Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of people are retired.
• But if I wanted to now that I'm retired, wanted to go back and teach, so the minimum is that even if
• But I appreciate, on page five, you have something that develops a written plan for the student.
• We are building strong support for students with dyslexia in addition to students on IEP and 504 plans
• Another area is the read-at-home plans.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard three measures: H.J.R. 5 on legislative compensation, Senate Bill 29 as amended on math instruction, and Senate Bill 37 on literacy instruction. H.J.R. 5 was presented as a constitutional amendment to create a paid legislature tied to New Mexico’s median household income, with supporters arguing it would broaden access to public service, reduce conflicts of interest, and better reflect the realities of modern legislative work. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from advocacy groups, civic organizations, faith groups, and veterans; one member raised concerns about fairness, attendance, and whether outside employment would still be allowed. The committee adopted an amendment to move the ballot question from 2028 to 2026, then approved H.J.R. 5 on a 5-1 vote. Senate Bill 29, endorsed by the Legislative Education Study Committee, would strengthen math instruction by improving teacher preparation, requiring PED to set up statewide math supports, and creating early screening and family engagement for students. Supporters, including educators, business groups, and education nonprofits, said New Mexico’s math outcomes are too low and that early intervention and better teacher preparation are needed. Members asked about teacher licensure requirements, parent support, standardized testing concerns, and district implementation. The committee heard that the bill’s screenings are intended to be developmental rather than high-stakes tests, and that parents would be supported through school-based guidance. The bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 37 would codify a science-of-reading framework, require high-quality instructional materials, add literacy coaches and assessments, and expand support for bilingual and dual-language instruction. Supporters said the bill builds on recent gains in reading proficiency and strengthens teacher preparation and early intervention. Opponents, including tribal leaders, bilingual education scholars, and advocacy groups, argued the bill was too English-dominant, could conflict with existing bilingual and tribal language laws, and did not go far enough to protect indigenous languages and community-based approaches. Sponsors said amendments were being developed to clarify biliteracy, culturally responsive instruction, and protections for native language learning, and the committee advanced the bill on a vote with several members noting their support was contingent on those promised amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:53.440><c> in</c> spent my career uh before I retired in spent my career uh before I retired
• </c><00:27:07.120><c> I've</c> something because the 2030 plan I've something because the 2030 plan I've
• </c><00:37:08.079><c> for</c> produce a Statewide strategic plan for produce a Statewide strategic plan
• </c> citizens will provide the Strategic plan citizens will provide the Strategic plan that<00:37:17.680
• We retired from work, not life.

Bills: HF1837 , HF361 , HF2725 , HF2566 , HF2744 , HF1685 , HF501 , HF1889 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And with my retiring from the house, I want to be very clear: I'm not seeking a job in the Senate either
• I And with my retiring<00:03:51.360><c> from</c><00:03:51.519><c> the</c><00:03:51.600><c> house,</c>
• 00:03:51.840><c> I</c><00:03:51.880><c> want</c><00:03:52.000><c> to</c><00:03:52.040><c> be</c> retiring
• from the house, I want to be retiring from the house, I want to be very<00:03:52.480><c> clear.
• persons' needs not using public assistance because there's another private vehicle or another private plan

Summary: The committee took up a series of amendments to the bill. Representative Keagle’s A21 amendment, which would have prohibited online sweepstakes games, raised the paddle wheel prize value, and added Hessian pepper as a social skill game, was discussed with support cited from a broad coalition of organizations, but it failed on a roll call vote. The A27 amendment, directing the Department of Commerce to perform a 62J evaluation of home care nursing services, was then adopted after members described it as a temporary step toward a longer-term solution for disability home care issues. Senator French’s A11 amendment, which raises the cap on deposits into the consumer protection restitution account and changes how those funds are distributed to eligible consumers, was also adopted. Representative O’Driscoll then offered the H.F. 4188 A22 amendment, described by counsel as incorporating language from House File 4333 on short-term and long-term home care insurance; members supported it as a way to expand private insurance options, and it was adopted. Finally, Representative Keagle moved Article 3, Section 11, a provision to reimburse clinical trainees providing mental health services at full rates, and that motion was adopted as well. Afterward, the committee authorized nonpartisan staff to make technical or necessary corrections to the bill, noted that the bill would not be wrapped up that day, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• dedicated workforce that supports California's entire state infrastructure, real estate, environmental planning
• Susan Hildreth is a retired librarian, administrator, and educator.
• Beach Coalition's longtime president, she leaves a lasting legacy of service and stewardship in her retirement
• Each coalition's longtime president, she leaves a lasting legacy of service and stewardship in her retirement
• Winona is a retired service delivery manager for IBM in Silicon Valley, California.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and journal requirements to facilitate the floor session and a budget subcommittee hearing notice. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, property rights, and California’s economy. The resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote, 40-0, and Grove introduced Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association, as a guest. The main item of the day was Senate Resolution 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar presented the resolution, highlighting women’s leadership and the need to continue advancing equity, pay protections, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Pérez, Hurtado, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, each underscoring the contributions of women in public service, civil rights, labor, science, education, and community leadership. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded with an extended recognition ceremony for the 42 Women of the Year honorees from Senate districts statewide, with brief biographies read into the record. The session also included an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby, who described his work as a teacher, coach, and community volunteer. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• dedicated workforce that supports California's entire state infrastructure, real estate, environmental planning
• Susan Hildreth is a retired librarian, administrator, and educator.
• Beach Coalition's longtime president, she leaves a lasting legacy of service and stewardship in her retirement
• Beach Coalition's longtime president, she leaves a lasting legacy of service and stewardship in her retirement
• Winona is a retired service delivery manager for IBM in Silicon Valley, California.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association. The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• dedicated workforce that supports California's entire state infrastructure, real estate, environmental planning
• Susan Hildreth is a retired librarian, administrator, and educator.
• Beach Coalition's longtime president, she leaves a lasting legacy of service and stewardship in her retirement
• Beach Coalition's longtime president, she leaves a lasting legacy of service and stewardship in her retirement
• Winona is a retired service delivery manager for IBM in Silicon Valley, California.

Transcript Highlights:

• BEN JOHNSON RETIRED VOLUSIA COUNTY SHERIFF, FORMER VOLUSIA COUNTY COUNCILMAN AND I AM HERE IN SUPPORT
• ONE IN FOUR TRANSPORTATION WORKERS ARE LIKELY TO RETIRE BY 2030. THAT IS 25 PERCENT.
• PROGRAMMING CURRICULUM SO THAT WE CAN DIRECTLY CONNECT TRANSPORTATION JOBS WITH VETERANS WHO MAY BE RETIRING
• MANY MORE REGISTERED FOR EVERYONE WHO REGISTERED AS INCOME WE TRY TO GET PREREGISTRATION SO WE CAN PLAN
• IN MY OWN SECRETARY OF DISTRICT 7 THERE, DAVID RETIRING AND MOVING ON, IT IS KIND OF SHOCKING.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, the treatment plan.
• Why do we have to set up a treatment plan?
• So, just following up on that, are there any, Madam Chair, plans in the county?
• Affordable permanent housing, are there any plans for that that you know of?
• But no plans have gone further than that.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• , and then the rest of it will be used just for planning.
• In general, yes, but not for planning.
• They don't have a master plan for the State Fair yet.
• And are you planning on bonding the full amount, or what are you planning on bonding on your first set
• Of course, you know I'm a retired school teacher, older than dirt.

Bills: SB48 , SB64 , SB100 , HB2 , SB48 , SB64 , SB100

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• Mostly that first year is going to be implementation and either getting a waiver or a state plan, 1915
• That's the planning funding for the Life Sciences bill as well. So we appreciate your support.
• They just began a process working with their insurance provider for their associated health plan for
• And so putting this plan into place is a really important step. Thank you.
• What's the plan? For the record, thank you, Senator Taylor.

Bills: AB49 , AB93 , AB108 , AB169 , AB188 , AB212 , AB221 , AB224 , AB251 , AB282 , AB284 , AB296 , AB304 , AB331 , AB356 , AB366 , AB375 , AB409 , AB467 , AB475 , AB476 , AB479 , AB494 , AB514 , AB515 , AB533 , AB542 , AB550 , AB558 , AB567 , AB568 , AB571 , AB581 , AB583 , AB584 , AB585 , AB595 , AB596 , AB597 , SB170 , SB427 , SB460 , SB508

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• When outgoing vice presidents are planning their retirement or exit from the university, this position
• She is retiring soon, and she's given us a long off-ramp.

Committee: All ALC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several personnel and position requests. Item B from Parks, Heritage and Tourism was a one-for-one swap of an administrative coordinator for a Parks and Tourism Program Supervisor Expert to support statewide guest service training; it was reviewed and approved. Item C from the Department of Correction requested a new administrative law judge at the Post-Prison Transfer Board due to increased workload from federal parole revocation changes; it was approved. Item D from Black River Technical College requested a higher education central growth pool position for an associate vice president to serve as a temporary transition role during a CFO retirement. College officials testified that the position would be used only during the training/on-ramp period and could be left vacant otherwise; after questions from members, the request was reviewed and approved. Item E from Parks, Heritage and Tourism sought certification differentials of up to 10% for employees holding required Class A and B CDL licenses; the committee reviewed and approved the request. Item F from the Department of Labor and Licensing asked to use a previously frozen administrative coordinator position in the OSHA division because of increased inspection-related workload; the committee approved the request. Items G and H were continuation requests for higher education positions previously reviewed by the committee, and the committee voted to review them together and approved that review. Items I through N were reports requiring no committee action. Members were told that one packet item had a typo and a corrected version was provided. No further questions or business were raised, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So page 17, line 24, the next public employee retirement fund for the main system plan.
• bucket in a certain spot, you're moving it, you want it to be underneath number 22 public employees' retirement

Committee: House Finance and Taxation

Summary: The committee first reconsidered its action on Senate Bill 2093, then took up an amendment offered by Representative Hagert. The amendment would use $20 million for broad-based income tax relief by expanding the bottom income tax bracket, with the stated goal of providing relief beyond law enforcement-related spending. Members discussed how the Tax Department calculated the bracket changes, the continuing marriage penalty issue, and the broader goal of reducing income taxes over time. The amendment was adopted, and the committee then approved a due pass recommendation on the amended bill and re-referred it to Appropriations on a 12-1-1 vote. The committee then reconsidered Senate Bill 2323 so Representative Anderson could have his vote recorded. During discussion, Representative Dockter raised a possible amendment about moving a funding bucket, but after questions from members and the chair’s reminder that reconsideration was intended only to allow a recorded vote, Dockter withdrew the idea. Representative Foss noted information that the SIF fund had been reduced and said the bill’s impact on the prairie dog bucket would not change. The committee then voted to recommend due pass on amended Senate Bill 2323 and re-refer it to Appropriations; the motion carried on a roll call vote. The meeting ended with adjournment. No other formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been involved in the planning process to revitalize West Broadway for the past several decades now
• I've been involved in the planning process to revitalize West Broadway for the past several decades now
• <00:07:30.639><c> involved</c><00:07:31.000><c> in</c><00:07:31.120><c> the</c><00:07:31.240><c> planning
• </c> I've been involved in the planning I've been involved in the planning process<00:07:32.360><c> to
• Transportation Economist and a retired Transportation Economist and engineer<00:09:51.320><c> um</c>

Transcript Highlights:

• We are planning.
• Yes, but it is an expansion plan, and the... Yes, but it is an expansion plan.
• Then when we got to planning for this current plan, the equity working group's focus was pushing the
• How you submit that plan, what it looks like, is it a multi-year plan?
• There should be a plan together for it, and it should be a multi-year plan.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, I'm a retired attorney now. I just deactivated my license as part of my retirement.
• </c> Actually, I'm retired attorney now. Actually, I'm retired attorney now.
• . retirement. retirement.
• , or performing debridement without plans, or performing debridement without physician<01:28:25.520><
• With, you know, here's a plan, the pain got more manageable and better.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• for post-secondary plans, whether it's careers or education.
• It'll help expand the use of the My Career and Academic Plan for clear post-secondary planning and incorporate
• So that's our plan at the moment, right?
• So that's our plan at the moment, right?
• Commonly referred to as the Retirement Plus bill, it allows eligible veteran educators to opt into retirement

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to first introduce past retired Idaho Wool Growers Association executive Stan Boyd.
• After that forest plan was approved, it was appealed by several organizations.
• Payette National Forest was mentioning them in their forest plans.
• Payette National Forest was mentioning them in their forest plans. Maybe you don't know it.
• Payette National Forest was mentioning them in their forest plans.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from University of Idaho representatives on the university’s land-grant mission and its role in federalism, followed by detailed overviews of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources. Speakers described the Morrill, Hatch, and Smith-Lever Acts, the university’s history, and examples of research, extension, and workforce training in agriculture, engineering, law, forestry, fire science, and youth programs such as 4-H. They highlighted facilities and programs including research stations, the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, the deep soil ecotron, the Wildland Fire Center, the experimental forest, and the policy analysis group, while also noting the impact of federal and state funding delays and cuts on staffing and research capacity. Committee members asked about several current issues, including quagga mussels, screw worm, chronic wasting disease, and the effects of funding cuts. University officials said they were not actively researching some of those wildlife and livestock disease issues but were willing to help if capacity and funding allowed. They also said budget reductions had caused real losses, including layoffs and reduced programs, and that federal grant delays had disrupted research timelines. The committee also raised questions about conflicts of interest and university employees’ outside work; the university said it has annual conflict-of-interest and conflict-of-commitment training and review procedures. The committee then heard from Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse and the Idaho Sheriffs Association on the federal 287(g) immigration partnership program. Hulse argued that participation should remain voluntary and locally controlled, describing the different 287(g) models, the training and liability concerns, and the distinction between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement. He said Idaho agencies already cooperate with ICE in other ways and that mandatory participation could create staffing, legal, and community-trust problems. Members asked about costs, liability, detention standards, and whether deputies lose local control under task force arrangements; Hulse said the answer depends on the specific model and operation, and he emphasized the need for local discretion. Later, the committee took testimony on the long-running bighorn sheep and domestic sheep conflict affecting western Idaho grazing allotments. Idaho Wool Growers representatives and affected ranchers described the history of state legislation, federal litigation, and the closure of grazing areas after bighorn sheep transplants, which they said cut livestock operations in half and caused major financial and personal hardship. They argued that the state and federal agencies had not lived up to assurances that permittees would be held harmless, and they urged continued attention to the issue. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota loses 160 dentists to retirement each year while we only graduate 120.
• Minnesota loses 160 dentists to retirement each year while we only graduate 120.
• Minnesota loses 160 dentists to retirement each year while we only graduate 120.
• ,</c> even with the this new investment plan, even with the this new investment plan, the<00:41:27.920
• Our plan is to meet Tuesday, March 24th, 2026.

Bills: HF4266

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's all been really good for the plan because you can imagine taking 70 basis points on the plan
• , and we're on plan.
• So we adjust the plan every quarter.
• So we take all of that into account in terms of our plan and our adjusted plan.
• That said, We take all of that into account in terms of our plan and our adjusted plan.

Summary: The Legacy Fund Committee received updates from the North Dakota Retirement Investment Office (RIO) on fund performance, liquidity, in-state investments, and internal management. Scott Anderson reported strong returns for the Legacy Fund across multiple time periods, with performance exceeding the policy benchmark and expectations, driven largely by strong equity markets and effective implementation. He also reviewed private market pacing, noting commitments were on plan but that unfunded obligations and distributions were lower than expected, and presented a new liquidity analysis showing the fund had substantial capacity to meet obligations even under stressed market scenarios. The committee also discussed RIO’s internal investment program and cost savings. Anderson explained how internal management of fixed income, equity, and cash overlay strategies has reduced fees and transaction costs, while improving flexibility and portfolio construction. Members asked about staffing needs, and RIO leadership said asset growth has outpaced current staffing, with a request for additional FTEs likely coming to support investment, operations, risk, and legal functions. The committee also reviewed the Legacy Fund’s in-state investment program, including 50 South Capital and infrastructure lending, and heard that one manager’s buildout is progressing more slowly because many opportunities are still early-stage. Adam Odison presented a preliminary estimate of the 2026 Legacy Fund earnings distribution, projecting about $894.8 million under current law, with roughly $237 million to the Highway Fund and $554 million to the Property Tax Relief Fund after the sinking and interest fund allocation. Jody Smith then gave a project update on a new standalone Legacy Fund website required by statute, intended to consolidate performance, holdings, governance, fees, and use-of-funds information for the public, with a planned launch around the October State Investment Board meeting. She also raised a possible future proposal to place the Legacy Earnings Fund back under State Investment Board management so the cash could remain invested longer before being transferred out, though members noted liquidity, accounting, and bank-deposit implications would need further review. Finally, Kelvin Holden of the Bank of North Dakota reviewed the match loan program, explaining how it supports large economic development projects by pairing Bank of North Dakota loans with State Investment Board CDs. He said the program currently has about $272 million outstanding and has supported projects such as Coal Creek Station and the MDU gas line to Gwinner. Members discussed whether the program’s return is appropriate and noted a prior moratorium on new investments so the committee can revisit the policy next session. The committee then elected Senator Klein as chair and Representative Hogan as vice chair, and the meeting ended with members thanking staff and partners for the fund’s progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> [laughter] Um, I've always thought about my retirement speech like ever since I was first elected
• And so I just encourage everyone who's staying to write your retirement speech, too, because I've heard
• Um, but I do plan to maintain deep relationships, so I'm going to stay in touch.
• I plan to still be very opinionated and loud, so you’ll still hear from me.
• I plan to And so I'm going to miss that.