Video & Transcript : 'Arizona Long Term Care System' :
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think this current system Has a lot of financial constraints, and I think this current system has
- I'm sure—how long is it?
- states to advance evidence-based education policies focused on strong instruction, early detection, and long-term
- Strong math skills are foundational to student access into New Mexico's long-term economic competitiveness
- From the Chamber's perspective, early investment in math proficiency supports long-term economic growth
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.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Jan 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Civil Rights & Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know if that's in percentage terms or real terms, but it's down.
- of wage theft is more systemic rather than a one-off.
- First, as a component of a photo toll system.
- Number one, an LPR system is not a surveillance system.
- That's not long enough to do a criminal investigation.
Committee:
House Civil Rights & Judiciary
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And they come in and take care of it.
- The Omni system is the system that tracks this, apparently, right? Correct.
- But I think that as long as we address it, we can move forward.
- My husband is usually the one that takes care of the children's medical care, and he gives our son his
- And that's been the framework in Texas for a long time.
Bills:
HB1455 , HB1777 , HB2101 , HB2136 , HB2609 , HB3142 , HB3552 , HB3846 , HB4155 , HB4514 , HB4879 , HB4995 , HB5014 , HB5139 , HB5228 , HB5436 , HCR40
Keywords:
mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tourism Apr 15th, 2026
Special Committee on Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- that she went about her business, how she conducted herself, she never raised her voice, she took care
- of what she had to take care of.
- of what she had to take care of.
- I'm assuming it was Amtrak from Kansas City to Arizona. Would that have been on Amtrak? Correct.
- To Arizona. Would that have been on Amtrak? Okay, because that was a really cool ride.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tourism
Summary:
The Special Committee on Tourism first met in executive session and approved the Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1000, which concerns the tourism supplemental revenue fund and how its money is collected and distributed. The motion to do pass received 11 ayes and 0 noes.
In public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 2213, which would establish U.S. Grant Day in Missouri on April 27, Grant’s birthday. Representative Riggs described Grant’s many Missouri ties and his later legacy, and members offered supportive comments. No opposition was presented, and the hearing was closed without a vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1613, which would designate November 24 as Frankie Muse Freeman Day in Missouri. Senator Mosley and supporters emphasized Freeman’s civil rights work, especially in housing discrimination and voting rights, and witnesses spoke about her legacy and the importance of remembering segregation-era history. There was no opposition.
The committee also heard House Bill 3216, which would designate May 10 as Missouri River Runner Day to raise awareness of Amtrak’s River Runner route across Missouri. Representative Wilson explained the bill’s connection to Train Awareness Day and the route’s usefulness for travel across the state, including to Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Kansas City. A witness provided informational testimony about the broader rail network and tourism value, and members discussed train travel safety and access. No opposition was offered, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tourism Apr 15th, 2026
Special Committee on Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- that she went about her business, how she conducted herself, she never raised her voice, she took care
- of what she had to take care of.
- of what she had to take care of.
- I'm assuming it was Amtrak from Kansas City to Arizona. Would that have been on Amtrak?
- Correct. to Arizona. Would that have been on Amtrak? Okay, because that was a really cool ride.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tourism
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 2nd, 2026 at 08:33 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 213 creates a two-tiered system of surgical eye care, where rural and vulnerable patients are more
- So they could have been practicing in a country that is very similar to ours in terms of medical care
- ' electronic health record system to improve patient care outcomes, to improve access to health care
- systems?
- Louisiana focused On continuum expanding options like therapeutic foster care, intensive short-term residential
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jan 19th, 2026 at 08:33 am
Transcript Highlights:
- As a result, the state has limited visibility into the statewide impact and long-term sustainability.
- This report recommends that HCA adopt a framework with short, mid, and long-term goals.
- Long-term outcomes could be focused on health equity and chronic disease control and whether a sustainable
- Their outcome measures would help to distinguish the short-term stabilization from long-term progress
- Early revenue alone is not a reliable indicator of long-term sustainability because startup factors,
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- and in the long term.
- and in the long term.
- The DPU proposes instead that we do long-term repairs that would cost considerably...
- The DPU proposes instead that we do long-term repairs that would cost considerably less.
- Preventable diseases create preventable strain on the health care system and the state budget.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards.
The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs.
Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know if that's percentage terms or real terms, but since it's down.
- of wage theft is more systemic rather than a one-off.
- First, as a component of a photo toll system.
- Number one, an LPR system is not a surveillance system.
- That's not long enough to do a criminal investigation.
Summary:
On January 20, 2026, the committee held public hearings on House Bill 2102, House Bill 2161, and House Bill 2332. HB 2102 would sharply limit legal financial obligations by prohibiting courts from imposing costs unless specifically authorized by statute, repealing many fees and interest on restitution, and making eliminated debts unenforceable and satisfied. The sponsor and supporters argued that LFOs are harmful, inconsistently applied, and create uncollectable debt that burdens indigent defendants and hinders reentry. Opponents, including local government and collections representatives, warned the bill would shift costs to cities and counties, reduce accountability tools, and could cost local jurisdictions millions. No vote was taken.
HB 2161 would expand the Attorney General’s authority to issue civil investigative demands for possible violations involving civil rights, labor standards, jail standards, immigration-related restrictions, and police use-of-force laws. Supporters from the Attorney General’s office, labor groups, and civil rights advocates said the bill would make investigations faster and more effective, especially in wage theft and discrimination cases, while not changing substantive enforcement authority. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and business groups argued the bill was overbroad, lacked sufficient standards, and could create due process, confidentiality, and separation-of-powers concerns. Members asked about safeguards, and staff and the AGO described court challenge procedures and internal review standards. No action was taken.
HB 2332 would regulate automated license plate readers used by state and local agencies, generally limiting use to specified law enforcement, parking, toll, and transportation purposes, restricting sharing and retention, and prohibiting uses tied to immigration enforcement or protected health care. The sponsor and privacy, immigrant-rights, and reproductive-rights advocates said the bill was needed to prevent misuse of sensitive location data and to close loopholes that could allow out-of-state or federal access. Law enforcement, cities, vendors, and some business and campus representatives supported privacy guardrails but said the 72-hour retention limit, warrant requirements, and other restrictions were too strict and could hinder investigations, victim recovery, and parking enforcement. The hearing ended with testimony still underway and no vote or final action reported.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine the legislative presentation of The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and multi VSOs: Paralyzed Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Student Veterans Mar 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It's absolutely integral to the VA's continuing of long-term care. long-term care services, but it's
- is the rock of our VA health care system.
- VA's preeminent system of care for veterans. with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
- was introduced to the VA's SCID system of care.
- The SCID system of care has been short hundreds of nurses for years.
Committee:
Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs
Keywords:
veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation
Summary:
During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Nov 5th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, there's volatility, but if you look at it over the long term, that's what you're getting in your
- But if you look over the long term, the S&P 500 has been a fairly accurate arbiter of maintaining and
- That's our long-term projection on how we're going to increase, but the bottom one is dollars on how
- You know, we don't care about short-term returns. We're long-term investors.
- Historically, long-term budget planning was pretty much impossible for New Mexico because we were so
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Jul 31st, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- been approved and awarded to the state through the Bipartisan American Rescue Plan Act to address the long-term
- In February, New Mexico, along with Arizona and Michigan, led a 13-state lawsuit to stop Elon Musk and
- So in that scenario, that's kind of like the clearest indication of the terms of the grants of money
- I want to say that there is still hope for long-term accountability, and I think I will ask this question
- in response to Representative Herrera's questions in terms of lawsuits.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Because emergency powers for spending are meant for hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding, not long-term
- I don't care. Here's what I care about. I got to sit there and beg.
- I don't care what you spend the money on, as long as you take care and raise your own children first.
- You spend the money on as long as you take care and raise your own children first.
- This is the next step to really cement those long-term relationships.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing visiting groups and guests, including college students and leaders, health and nonprofit organizations, Catholic Days at the Capitol participants, foreign dignitaries from Morocco, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, with remarks honoring the Parkland community and the school safety law that followed.
The chamber then took up a special order calendar of bills, beginning with several claims bills and local relief measures. SB 14 for Jose Correa against Miami-Dade County passed 37-1, and HB 6517 for A. Sanchez-Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg passed after substitution. HB 6515 for Lordes Latour and Edward Lator against Miami-Dade County also passed 38-1. The Senate then approved SB 52 on volunteer armed security at places of worship (39-0), SB 124 updating Florida Virtual School statutes (39-0), SB 504 on code inspector body cameras (39-0), and SB 506 on related public records (38-1).
A lengthy debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Several senators argued for tighter oversight and supported an amendment by Senator Berman that would have limited fund use and required Legislative Budget Commission approval for continued spending; that amendment failed 12-27. The underlying bill then passed 29-10. Senators also adopted SB 594 on local housing assistance for mobile home owners (39-0), SB 656 strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children programs (39-0), SB 806 creating right-to-repair protections for wireless devices and agricultural equipment (39-0), SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute (39-0), SM 1186 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure by voice vote, SB 308 creating the Florida Museum of Black History with a late-filed amendment clarifying ex officio nonvoting legislative members (39-0), and SB 572 updating ethics law to include foster children and foster parents, as amended (38-0). The Senate also withdrew SB 1360 from further consideration, certified passed bills to the House, and adjourned until February 19.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a serious short-term impediment to us.
- It's a serious short-term impediment to us.
- You've passed the electric sector modernization plans in 2022, which enabled long-term grid planning
- the implementation processes on pieces of the electric sector modernization plans and notably that long-term
- The developer who spends the money on the system would apply it to the cost of the system.
Summary:
The hearing focused on ways Massachusetts can accelerate solar deployment, lower costs, and preserve reliability as electricity demand rises and federal support for solar and other renewables changes. Chair Creem opened by emphasizing solar’s role in meeting climate mandates and peak demand, citing June heat-wave data showing behind-the-meter solar reduced wholesale prices and saved ratepayers money. Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney of DOER said Massachusetts has grown from 3 MW of solar in 2008 to 3.5 GW today, highlighted SMART 3.0 as a flexible, evergreen incentive program, and said DOER is working on updated rates, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, net crediting, and a petition to the DPU to speed implementation. She also said Massachusetts joined the lawsuit over canceled federal Solar for All funding.
Committee members and witnesses discussed several policy changes to speed projects before federal tax credits expire, including automated permitting, remote inspections, faster interconnection, and changes to caps on municipal and regional solar development. Senator Barrett pressed Mahoney on whether the 10 MW municipal cap and regional caps should be lifted, and on whether the state should increase its solar tax credit to offset the loss of the federal residential credit. Mahoney said the municipal cap should be revisited and that interconnection cost allocation and other market issues need to be worked out before lifting broader caps. She also said DOER is open to automated permitting and is already developing a permitting portal under the 2024 climate law.
Industry and advocacy witnesses largely supported streamlining measures. Sunrun’s Bronte Payne urged removal of a proposed requirement that all net-metered facilities enroll in SMART, and recommended automated permitting, remote inspections, flexible interconnection, better hosting-capacity information, consumer protections, and continued support for Connected Solutions and virtual power plants. Permit Power’s Hannah Bernbaum and Solar App’s Matthew McAllister argued that smart permitting and remote inspections can significantly reduce soft costs and delays, with McAllister saying Solar App now operates in over 320 jurisdictions and saves about three weeks on average. They said remote inspections are already common and can be done safely with photos, video, and qualified third parties. Community solar and clean energy advocates, including CCSA’s Kate Daniel and Vote Solar’s Lindsay Griffin, supported a 10 GW solar target by 2035, a higher refundable state tax credit for low-income households, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, and preserving the option to build outside SMART so projects can retain renewable energy certificates. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members requested follow-up materials and draft language from witnesses.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Agencies were better prepared for fiscal year 27 and found opportunities for long-term efficiencies.
- The focus was on minimizing long-term harm while addressing the immediate fiscal challenge.
- The focus was on minimizing long-term harm while addressing the immediate fiscal challenge.
- Governor Little's enduring Idaho plan protects the programs foundational to Idaho's long-term prosperity
- Importantly, this budget protects key investments that support Idaho's long-term economic growth.
Summary:
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee opened its session with roll call, confirmed a quorum, and introduced new co-chairs, members, pages, and legislative staff. Committee leaders emphasized the heavy workload ahead, the role of JFAC as the legislature’s budget-writing committee, and the importance of using LSO staff, impact team analysts, and other resources. Staff then reviewed the committee’s website tools, budget publications, session record, budget highlights, and the 10-week hearing schedule, including upcoming presentations on the governor’s budget, LSO analysis, health insurance costs, the economic outlook, and the first budget hearings.
Administrator Lori Wolf of the Division of Financial Management presented Governor Little’s FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget recommendations, describing them as balanced and built around “enduring Idaho values.” She said the budget responds to slower revenue growth and economic uncertainty with early action, including a 3% holdback, vacancy reductions, and one-time transfers of unused balances and interest earnings to the general fund. Major proposed reductions included ongoing cuts across state agencies, no change in employee compensation, higher employee health insurance costs, reductions to Medicaid, changes to virtual school and Idaho Digital Learning Academy funding, and no transfer from the budget stabilization fund. She also outlined support for rural health grants, graduate medical education, and implementation of Medicaid reforms and federal tax conformity beginning January 1, 2026.
Committee members questioned the assumptions behind the revenue forecast, the use of one-time funds, the impact of higher health insurance costs on employees, the size and timing of tax conformity, and the proposed cuts to online education and IDLA. Several members raised concerns that the budget relied too heavily on projected revenue and policy changes, while Wolf and co-chair Groh said the budget was intentionally conservative, preserved reserves, and avoided using stabilization funds. No votes were taken during the meeting; the committee concluded after the budget presentation and questions, with plans to continue hearings the next day.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee REVISED: Agency presentation times revised Jan 20th, 2026 at 09:00 am
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not meant to blow the doors off because we're looking at the long term.
- There's no short-term solution for this. It'll be a long-term effort.
- term.
- , and aligning resources to long-term workforce and accountability goals.
- So, with the current system, it.
Committee:
House A&B Education Subcommittee
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Agencies were better prepared for fiscal year 27, and found opportunities for long-term efficiencies.
- The focus was on minimizing long-term harm while addressing the immediate fiscal challenge.
- The focus was on minimizing long-term harm while addressing the immediate fiscal challenge.
- Governor Little's Enduring Idaho Plan protects the programs foundational to Idaho's long-term prosperity
- Importantly, this budget protects key investments that support Idaho's long-term economic growth.
Summary:
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee opened the session with roll call, confirmed a quorum, and introduced new members, staff, and pages. Co-chairs and staff then reviewed JFAC’s role as the legislature’s main budget committee, the committee’s daily schedule, and the resources available through legislative staff, the impact team, and the newly released 2026 Legislative Budget Book and related budget tools.
The committee received a detailed briefing from the Division of Financial Management on the JFAC calendar and then from Governor’s Budget Director Lori Wolf on the governor’s FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget recommendations. Wolf said the budget is balanced but tight, relying on a mix of ongoing reductions and one-time actions rather than reserve fund transfers. Major budget actions included a 3% ongoing reduction across most state agencies, reversions of certain one-time balances to the general fund, no recommended pay increase for state employees or teachers, and higher employee health insurance costs. The budget also proposed reductions or policy changes in Medicaid, virtual school funding, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, and some transportation and water-related funds, while preserving funding for public safety, education, water, and transportation priorities.
Members questioned the assumptions behind the budget, especially the projected ending balances, the use of one-time transfers, the impact of rising health insurance costs on employees, the effect of Medicaid cuts on services and cost shifts, and the rationale for reductions to online education and IDLA. Several members also asked about the proposed federal tax conformity changes, including the timing of implementation and the treatment of Idaho’s existing R&E tax credit. Wolf said the conformity estimate was based on Tax Commission analysis and that the administration was not recommending use of the budget stabilization fund. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee concluded by noting that the Economic Outlook Committee would meet later in the week and that JFAC would continue budget hearings the next day.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- and other systems.
- It's really about setting that long-term vision and you all as lawmakers playing a role in helping to
- One of those is academic design, and another is around governance and systems.
- The state really is in need of a system that recognizes both short and long-term goals, thinks about
- So, it's really a long answer to say we have been thinking about governance.
Committee:
Senate Senate Education
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Sep 10th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But what is Pre-K's effect long-term?
- When LFC last evaluated New Mexico's Pre-K system in early 2020, the Early Childhood Education and Care
- It really is critical and has been determined through decades of research that it is the key to long-term
- It has been determined through decades of research that it truly is the key to long-term success and
- So what's the long-term answer to that? That.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- oversight, SB 131 limits municipalities' ability to balance housing goals with community character and long-term
- construction industry, this bill means more buildable projects, better use of existing infrastructure, and long-term
- You can go and get your stubbed toe taken care of in urgent care.
- We do have calls, certain calls that we could be turfing, for lack of better terms, to an urgent care
- We could be turfing, for lack of better terms, to an urgent care.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 211, which would appropriate $5 million for the Las Vegas Rodriguez Park. Senator Campos said the money would help continue upgrades to baseball, softball, and little league fields and address fencing, flooding, and other park improvements as part of a larger regional park plan. There was no public opposition, and the bill received a unanimous do pass recommendation, 7-0.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 131, a broad housing and zoning reform measure sponsored by Senator Maestas. The bill would allow more housing types by right, including accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes, apartments in commercial zones, small-scale commercial uses in neighborhoods, and would eliminate minimum parking mandates; an amendment to remove height restrictions was adopted unanimously. Supporters, including Pew, housing advocates, chambers of commerce, builders, and some local officials, argued the bill would increase supply, lower costs, and modernize outdated zoning. Opponents, including the Realtors, Municipal League, neighborhood representatives, and several senators, argued it would preempt local control, ignore community differences, and could create infrastructure and neighborhood impacts. After extended debate, the committee tabled SB 131 by a recorded vote.
Senate Bill 183 was next, proposing a feasibility study for a regional urgent care or emergency facility in Torrance County. The sponsor and local officials described long ambulance transports, heavy use of I-40, and the need for quicker access to care for rural residents and travelers. The bill drew support from a former hospital administrator and no opposition, and it passed 9-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 222, which would appropriate $20 million for physician residency programs outside the federal system to help retain doctors in New Mexico. The sponsor and supporters said the state loses many medical graduates because of limited residency slots, while one witness urged accountability for large hospital systems. Some senators questioned the premise and feasibility, but the bill advanced on a 6-4 do pass vote to Finance.