Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's a big issue that we've tested them with.
• So, I think you can run the testing, and I certainly am not the expert in this.
• Could I ask just for confirmation and clarification if you feel like there's adequate testing to prove
• Test, try to find that. And sometimes, if you're talking about historic, there may not be records.
• It would really be up to the Corporation Commission on whether they want to help fund a certain test

Bills: SB1191 , SB1314 , SB1319 , SB1333 , SB1346 , SB1439 , SB1509 , SB1510 , SB1613

Committee: Senate Energy

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319

Transcript Highlights:

• After evaluating our current tools and researching alternatives, we've decided to pilot test the North
• And we think that, but it's going to take us some time to kind of pilot test a new tool and be able to
• And we think that, but it's going to take us some time to kind of pilot test a new tool and be able to
• Like I said, we're pilot testing, which means we haven't rolled it out statewide.
• What we did in the pilot test phase is get input from caseworkers who found the tool easier to use.

Bills: SB6007 , SB6186 , SB6212

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: assessment practices, public policy, children, youth, families, evaluation, outcomes, SNAP, nutrition, public health, food access, unhealthy foods, benefit program, assistance, pilot program, state support, public welfare, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of it's for test kits.
• So how many schools have been tested?
• So how many schools have been tested?
• So how many schools have been tested?
• continued testing when the school year started this year.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And there is testing that tests for pre-cancer for Barrett's esophageal cancer.
• And the test, you swallow basically a camera. It's nothing fun to do.
• The test is done once every 10 years until you're age 60.
• We had a company come in that did a lot of free testing around the state, and it was offered all over
• But at 65, Medicare does pay for this testing.

Summary: The House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs Committee met and advanced a series of local bills, mostly by unanimous voice vote after brief questions. SB 430 by Sen. Jenkins renewed the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau’s 1.5% hotel occupancy tax for 12-year periods by voter approval, with discussion about continued planning and coordination among tourism entities. SB 286 by Sen. Duplessis updated the New Orleans Downtown Development District statute by clarifying its status as a political subdivision, streamlining tax collection, removing staggered board terms, and clarifying bond renewal voting boundaries. The committee also favorably reported SB 198 by Sen. Mizell, requiring government projects in historic districts to follow local historic district rules for new construction; SB 172 by Sen. Luneau, expanding a planning-commission waiver process for certain property divisions to municipalities below 150,000 population; and SB 439 by Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, adding pre-screening for esophageal/Barrett’s cancer for firefighters and fire service employees. Testimony on the firefighter bill emphasized the health risks from carcinogen exposure and the value of early detection, and members expressed strong support. Additional bills advanced included SB 458 by Sen. McMath, creating a mechanism for local ethics-entity tax revenues in St. Tammany Parish to be transferred to the district attorney’s office if an inspector general office is created; SB 447 by Sen. Bass, changing Bossier City Police Department promotions from competitive to promotional seniority; SB 281 by Sen. Barrow, expanding the Baker Economic Development District boundaries to include additional commercial areas; SB 385 by Sen. Harris, changing appointments to the City Park Improvement Association board and allowing City Park to opt out of certain ORM insurance coverage; HR 84 by Rep. Walters, urging Shreveport to create an interest-free loan program for TSA workers during federal shutdowns; and SB 417 by Sen. Allain, adding two members to the St. Mary Parish drainage district board. All of these measures were reported favorably, with one member recusing himself from the City Park bill due to board membership. The committee then recessed briefly, noting several remaining bills would be deferred if sponsors did not arrive soon.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll take those numbers, test them, test a sample... and then moving on.
• We'll take those numbers, test them, test a sample, First audit, we'll take those numbers, test them,
• test a sample, examine it, and we're not finding hardly anything anymore, which is a remarkable change
• However, any unsupported, imprudent, or unreasonable cost will be challenged, and we'll put them to the test

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met with a quorum present and heard an update from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of the Office of Public Counsel. Trierweiler described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate cases and related proceedings, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service hearings to challenge unsupported utility costs while seeking outcomes that are “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable.” A major focus of the presentation was the office’s work on large utility dockets, especially the Florida Power & Light rate case, as well as other recent cases involving Duke, TECO, Sunshine, and St. Joe. Trierweiler said the office had settled some cases but not others, had two appeals pending, and had filed motions for reconsideration where required. He also discussed storm cost recovery, affordability concerns, and the new challenge of data center tariffs and related energy and water demands. He said the office brought in new experts on affordability and data centers and was trying to get ahead of those issues through workshops and settlement efforts. Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how the office evaluates a fair profit for utilities, the role of settlements and counterproposals, and the impact of data centers on energy and water use. Trierweiler said customer voices come in through hearings and correspondence, that utilities are entitled to a fair return but not imprudent costs, and that the office is concerned about data center growth and its resource demands. No votes were taken, and the committee concluded its agenda and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Go Chronicle documented me conducting a speed test showing a West Oakland resident and foster mom, Miss
• times faster than in in any of our previous visits without any hardware upgrades or changes to our testing
• OU ran nearly half a million speed tests at over 15,000 locations across Oakland.
• We found that over 75% of internet connections we tested never reached the. the speed threshold to be
• Inclusion Alliance, one of our partners in CAID, has replicated these findings with over 15 million speed test

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and operating expenses related to the water and wastewater operator certification program to expand test
• So we need more testing opportunities, and we need a better test.
• We need more testing opportunities, and we need a better test, you know, or better preparation for taking
• the test.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to consider three measures, beginning with Senate Bill 2016 for Job Service. Testimony described Job Service’s workforce, unemployment insurance, and labor market functions, its long-term reduction in FTEs and budget, and its reliance on federal funding that does not keep pace with inflation. The bill included funding for an additional FTE for the H-2A housing inspection program, continued support for the JP3 offender placement pilot, and one-time funding for IT and mainframe costs tied to a system modernization effort. The committee approved the bill 20-0, with Representative Swiontek named as carrier. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 2305, which would allow family members to be paid as caregivers for certain young people with disabilities instead of only licensed outside providers. Members noted the specialized, 24-hour nature of the care, workforce shortages, waiting lists, and the potential to avoid more expensive institutional care. Questions focused on how the program would be structured, including certification requirements and whether it would remain a pilot or become part of the broader human services budget. The committee passed the bill 20-0, with Representative Roar as carrier and Representative Nelson available as backup. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2024 for the Department of Environmental Quality. The House change was limited to increased special-fund support for water and wastewater operator certification testing to expand availability, while the Senate version already included added FTEs for emerging contaminants and fuel inspection work. Members discussed federal funding uncertainty, including IIJA and ARPA-related concerns, but the department said its major projects, including the new laboratory, were not currently in jeopardy. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 22-0, with Representative Berg as carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• IS IF YOU GO IN FOR A MAMMOGRAM AND THE DOCTOR SAYS TO YOU WE SEE SOMETHING, YOU NEED SUPPLEMENTAL TESTING
• YOU WOULD NOT HAVE TO HAVE A CO-PAY FOR THAT SUPPLEMENTAL TESTING.
• WE ARE DOING IT IS BECAUSE PEOPLE OFTEN CAN'T AFFORD THE NEXT STEP WHEN YOU DO NEED SUPPLEMENTAL TESTING
• AND I DID GO IN AND HAVE THEM SUPPLEMENTAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE DO.
• AND I DID GO IN AND HAVE THEM SUPPLEMENTAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE DO.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This system stands and has been proven and stood the test of time, and it is audited.
• This system stands and has been proven and stood the test of time, and it is audited.
• This system stands and has been proven and stood the test of time, and it is audited.
• This system stands and has been proven and stood the test of time, and it is audited.
• </c> opportunity for this opportunity to test opportunity for this opportunity to test thank<00:34:59.119

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 29, 2025, and heard testimony on HB 108, which concerns intoxicating liquor and would expand direct-to-consumer shipping for beer and spirits. Supporters included representatives of Koloa Rum Company, Maui Brewing Company, and Ola Brew, who argued the bill would modernize alcohol laws, help small local producers compete, support jobs and local agriculture, and give consumers more access to Hawaii-made products. They also said Hawaii already has experience regulating direct wine shipments, with age verification and carrier-based delivery systems in place, and that direct shipping could help businesses reach visitors after they return home and diversify beyond tourism. Opposition came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, whose representative said the bill could increase access for underage drinking, especially because liquor commissions do not currently conduct compliance checks on alcohol shipments and may lack capacity to do so. The group also raised tax-enforcement concerns, saying the existing three-tier system makes excise and sales tax collection easier, while direct shipping would require additional auditing. They urged the committee to oppose the bill or defer it until more research is done, and suggested a common carrier reporting requirement to help reconcile shipments. Committee members questioned both sides about whether current law already allows some alcohol shipments, whether a Kentucky distiller could ship directly to Hawaii, and how reciprocity with other states would work. Supporters said the bill is modeled on wine-shipping language and could be amended to clarify reciprocity, while opponents said the bill lacks a common carrier reporting requirement and would place a burden on county liquor commissions. No vote or final action on HB 108 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are trained and tested in numerous areas that affect public safety, including fire and life safety
• We cannot call ourselves interior architects because we have not passed that test.
• That model of education, testing, experience, and accountability shaped how I understand professional
• for the architects, and NCIDQ, the testing body for interior designers, in 2021.
• And I think that we shouldn't be treating these children as test subjects for deregulation.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee continued a public hearing on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ scope of practice. Supporters, including Dr. Kelly Deering, said optometrists are trained to perform the listed office-based procedures, that rural Missouri lacks access to ophthalmologists, and that the bill would reduce wait times, travel burdens, and costs while helping retain students and practitioners in the state. Opponents, including representatives of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, argued the bill does not guarantee rural access and said the procedures should remain within the medical/surgical training of physicians. Members also questioned training on live human eyes and how suspicious lesions would be handled. No vote was taken, and the hearing on HB 2897 was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2353, which would create a licensing and sign-and-seal framework for interior designers and move oversight to the board that includes architects, engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects. Sponsor Rep. Sherri Gallick and supporters said the bill modernizes regulation, recognizes accredited education and NCIDQ testing, and would let licensed interior designers take responsibility for non-structural interior design work without hiring an architect to stamp plans. Opponents from the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers and others said they were still negotiating but remained concerned about scope-of-practice language, especially phrases like “all interior design of buildings” and “publicly occupied buildings,” which they said could create overlap with architecture and engineering or unintended obligations for public entities. Testimony also focused on whether unlicensed interior designers would still be allowed to work under carve-outs. No final action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2241, which would create a separate framework for certain faith-based residential child care facilities to operate without a state license while registering with the state and meeting background-check, reporting, and oversight requirements. Sponsor Rep. Jamie Gregg and MACA representatives said the bill is intended to expand foster placement capacity for children in need while preserving the religious mission of Christian homes, and they cited federal and state initiatives encouraging partnerships with faith-based providers. Opponents argued the bill would create a two-tier system, weaken state licensing protections, and risk placing vulnerable children in facilities without the same direct oversight, inspections, and reunification safeguards as licensed foster homes. Members raised concerns about abuse history at some faith-based homes, the role of the proposed board, and whether religious practices or other mission-based rules would conflict with child welfare standards. The hearing continued with additional testimony; no vote was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's important to note that people can't just take the test.
• The high school equivalency tests—who requires them?
• So who's requiring that equivalency test to take place?
• So they rush in and take a free test.
• These tests, for example, one of them is an example is GED Ready.

Bills: SB37 , SB29

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education, dual language program, reading intervention, reading difficulty, reading improvement plan, literacy coach

Transcript Highlights:

• If you really want it taught, are you going to test it with a standardized test?
• If you really want it taught, are you going to test it with a standardized test?
• it with a taught, are you going to test it with a standardized<01:49:29.360><c> test?
• </c> Hampshire expect in test results. Hampshire expect in test results.
• So they can exclude certain people based on means testing. We no longer have means testing.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The second change is on page five, line 17, after 'test,' we're adding: investor-owned electric utilities
• may calculate the benefit of avoided utility greenhouse gas emissions beyond the utility cost test to
• that Madam Chair and committee, what a UCT test is, and I'm going to explain that in a moment.
• The PRC has indicated that the current statute, which identifies the utility cost tests as a test that
• must be utilized statute, which identifies the utility cost tests as a test that must be utilized to

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 254, which would allow investor-owned electric utilities to include avoided greenhouse gas emissions in evaluating the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency resources. The sponsor explained an amendment making the emissions calculation optional for utilities, while requiring the Public Regulation Commission to consider it if a utility elects to use it. Utilities, energy efficiency advocates, and environmental groups supported the bill, saying it would help expand energy efficiency programs, lower bills, and better reflect emissions benefits. After brief questions about prior concerns, the committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill on a unanimous due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 185, which would change the process for suspending school board members so the Secretary of Education could suspend individual members rather than only an entire board. The sponsors and supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, protect good board members from being punished for others’ misconduct, and create a clearer process with notice, remedial action, and appeal rights. School superintendents and some current and former school board members supported the bill, but the New Mexico School Boards Association and several board members opposed it, saying it was vague, threatened local control, and gave too much power to an appointed official. After extensive debate, the committee voted 4-5 against the do pass motion, and the bill failed in committee. The committee next considered House Memorial 29, condemning the U.S. invasion of Venezuela. The memorial sponsor said it was intended to oppose the administration’s actions and affirm democratic norms. A supporter from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry backed the memorial on moral and legal grounds. Representative Block raised multiple factual objections, arguing the memorial mischaracterized Nicolás Maduro’s status and the events in Venezuela. The committee amended the memorial to add the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, and the New Mexico congressional delegation as recipients, then passed it on a 6-3 vote after debate and vote explanations. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 93, which would raise the state income tax standard deduction to 205% of the federal standard deduction. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce tax burdens for New Mexicans and noted that staff and the tax department had determined nonresidents would only receive a prorated benefit under existing rules, so no amendment was needed. With no public testimony and no opposition, the committee moved the bill forward on a do pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not a standardized test, and standardized tests are not good for individuals.
• And so kids that are really good in math don't fear standardized math tests.
• And so if we up the instruction, it reduces a lot of that fear over standardized tests as well.
• You know, we talked earlier about standardized tests; that doesn't start till third grade.
• You know, with this bill, reading tests may only measure English skills, not bilingual learning.

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:

• According to the report, 62% of tests detected more than one drug in a single subject, and 90% of those
• who tested positive for alcohol also tested positive for one or more drugs.
• detected more than one drug in of tests detected more than one drug in a<00:12:57.440><c> single</c>
• :59.760><c> who</c> a single subject, and 90% of those who a single subject, and 90% of those who tested
• </c> tested positive for alcohol also tested tested positive for alcohol also tested positive<00:13:02.959

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We in education are slammed with data: what are your test scores? What are your test scores?
• So the test scores are usually in the spring.
• So it's early test scores provided to the districts, parents are informed.
• It sounds great, and we've all said we're still waiting on our test scores.
• They may not have the business skills, but if they can pass the test, and we can get them to pass a test

Transcript Highlights:

• So you did your homework, you test, you, you completed the witness affirmation form.
• second skills test.
• They instead of pivoted to reimagine the current test as it currently is. We'll see what comes out.
• Like, and we can actually design a test. Um, that fits the needs of, you know, the next 50 years.
• This test is, was, was conceived in the 1960s. There's never been another one.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:

• They are just concerned that we have students who are taking a tech-use test, not a test of academic
• Fourth-grade tests, their paper-pencil tests, to still have the option to do so.
• In Colorado, third- and fourth-grade students take the English CMAS test, the math CMAS test, and in
• Math CMAS test, and in fourth grade also the social studies CMAS test.
• And studies show that those who take online tests score generally lower than those taking paper tests

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> individual who is with me today to test individual who is with me today to test testify<02:58:48.479
• test test firing<03:17:54.439><c> uh</c><03:17:54.800><c> that</c><03:17:55.640><c> uh</c><03:17:56.080
• </c> wouldn't have errors in the testing is wouldn't have errors in the testing is that<03:21:38.399>
• can either test fire just they can either test fire themselves<03:29:44.880><c> and</c><03:29:45.080
• </c> and then we will take care of test and then we will take care of test firing<03:29:50.000><c> it

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• microstamped firearms, ...direct the state to establish standards and criteria for testing microstamped
• It might, and as we know, states are often looking to each other to see what ideas are being tested and
• I would just ask to have that be considered from a testing perspective from the law enforcement end.
• from a crime lab perspective how would some balustician or somebody from the crime lab be able to test
• access to testing should probably be a charge of this commission anyway, no matter what, because you

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology met to review its work on intentional microstamping and personalized firearms and to discuss draft recommendations for a final report. The co-chairs summarized testimony received from manufacturers, advocates, law enforcement, and officials from New Jersey, New York, and California. For microstamping, the discussion focused on how the technology could help trace spent casings, its limits in forensic use, and concerns about wear, tampering, implementation costs, and whether it would burden lawful gun owners. For personalized firearms, members reviewed testimony about biometric smart guns, their current commercial availability, higher cost, and potential benefits for preventing accidental shootings and unauthorized use, especially involving children and suicide prevention. Commissioners expressed a range of views. Several supported microstamping as a crime-solving tool and endorsed a recommendation that the legislature direct a feasibility and viability study, set standards and training, fund implementation, and create penalties for tampering. Others opposed microstamping, arguing it has not worked in other states, may not reduce crime, and could impose costs on manufacturers and owners. On personalized firearms, most commissioners supported encouraging the technology, but there was disagreement over whether to create a temporary sales tax exemption; some favored an incentive to promote adoption, while others opposed any tax subsidy for firearms or questioned whether the data justified it. The co-chairs said they would draft a report reflecting the majority consensus and circulate it for review before a final vote at a later meeting, likely in July. The commission also discussed which executive branch agency should conduct the microstamping feasibility study, with the Attorney General’s office and EOPSS mentioned as possibilities. The meeting ended with agreement to reconvene for final votes on the report and recommendations.