for disability housing based on obtaining the grant from VA
• , we discovered that based on questions from committee members that the VA grant covered the full cost
• Will this grant look at whether or not the VA already covers the full cost, including taxes?

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, welcomed new members, and initially lacked a quorum until Representative Berg arrived. The committee adopted the July 15/16 meeting minutes and discussed a proposed 2026 meeting schedule, including possible changes to address the heavy July workload from tax exemption reviews. Staff then presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, which showed 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, 91% reporting compliance, about $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and over 115 million attendees reported. Several members questioned the self-reported nature of the data and whether the report had enough value; the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the lodging tax reporting requirement from statute because it is not a compliance tool and consumes significant staff time. The committee next heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection. Staff said OPDP generally meets its statutory responsibilities and is well regarded by users, but its statute should be updated to match its current capacity and focus. The audit found OPDP’s work is largely centered on state agencies, with limited public outreach and some overlap with other entities on broadband and privacy education. Two recommendations were presented: review and update OPDP’s statutory duties, including broadband reporting and public outreach, and develop performance measures that better assess long-term privacy outcomes rather than just outputs. Committee members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they can provide broader privacy training and would be willing to offer more specific training if requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without opposition. Staff reported that boating-related revenues in 2021–23 totaled $108 million, with 53% directed to general government and transportation accounts and 47% to boating programs or projects; no recommendations were made. Members asked about boater education outcomes and agency overlap, and staff and agency representatives said education appears to have reduced fatalities and that the six involved agencies have distinct roles coordinated through a quarterly work group. Finally, staff presented planned study questions for upcoming reviews of L&I’s enforcement of farm worker labor laws, DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, and seven 2026 tax preference performance reviews. Members raised scope questions about the farm worker study and whether it should be framed around agricultural workers, and staff said they would follow the legislative mandate and could consider any future clarification. For the DNR review, staff said they are tracking DNR’s ongoing harvest calculation and will assess whether its data and methods align with best practices, while noting that future wildfire or other disturbances are outside the study’s scope. The tax preference review discussion covered the seven preferences to be studied in 2026, including data centers, Main Street credits, equitable access to credit, private airplane sales, landfill gas equipment, adaptive equipment for disabled veterans, and a real estate excise tax exemption for supported living transfers; members asked about equity, environmental impacts, and how staff would evaluate eligibility and savings. The meeting adjourned before noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• had never been and never used the VA had never been and never used the VA ever uh had been out of the
• to the VA now he's getting those person to the VA now he's getting those person to the VA now he's getting
• is doing their make sure that the VA is doing their make sure that the VA is doing their part with with
• have done a good job you got vas our vas have done a good job you got vas our vas have done a good job
• in uh Birmingham one in tus lo I know there's a couple of va officers I know there's a couple of va

Bills: SB 2

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't know if you're not a disabled veteran, you may not be aware that the VA sends you your letter
• So that's probably why there's an annual requirement, because the VA sends you a letter.
• So that's probably why there's an annual requirement, because the VA does... ...percent or something.
• So that's probably why there's an annual requirement, because the VA does send me annually, and I have

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 32 bills related to veterans and service members, with opening remarks from Chair Madaro and Senator Eldridge emphasizing the committee’s work on tax credits and property tax relief, including follow-up to the HERO Act of 2024. The chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted the August 23 reporting deadline for House-filed matters, and explained that testimony would focus on issues including voluntary contributions, sales tax, property tax, and economic development. No votes were taken during the hearing. Several bills drew testimony in support of expanding or simplifying veterans’ property tax benefits. Rep. Sylvia supported H. 3255 to raise the veterans’ property tax workoff cap from $1,500 to $2,000, matching the senior workoff program. Rep. Soder and Sen. Moore advocated for stronger property tax relief for disabled veterans, including H. 3245 and S. 2046, with Moore proposing a disability-based exemption and state reimbursement to municipalities. Rep. McGregor supported H. 3175, which would eliminate the need for veterans to refile annually for exemptions unless their status changes, arguing it would reduce burdens on veterans and assessors. Testimony also addressed line-of-duty death benefits and local implementation concerns. Mary Ann Cardi supported H. 3188 to clarify that surviving spouses of police and fire personnel who died in the line of duty qualify for a full real estate exemption. Chris Clark, Senator Sear, and Counselor Ludke all backed the veterans’ workoff bill, describing it as an equity fix that would align the veterans’ program with the senior program and help municipalities like Barnstable use the benefit more effectively. After hearing from all scheduled speakers and confirming no additional in-person testimony, the chairs adjourned the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bill to enforce the VA mandatory clause for veterans that are purchasing a home using their
• VA loan.
• We are finding more and more that title companies are... ...that are purchasing a home using their VA
• And it is required by the VA amendatory clause for them to do that.

Bills: HB1082 , HB1638 , HB3040 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3298 , HB3587 , HB3996 , HB4113 , HB4140 , HB4226 , HB4236 , HB4301 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB4352 , SB1082

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up a long series of House bills, hearing brief author presentations and mostly no opposition. Early measures advanced included HB 3040, HB 414, HB 1638, HB 3298, HB 4113, HB 1082, HB 4301, and HB 3269. These bills addressed topics such as firearm theft penalties, county jail public trust eligibility for funding, child interviews in family law cases, voter registration eligibility for convicted felons, a presumption of joint custody, enforcement of VA loan amendatory-clause protections, and electronic transmission of arrest warrants. The committee also advanced HB 3587 on court-ordered outpatient treatment after several questions about how it relates to mental health and criminal proceedings, HB 4226 on judge disqualification procedures, HB 4324 on district attorney authority to adjust sentences, HB 4339 on notice timing in summary administration, and HB 3278 on Open Meeting Act enforcement through consent orders. HB 3996, requiring the indigent defense system to pay for evidence and experts in capital cases, also passed after a motion to restore title. HB 4236, the Uniform Commercial Receivership Act, and HB 4352, the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, were likewise advanced. One bill drew more extended discussion: HB 4342, which allows prior instances of domestic violence abuse to be admitted as evidence in court proceedings. Senators questioned why propensity evidence would be allowed in domestic violence cases but not property crimes; the author and chair explained it was intended to give the court a fuller picture in domestic violence matters and noted disclosure requirements. The committee also clarified that the bill’s title had a scrivener’s error. HB 4342 ultimately advanced on a 6-1 vote, while the other measures reported in the transcript passed unanimously or with no recorded opposition. The meeting concluded with the chair noting upcoming Judiciary meetings and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Blair said House Bill 4301 strengthens the federal VA mandatory clause, more commonly
• known as the VA escape clause, which was established to protect active-duty service members and veterans
• He explained that the bill addresses a specific situation: if a home purchased with a VA loan does not
• appraise, the buyer will receive a full refund of their earnest money, mirroring the federal VA escape

Committee: House A&B General Government Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• The VA has been widely published in news articles.
• In 2007 to 2015, it was reported that 25,000 vets had been misdiagnosed in the VA system.
• And then in 20 uh 23 VA system.
• And then in 20 uh 23 the<00:09:07.040><c> Toma</c><00:09:07.680><c> VA</c><00:09:08.080><c> scandal</
• there was another the Toma VA scandal there was another 650<00:09:10.399><c> vets</c><00:09:10.800><

Committee: House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• equipment, and to be eligible for this exemption, the equipment has to be partially funded by a federal VA
• applications for that VA grant.
• preference for disability housing based on the For disability housing based on obtaining the grant from VA
• , we discovered that, based on questions from committee members, that the VA grant covered the full cost
• Will this grant look at whether or not the VA already covers the full cost, including taxes?

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload. Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• heads our Veterans Division, to talk you through. exactly the requirements, because it's a combined VA
• conjunction with the Veterans Administration, so when a new home is built, if we receive a grant, the VA
• It's ideal, based on federal rules, if it's close to VA health care in addition to where we want to put
• So we're working on getting VA grants to refurbish the older homes. And as we begin that process.
• Which could potentially be 12 to 14 million dollars per home, hopefully 65% of that paid for by the VA

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The response was, correct, Federal VA.
• &gt;&gt; Federal<00:10:26.880><c> VA.</c> &gt;&gt; Federal VA. &gt;&gt; Federal VA.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be having an award ceremony when the VA comes... ...out to do that and present the certificates
• There are 15 counties and seven tribal areas covered under the federal grant that we get from the VA,
• That was the last cemetery that we had close relations with the VA and the NCA, and they have offered
• It will be funded by the VA to establish that. We run it with state personnel.
• We are working with the VA on what veterans they are tracking by county, as well as in the census.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Please, uh, just come to the table and state your name and begin your testimony. managers, federal VA
• </c><00:31:41.120><c> Um,</c><00:31:41.440><c> the</c><00:31:41.600><c> US</c><00:31:41.919><c> VA</c
• VA calls this practice these companies claims predators. The U.S.
• The veterans VA accreditation process is at the heart of this effort.
• Um, the veterans AC or the VA this year.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• Agencies, the Metro counties, homeless outreach workers, and **SOAR** case managers, federal **VA HUD
• VA calls this practice. These companies are called claims predators. The U.S.
• Inspector General for the VA, the Veterans Service Organizations like the VFW and the DAV, the Attorney
• The Veterans or the VA accreditation process is at the heart of this effort. of this effort.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:59.920><c> by</c><00:10:00.200><c> the</c><00:10:01.080><c> federal</c><00:10:01.440><c> VA
• </c><00:10:01.960><c> as</c> already recognized by the federal VA as already recognized by the federal
• VA as veterans<00:10:03.280><c> if</c><00:10:03.440><c> as</c><00:10:03.480><c> long</c><00:10:03.680
• </c><00:14:09.800><c> that</c> One is that One is that if<00:14:10.960><c> the</c><00:14:11.079><c> VA
• your if the VA has denied your acknowledgement<00:14:13.880><c> as</c><00:14:14.000><c> a</c><00:14:

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to thank CalVet, the VA, okay. the final planning and processing and to provide the last
• I also want to thank CalVET, the VA, Okay. Veterans.
• I also want to thank CalVet, the VA, the Orange County Cemetery District, and Veterans Alliance of Orange
• The VA has provided clear guidance to CalVet.
• Finally, the VA has emphasized that taking possession demonstrates momentum and commitment.

Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery. The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay. The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation. The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to thank CalVet, the VA, okay.
• I also want to thank CalVET, the VA, Okay. Veterans.
• I also want to thank CalVet, the VA, the Orange County Cemetery District, and Veterans Alliance of Orange
• The VA has provided clear guidance to CalVet.
• Finally, the VA has emphasized that taking possession demonstrates momentum and commitment.

Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with members of the Assembly, Senate, City of Anaheim, Orange County, CalVet, DGS, and veterans organizations discussing next steps. Chair Sharon Quirk-Silva reviewed the project’s history, including the earlier Irvine effort, the 2021 Anaheim support resolution, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets criteria for a state veterans cemetery. Speakers repeatedly emphasized the need for a local burial site for Orange County’s large veteran population and the burden on families who currently must travel to Riverside, San Diego, or Los Angeles. The first panel featured veterans advocates and Gold Star family members who strongly urged immediate action. The American Legion, Gold Star Mothers, and the Veterans Alliance of Orange County said the cemetery is overdue and stressed that older veterans and grieving families should not have to wait longer. Several speakers described personal losses and the hardship of long travel to existing cemeteries, while also calling for CalVet and state leaders to move faster and communicate more directly with veterans groups. Assembly and Senate members responded with support, noting the bipartisan nature of the effort and the importance of honoring veterans and their families. The second panel, with Orange County officials, described the county’s support and the unique shared-use arrangement with the Orange County Cemetery District. Supervisor Don Wagner said the county has dedicated land and $20 million, and county and district staff explained that the public cemetery and state veterans cemetery can share roads, utilities, grading, and other infrastructure to reduce costs. They said the county is ready to transfer property to CalVet when appropriate and that collaboration could save tens of millions of dollars. The third panel from DGS and CalVet explained that a 2023 feasibility study estimated the state’s portion at about $126 million under earlier assumptions, but that a revised concept plan is now being developed to lower costs and update the timeline. CalVet said it remains committed to the project, while legislators pressed for clearer answers on what is needed to begin construction and how budget action in the coming year could help. No formal vote was taken; the hearing ended with public comments, many of which echoed the call to begin construction immediately and criticized the pace of state action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also help them file claims with the VA that they are entitled to.
• health care representation for the veterans with the VA.
• Over 50 of those locations are in VA facilities.
• Tom Palladino: ...and when they file the claims with the VA.
• Tom Palladino: ...and when they file the claims with the VA.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We just concluded our VA survey. So we are prepared. We stay survey ready all the time.
• We will check with the VA and other sources and can't verify that they were actually a veteran or not
• Oh, that's a veteran; the VA is taking care of them, or someone else is taking care of them.
• The second part of that is a physical exam by the VA or a contracted medical professional by the VA to
• eligible then for VA health care.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means