Transcript Highlights:

• So, first step, New Mexico used to have a vehicle inspection that began in 1959 and was discontinued
• Not we in New Mexico. My grandson drives a 2000 Dodge. It's a 2016 Dodge.
• A typical study, do you have any idea what it would cost the state of New Mexico to actually do the study
• of New Mexico on those.
• At some point, we have to stop over-regulating the citizens of New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• We certainly want to be part of the solution for our veterans in the state of New Mexico.
• We certainly want to be part of the solution for our veterans in the state of New Mexico, as eloquently
• I represent 2,000-ish firefighters, professional firefighters across the state of New Mexico.
• One of the problems is New Mexico is an extremely rural state, and a lot of times veterans, especially
• I'd like to reach every possible veteran in the state of New Mexico.

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee met with a quorum and heard two bills from Representative Martinez. House Bill 56 would appropriate $1 million to the Department of Veterans Services to expand behavioral health and suicide prevention efforts for veterans. Supporters, including the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Veterans Services, the Disability Coalition, New Mexico Professional Firefighters, the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus, and NAMI New Mexico, said the funding would help veterans navigate a difficult system, improve outreach in rural areas, and address New Mexico’s high veteran suicide rate and related alcohol and drug deaths. Committee members asked about whether the program was new or an expansion of an existing effort, how services would be delivered, and whether outreach would reach homeless and rural veterans. The secretary explained that the bill would augment an existing Suicide Prevention Act program, use contracts with outside providers rather than direct services, and require two term employees for contract management and outreach. The committee voted 7-1 to give HB 56 a due pass and send it to the next committee. The committee then heard House Bill 55, which would create an income tax deduction for retirement income earned by first responders, similar to an existing benefit for military retirees. Supporters argued it would help recruit and retain firefighters, law enforcement, and other first responders, and could encourage retirees to move to New Mexico and contribute economically. Several members raised concerns about the fiscal impact, the lack of a sunset, the narrow definition of first responder, and Taxation and Revenue Department concerns that the bill could reduce general fund revenue by about $6.1 million in the first year and might not attract retirees on its own. The sponsor said he had not yet met with Tax and Rev but would do so, and noted he was open to a sunset if it helped the bill move forward. Despite concerns, the committee voted 7-1 to pass HB 55 to the next committee, with members explaining their votes and emphasizing that the bill would receive further vetting in Tax and Revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, let's join the other 21 states, including all of our neighboring border states of Louisiana,
• Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, who have done away with this front license plate requirement.
• It's because the state citizens of the state of Texas no longer want a front license plate.
• Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico don't have the front license plate.
• New Mexico doesn't have license plates at all, but that's OK. So I throw that.

Bills: HB408 , HB787 , HB 1029 , HB 1126 , HB 1136 , HB1607

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and excelled as a vocalist in high school and at church, winning
• Public hearings before new sites were approved for state liquor stores.
• In 2010, Wendy and Mark moved from San Diego to Belen, New Mexico, just outside of Albuquerque, and she
• Wendy passed away peacefully at her home in New Mexico, surrounded by her family, on November 23, 2025
• It's the used car dealers in the state of Idaho policing themselves to make their industry work better

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Mexico, Ms. Leger Fernandez, for...
• The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Mexico, Ms. Leger Fernandez, for five minutes.
• Madam Speaker, New Mexico and Washington State rise today to honor the life of Jennifer Juniper Blessing
• Juniper was my constituent and attended the New Mexico School for the Arts High School.
• The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Mexico, Ms. Stansbury, for five minutes. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, more students came into the state than had left the state.
• In Texas, it's required; EOP monitoring is required, as it is in Ohio, in New Mexico, and in California
• In Texas, it's required, EOP monitoring is required, as is in Ohio, in New Mexico, in California.
• In New Mexico, then California. There was no identified compliance requirement in Colorado.
• Of those states, there's one and a half staff members in New Mexico for monitoring compliance with the

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then acted as the Education Committee of Reference for three required reviews. The first was the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board sunset review. A governor’s office representative explained the board was created in 2016 to help qualifying schools, mostly charter schools, obtain lower-cost financing by guaranteeing debt with a $100 million fund. He said the board has approved 15 projects, has not met recently because it is at its statutory leverage limit, and has no dedicated staff or budget. Members supported continuation, and the committee voted by voice vote to recommend the board be continued for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The committee then heard the sunset review of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE leadership described its regional higher education compact and its student exchange and cost-savings programs, including WUE, WRGP, and PSEP. They said the programs save Arizona students money, bring students into Arizona institutions, and help address workforce shortages, especially in health care. A WICHE commissioner and the Arizona Board of Regents executive director also testified in support, emphasizing benefits for Arizona students, universities, and workforce pipelines. The committee voted by voice vote to recommend WICHE be continued for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The final item was the Auditor General’s performance audit of the Arizona Department of Education school safety program. The audit found the program had grown to more than $128 million and funded over 1,000 school safety positions, but ADE did not ensure many sampled schools complied with requirements such as operational plans, safety teams, annual training, activity logs, and reimbursement documentation. The Auditor General said the department relied too heavily on written attestations and lacked sufficient monitoring and guidance, and recommended stronger oversight, written procedures, and better review of reimbursements. ADE’s school safety director responded that the department had expanded training and documentation systems, was implementing the audit recommendations, and had begun risk-based monitoring; he also said the department would add staff and invited the Auditor General to meet with ADE and ASU’s evaluator. After the audit discussion, the committee began considering House Bill 2142, which would create a school safety center at ADE and allow up to 10% of school safety program funds for administration, with members raising questions about monitoring emergency operations plans, disability-related evacuation planning, and coordination with other state agencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• state law.
• them, or a new Secretary of State or anybody, same thing: they come down here and they lobby us, and
• We're trying to get new commercial grills and new commercial refrigerators and freezers.
• state.
• of Washington, the state of Arizona, the state of Louisiana, looking at New Orleans, the state of California

Bills: HB2056 , HB2202 , HB2207 , HB2224 , HB2303 , HB2344 , HB2532 , HB2759 , HB2798

Committees: House Appropriations , House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Keywords: brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• So, looking forward to working with all of you and moving New Mexico forward.
• So, it borders Mexico and El Paso, Texas, as well as Mexico. State.
• I moved to New Mexico in 1992 because, as a queer person, New Mexico is a safer state than it was in
• They belong to the people of the state of New Mexico, and our job is to steward them appropriately.
• I'm born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not speak for the state.
• We do not speak for the state.
• What of the blue line police flag?
• What of the blue line police flag?
• This is about mass censorship in the state.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and took up two bills and one presentation. Senate Bill 108, on administrative procedures, was presented by Senator Burgess on behalf of Senator Grall. The bill would require agencies to systematically review rules over five years old, submit annual regulatory plans and reports, and take action on reviewed rules; it also would speed publication of proposed rules after new rulemaking authority and expand transparency for incorporated materials and rule histories. Americans for Prosperity appeared in support, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard a presentation from State Board of Administration Executive Director Chris Spencer on implementation of statutory investment restrictions affecting state funds. He reviewed the SBA’s structure and fiduciary duties, said the agency must maximize financial return using only pecuniary factors, and described the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions involving Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He noted recent changes, including expanded Iran restrictions after the October 7 attacks, the addition of China-related divestment requirements, and the SBA’s move to eliminate China and Hong Kong from its global equity benchmarks; he said the agency is ahead of schedule on required divestment and in compliance with the law. Senate Bill 100, on display of flags by governmental entities, was then presented by Chair Fine. The bill would prohibit political flags on government buildings and allow active-duty service members and veterans to use reasonable force to stop flag desecration. The committee heard extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing government buildings should not display political messages and opponents raising First Amendment, vagueness, and enforcement concerns, especially regarding LGBTQ-related flags and school settings. Senators also questioned the bill’s definitions and the reasonable-force provision. After debate, the committee voted to report SB 100 favorably, with Senators Arrington and Polsky voting no and Senators Brodeur, McClain, Rodriguez, Fine, and Chair DeSiglie voting yes. At the end of the meeting, Senator Rodriguez was recorded as voting yes on SB 108, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This was all local police. This was all done by our county sheriffs, not Maryland State Police.
• This was all local police. This was all done by our county sheriffs, not Maryland State Police.
• This was all local police. This was all done by our county sheriffs, not Maryland State Police.
• This was all local police. This was all done by our county sheriffs, not Maryland State Police.
• This was all local police. This was all done by our county sheriffs, not Maryland State Police.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Secretary of State and county clerks administer elections in New Mexico.
• For instance, in New Mexico, elections use a centralized procurement system with the Secretary of State
• Furthermore, New Mexico, like other states, doesn't assess the quality of its election administration
• of New Mexico with a voting system you have to be certified to federal and state election security standards
• How does federal money come into the state of New Mexico?

Transcript Highlights:

• Because some of the problems I have with the MVD right now is in rural New Mexico.
• Do you have any idea what it would cost the state of New Mexico to actually do the study?
• Do you have any idea what it would cost the state of New Mexico to actually do the study?
• of New Mexico on those roads.
• And at some point, we have to stop over-regulating the citizens of New Mexico.

Summary: The committee heard House Memorial 23, which asks the Motor Vehicle Division and the Regulation and Licensing Department to study whether New Mexico should reestablish a statewide motor vehicle safety inspection program. The sponsor and expert witness argued that modern vehicles are far more complex than when the old program ended in the 1970s, and cited studies from Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Carnegie Mellon, and an international inspection organization suggesting safety inspections are associated with fewer fatalities. They said the study should examine feasibility, costs, where inspections would be conducted, what vehicles would be covered, and whether small businesses could be certified to perform inspections, similar to Bernalillo County’s emissions model. Several members raised concerns about added costs, burdens on rural drivers, possible lawsuits against inspection businesses, and whether the memorial was drafted as a study of benefits rather than a balanced look at pros and cons. Some questioned whether the Regulation and Licensing Department had the capacity to take on the work and whether the program would effectively become another mandate or fee. Supporters emphasized that unsafe vehicles endanger not only drivers but others on the road, and noted that the study could also consider subsidies for low-income drivers and the impact on areas with higher traffic density. The committee discussed how inspections might work, including whether they would cover physical components like tires, brakes, steering, and axles as well as electronic safety systems such as lane assist and collision avoidance. The presenter said commercial vehicles already face separate inspection requirements and that tribal lands and pueblos would not be covered. After public comment, the committee voted to pass the memorial on a roll call vote, with several members voting yes and others voting no; one member explained her no vote as opposition to added regulation and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• can get their voting rights back and also to require the Pardons and Parole Board and Secretary of State
• And I would hope that the DAs around the state, given that factual scenario, would not want to prosecute
• at the top of the list almost in the country for the number of people we have incarcerated in the state
• the DAs around the state given that factual<00:13:45.519><c> scenario</c><00:13:46.160><c> would</c>
• </c> incarcerated in the state of Alabama. incarcerated in the state of Alabama.

Bills: SB24 , SB83 , SB142 , SB140 , SB94 , SB24 , SB83 , SB142 , SB140 , SB94 , HB132 , HB37 , HB51 , HB105 , HB54 , HB7 , HB158 , HB188 , HB189 , HB111 , HB13 , HB192 , HB149 , HB132 , HB37 , HB51 , HB105 , HB54 , HB7 , HB158 , HB188 , HB189 , HB111 , HB13 , HB192 , HB149

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: body-worn camera, public records, law enforcement transparency, recording disclosure, civil rights, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities, historic property

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on State Affairs.
• Committee on State Affairs.
• Committee on State Affairs.
• She has left in Elif, in our state, and across the hearts of the world of all who make new grace.
• On State Affairs.

Bills: HJR98 , HJR8 , HJR133 , HB23 , HB33 , HB144 , HB 109 , HB 103 , HB148 , HB3809 , HB1686 , HB2217 , HB2156 , HB220 , HB2421 , HB2363 , HB3773 , HB421 , HB2584 , HB2615 , HB2455 , HB3711 , HB2559 , HB3747 , HB2775 , HB2886 , HB3126 , HB3666 , HB3595 , HB3260 , HB3506 , HB1638 , HB3376 , HB3826 , HB3628 , HB1349 , HB3770 , HB1831 , HB1762 , HB2614 , HB3113 , HB267 , HB322 , HB431 , HB869 , HB 1203 , HB 1201 , HB 1244 , HB1875 , HB1950 , HB2152 , HB2290 , HB2341 , HB2436 , HB2809 , HB2856 , HB3012 , HB2954 , HCR56 , HCR102 , HB 107 , HB1587 , HB3684 , HB658 , HJR99 , HB1399 , HJR5 , HJR2 , HJR6 , HJR31 , HB1971 , SJR3 , HB1775 , HJR72 , HB502 , HB3109 , HJR98 , HJR8 , HJR133 , HB 118 , HB388 , HB 114 , HB205 , HB2789 , HB2791 , HB499 , HB2960 , HB3163 , HB3135 , HB2427 , HB1618 , HB1672 , HB1722 , HB1338 , HB787 , HB2618 , HB879 , HB 1126 , HB4134 , HB3513 , HB718 , HB1536 , HB1445 , HB1640 , HB1893 , HB1734 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB 1276 , HB3272 , HB3276 , HB3516 , HB4145 , HB1585 , HB4810 , HB2989 , HB2558 , HB3014 , HB2742 , HB1695 , HB23 , HB33 , HB144 , HB 109 , HB 103 , HB148 , HB3809 , HB1686 , HB2217 , HB2156 , HB220 , HB2421 , HB2363 , HB3773 , HB421 , HB2584 , HB2615 , HB2455 , HB3711 , HB2559 , HB3747 , HB2775 , HB2886 , HB3126 , HB3666 , HB3595 , HB3260 , HB3506 , HB1638 , HB3376 , HB3826 , HB3628 , HB1349 , HB3770 , HB1831 , HB1762 , HB2614 , HB3113 , HB267 , HB322 , HB431 , HB869 , HB 1203 , HB 1201 , HB 1244 , HB1875 , HB1950 , HB2152 , HB2290 , HB2341 , HB2436 , HB2809 , HB2856 , HB3012 , HB2954 , HCR56 , HCR102

Transcript Highlights:

• Mexico State Senate.
• He's currently a junior at New Mexico State, and he's studying criminal justice.
• legislature and for the state of New Mexico.
• We have 12 of these universities in the state of New Mexico. I apologize, Mr. President.
• We have 12 of these universities in the state of New Mexico.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum on Valentine’s Day and spent much of the opening portion on ceremonial remarks, guest introductions, and announcements tied to Early Childhood Day, the New Mexico State Bar’s anniversary, and other Valentine’s-themed recognitions. Senators also approved several unanimous-consent requests excusing members from the chamber. The body then received House messages announcing passage of House Joint Resolution 6, House Bill 166, House Bill 295 as amended, House Joint Memorials 2 and 3, and House Joint Resolution 5 as amended. Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including Senate Memorial 27, Senate Memorial 21, House bills 10, 12, 34, and 63, Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 261, Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 151, and Senate Memorials 3 and 16, which were reported as duly enrolled and signed in open session. The Senate also introduced and referred House Bill 166 to Judiciary, House Bill 295 to Finance, House Joint Resolution 6 and House Joint Memorials 2 and 3 to Rules. The main floor action was final passage of Senate Bill 306, which updates New Mexico’s private post-secondary authorization framework to align with federal accreditation terminology and standards; it passed 42-0 after brief questions about tribal colleges and online institutions. The Senate then debated Senate Conservation Committee substitute for Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, which would require large microgrids over 20 megawatts to meet renewable-energy standards, file annual energy and water reports with the PRC, and address utility cost-shifting concerns. Supporters said it would add oversight and protect air, water, and consumers, while opponents argued it would create uncertainty, discourage major economic development, and undercut a recent policy change allowing microgrids. The debate was ongoing in the excerpt, with no final vote shown for SB 235.

Transcript Highlights:

• On Valentine's Day, to our New Mexico lawmakers from New Mexico families.
• of New Mexico that your state House rose to the call and that we took on this hard issue and we have
• are already allowed to practice in the state of New Mexico.
• Speaker, gentlelady, are you talking about the need for projects in the state of New Mexico?
• Speaker, gentlelady, are you talking about the need for projects in the state of New Mexico?

Bills: HB145 , HB164 , HR1 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HB99 , HB206 , HB213 , HB270 , SB104 , SB193 , HB38 , HB254 , HB256 , SB58 , SB64 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM29 , HM43 , HM59 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB253

Summary: The House opened with quorum, invocation, pledge, and several announcements recognizing guests and Early Childhood Day at the Roundhouse, including remarks supporting New Mexico’s universal child care efforts. The chamber then received and adopted a long series of committee reports, moving multiple bills forward, including HB 303, SB 96, HB 195, HB 279, HB 292 (with a Judiciary substitute), SB 30, HB 234, SB 35, SB 40, SB 43, HB 153 (with an Appropriations substitute), HB 253, HB 255, HB 287, HB 371 (with an Appropriations substitute), SB 143, HB 248 (with a Taxation and Revenue substitute), HB 309, SB 48, and enrollment/signing reports for memorials. The House also received Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for SB 41, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for certain sexual crimes and was referred to Judiciary. The main floor debate centered on House Judiciary Committee substitute for HB 99, a medical malpractice reform bill. Supporters said it would balance patient compensation with provider stability by capping punitive damages, raising the burden of proof for punitive damages, and limiting when such claims can be pleaded. Several members described the bill as the product of months of bipartisan work and argued it would help retain doctors, especially in rural areas. The House passed HB 99 on final passage by a vote of 16-3. The House also passed HB 66, expanding the health care provider loan repayment program, by 69-0; HB 306, addressing unexpected patient-facing facility fees, by 69-0; HB 38, adding wheelchairs to insurance coverage for certain prostheses-related benefits, by 69-0; HB 20, allowing Native American applicants to request a distinguishing designation on driver’s licenses and ID cards, by 66-3; and HB 253, preserving and regulating virtual education with an emergency clause, by 69-0. The chamber then took up HB 213, which expands optometrists’ scope of practice to include certain laser eye procedures. A proposed amendment requiring patients to sign a disclosure acknowledging that optometrists are not MDs or DOs and did not attend medical school was debated at length, with supporters framing it as informed consent and opponents calling it demeaning and unnecessary. The House tabled that amendment 35-19, and the underlying bill continued in debate at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• state of New Jersey.
• That everything that we see here in Santa Fe or in New Mexico is reflected nationally or in other states
• for New Mexico.
• It will be interesting to see whether families appreciate the fact that New Mexico State, ECECD folks
• My grandsons are currently involved in a family infant toddler program out of state, out of New Mexico

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Here's what we get from Mexico. We get 85% of our strawberries from Mexico.
• imports from Mexico. 90% of our avocados from Mexico.
• Which is great news.
• In my home state, the great state of Tennessee, it takes its name from Tenasee, a historic Cherokee Overhill
• United States Black Hawk helicopter.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which includes our seven universities here in New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico University in Portales
• , Mexico State, down in Las Cruces, New Mexico Tech in Socorro, Washington Mexico University in Silver
• City, of course, University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and New Mexico Highlands University in Las
• Mexico to manufacture over a quarter of a billion dollars worth of new scopes here in the state.
• Mexico the nuclear state.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Madam Chair, Senate Bill 12 would make New Mexico the only state in the nation that would offer a
• Would make New Mexico the only state in the nation that would offer a direct tax credit to all active
• practice doctors in the state, and it would make New Mexico the state that has the highest rural doctor
• of New Mexico.
• Turns out New Mexico is the only state in the country.

Bills: SB12 , SB13

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation