Transcript Highlights:

• If discussion helps generate this, I invite it.
• So this is a... ...generation of activists, a lot of them, a lot of us, and people older than me.
• And multi-generational to me is more of a continuum: 20, 40, 60, 80—we're multi-generational.
• Of a continuum: 20, 40, 60, 80, or multi-generational.
• Stop with the generation sniping. Gen Xers are not lazy. Millennials do care. Thank you, Todd.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming its first full-time director, Alison Bauer, who introduced her background in state government, public health, philanthropy, teaching, and LGBTQ family advocacy. Commissioners approved the December meeting minutes and then turned to the main presentation, a DEI workshop led by Adriana Boulin of Fenway Health and Boston Pride for the People. Boulin guided members through an interactive “power flower” exercise to define diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and power, and to reflect on personal values, identities, and the conditions that support or diminish power. Commissioners and guests shared examples of successful DEI work in their lives and in the commission’s work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, targeted recruitment, the strategic plan, the commission website, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights. The discussion also included the history of intersectionality and how multiple identities can create both barriers and advantages. The group then applied an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priority on representation and inclusion. Members discussed the need for greater racial, ethnic, gender, trans, immigrant, and regional diversity, as well as barriers such as limited seats, appointment procedures, and the challenge of recruiting people who would otherwise be the only person of their identity in the room. Participants explored possible approaches including expanding seats legislatively, using advisory structures, and building relationships with organizations and potential appointers to broaden participation. The meeting ended with appreciation for the workshop and a reminder that the next quarterly meeting will be held in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the general fund by the endowment fund, and everybody is benefiting from the endowment fund, not
• that for the general fund by the endowment fund, and everybody is benefiting from the endowment fund
• We're generally high-performing in and out of the classroom.
• Vili, if you can give me some general language.
• So the general language is that wherever in this RS...

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 12 and 13, then recognized page Ethan Cowell for his service before moving into legislation. House Bill 599 was explained as a technical change to how funding for digital curriculum grants is awarded, shifting from first-come, first-served to a need-based application process using a rubric from the State Department of Education. The committee voted to send HB 599 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then introduced RS 33436, a proposal related to the state endowment fund. The sponsor said the measure would not change the amount of money distributed to schools, but would send endowment dollars directly to schools as a separate line item rather than blending them into the general school funding formula. After a brief question about average daily attendance, the committee voted to introduce the RS. House Bill 710, which would set a statewide public school start date of the Tuesday after Labor Day, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor argued for a uniform start date for predictability and said schools could adjust by shortening breaks, while opponents—including superintendents, the Idaho PTA, and the Idaho School Boards Association—said the bill would override local control, disrupt harvest schedules, and create problems for districts with four-day weeks or calendars built around community needs. The Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association supported the bill, saying later starts would help tourism businesses. After debate, a motion to send the bill to the floor without recommendation failed, and the committee then voted 9-5 to hold HB 710 in committee. Finally, the committee considered RS 33230C1, which would create a performance-based funding flexibility model for charter schools. The sponsor said it would reward strong academic, financial, and governance performance with greater spending flexibility. Members discussed whether similar flexibility should also be available to traditional school districts, but the sponsor did not agree to broaden the RS. An amended motion failed, and the committee then voted to introduce RS 33230C1.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that provides a general overview of the condition of the transportation system in New Mexico.
• Chair, are there any states that pay transportation department personnel costs out of general fund and
• If you wanted to have general fund pay for personnel, you give them the motor vehicle excise tax.
• From general funds, or as it was mentioned also a little before that by Representative Lundstrom, unless
• we were to make a big change, you know, and/or general fund picking up salaries are different.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the vacancy occurs in a legislative office or county office after the general election in a year that
• position may be open for filing during the regular filing period and a successor is elected at the general
• If general election ballots have already been ordered, votes cast for the deceased candidate at the general
• This applies to general elections that occur both with or without a primary.
• We just have some general safety concerns with drones.

Bills: HB2356, HB2574, HB2572, HB2460, HJR4212, HB2631, HB2333, HB2462, HB2419, HB2176, HB2491

Keywords: homicide, public records, transparency, law enforcement, victim rights, election, ballot, candidates, deceased, voting law, voting access, military voters, overseas voters, Native American voters, disabled voters, election reform, accessibility, ballot measures, vacancies, elected offices

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a clinical social worker here in Seattle, a second-generation social worker, as a matter of fact,
• They might be second-generation immigrants.
• We have received generous support from private donors like Microsoft and Amazon.
• They do not go toward generally employee compensation or things like that. Thank you. I think Rep.
• To put that in context, the service and other industry sector is the next highest general category.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and heard four bills. HB 2286 would create an alternative route to social worker licensure by removing the exam requirement for advanced social workers and allowing enhanced supervision with supervisor attestation in place of the exam for independent clinical social workers. The sponsor and several social workers testified that the exam is a poor measure of clinical competence and can be a barrier to licensure, while opponents warned that removing the exam could affect public protection and Washington’s participation in the social work compact. Members asked follow-up questions about the compact, the exam format, and accreditation requirements, but no action was taken. HB 2363 would allow music therapy license applicants to practice under supervision for up to six months while waiting for exam verification. The sponsor described it as a technical fix to the new licensure system, and testimony from music therapists, educators, and a patient supported the bill as a way to avoid delays in hiring newly trained therapists while maintaining supervision and patient safety. The bill drew strong support in written testimony and no opposition in the hearing. HB 2324 would change tuition waiver rules for children of eligible veterans and National Guard members by giving eligible children eight years from the date of a parent’s disability determination to use the waiver when that determination occurs after the child turns 18. The sponsor said the bill is meant to align state law with federal dependency education benefits and prevent families from losing access because disability determinations can take years. The committee asked for clarification on how the new timing would work, and the hearing closed without a vote. HB 2098 would eliminate the cap on the advanced computing surcharge, expand Washington College Grant eligibility up to 100% of state median family income, and reduce resident undergraduate tuition by 10% for three years starting in 2027-28. Supporters, including students, labor, and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve affordability and access to higher education by asking large tech companies to pay more. Opponents from business and university groups argued the surcharge would be economically harmful, that the state already has substantial WEA funding, and that the bill would reduce tuition revenue without adequately backfilling institutional budgets. The committee heard extensive testimony and members raised questions about the surcharge cap, WEA spending, and the compacted funding structure, but no final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Give them long-range vision that they may fight for families and the good of generations of Arizonans
• They may fight for families and the good of generations of Arizonans who are yet to be born.
• But they're retired ranchers, part of their cattle with their fourth-generation daughter and the fifth-generation
• To my left, I have our Attorney General, Chris Mays. Very honored to have her as my guest.
• I'd like to introduce Brigadier General John Connolly. Brigadier General John Connolly.

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened for opening day of the second regular session of the 57th Legislature with ceremonial prayers, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. Senate President Warren Petersen gave a farewell-style address highlighting his efforts to shift power toward members and committee chairs, preserve conservative policies, and deliver annual tax cuts, including a projected $1 billion cut this year. The chamber then recessed for an opening-day speech by Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller, who spoke about Arizona’s labor-force needs, workforce training, and GCU’s role in expanding access to education and middle-class jobs, including apprenticeships and technical programs tied to local employers. After returning to order, the Senate adopted its organizational rules for the session, including suspending rules so bills and resolutions could be read by number and short title only on first and second reading and by number and title only on third and final reading. Members also approved a motion to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was organized and ready for business, and the House later reported that it was likewise organized. The chamber then adopted a proposed amendment to Senate Rule 7A and the rules of the 57th Legislature, and the President announced committee assignments for standing and statutory committees, including Appropriations, Education, Finance, Government, Military Affairs and Border Security, Natural Resources, Rules, Legislative Council, Legislative Audit, and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. The remainder of the session focused on points of personal privilege, with senators introducing family members, constituents, local officials, school leaders, law enforcement officers, tribal leaders, and advocacy guests. Several members used the occasion to emphasize issues they expect to work on this session, including education, public safety, housing, water, early childhood services, veterans, border security, and workforce development. The Senate also received a motion to request House consent for an adjournment schedule, and the body adjourned until Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. after announcing upcoming committee meetings and the first batch of bill introductions and references.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I had its most general level on. Yes, there are. >> Our policies and procedures.
• And I think and I'm just talking a very general level among all of our plans.
• If you all know generally doesn't lose for hearings?
• If we don't incur those costs, it does generate a savings pool.
• Its generated through improving member outcomes, improving quality of care itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• I saw it on your list and just kind of a general idea of what that was about, please. It was.
• I have a question generally about federal funding.
• I just have a general question here about federal funding.
• I mean, generally speaking, I've been around DCCA for a while and sponsored the bill originally.
• I just have a general question here about federal funding.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met to hear updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce on federal and state impacts affecting veterans, military families, and military installations. JBLM’s garrison commander said the base remains focused on housing, child care, and spouse employment, but is facing workforce reductions tied to federal personnel actions, especially in air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and firefighting. He also said JBLM is preparing for increased mutual-aid needs during fire season, and that the Army Transformation Initiative could change unit composition at JBLM over time without a major overall population shift. He confirmed that the Lewis Army Museum is on a closure list, but said the building will remain in use for training and that the base is exploring partnerships to keep museum functions operating, possibly with volunteers or local partners. The Washington Military Department reported about 400 Guard members deployed on federal missions and described ongoing state missions in cybersecurity and firefighting. The department said the Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade will transition to a mobile combat team, with associated changes in equipment, manning, and end strength. It also warned that continuing resolutions are delaying funding, limiting new military construction starts, and increasing costs. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outlined a $3.2 million reduction from the governor’s budget and related cuts affecting internships, vacant positions, outreach travel, claims support contracts, counseling and wellness, veterans’ innovation assistance, and the military transition and readiness council staff position. WDVA said it is ending or scaling back several programs, including in-house nursing assistant training, the veteran farm at Ordean, Vet Corps due to AmeriCorps funding changes, and the tobacco cessation program, while noting that the legislature funded about $23.7 million in capital projects for veteran homes, cemeteries, and transitional housing. The Department of Commerce presented on the Defense Community Compatibility Account, which funds projects that reduce conflicts between military installations and nearby communities. The program currently has 10 projects across five legislative districts, including school and child care improvements, water wells, land acquisition, and a joint firefighting training center in Everett. The presenter said the main challenge is that DCCA projects often need non-state funding secured before they can compete, which can make it hard to leverage federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program dollars; he recommended more flexible state timing to help projects qualify for federal funding. In closing discussion, members raised possible future agenda items including child care near bases, veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, Navy Day, military family housing, and a possible Department of Licensing issue involving guard and reserve designations on driver’s licenses. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members were invited to suggest topics for the October and December committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a general belief in the project; we have general underwriting of the project to date.
• So with that, I close and request favorable consideration for the general calendar.
• This issue was significant, and the general public was very adamant about trying to do something.
• I then came to find out that my previous general counsel for.
• When we could go and seek a Texas Attorney General opinion, we did.

Bills: HB341, HB791, HB1564, HB1695, HB1722, HB1729, HB1772, HB2003, HB2954, HB2989, HB3084, HB3134, HB3135, HB3309, HB3611, HB3679, HB3727, HB3832

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; general funds. &gt;&gt; general funds.
• generate your own.
• generate your own revenue.
• </c> could generate funds, right? could generate funds, right?
• </c> getting paid very generous salaries. getting paid very generous salaries.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have our general business manager, but... ...but she is very active in making sure that this issue
• So in previous years, we've had an end-of-year general meeting where we talk about end-of-year business
• superintendent, ...because educators, I'm a second-generation superintendent, second-generation teacher
• And the finding was the money goes back into the general fund. Is that correct?
• The next report was referred to the prosecuting attorney and attorney general, and it was for Boonville

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other request is for the general fund tax, the state's general fund tax, currently 1%.
• So you guys are going to be keeping or utilizing the sales tax generated from that particular hotel.
• So the construction sales tax, the sales tax generated from construction and then once the hotel, no?
• So the sales tax generated from the hotel and so whenever you're doing the remittance... Okay.
• Cloud said earlier, is: do you have a projection every year of the amount of tax that this would generate

Summary: The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted. The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month. Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.

Transcript Highlights:

• is a supplemental appropriation that appropriates $11,645,266 from the unappropriated balance of general
• to the unappropriated balance of general revenue.
• Senate Originating Bill 5 is a supplemental appropriation that appropriates $4,000,000 from the general
• revenue surplus balance to a new Armory Board transfer surplus appropriation within the Adjutant General
• We're adjourned. surplus appropriation within the agent general state military budget item.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone in my generation knows what that means, and I vote aye.
• But... ...next generation, so that's where that part of the resource comes from.
• Generally speaking, charter operators are allowed to operate without... ...the state.
• Generally speaking, charter operators are allowed to operate without...
• They're actually much less generous here.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several education-related bills. HB 2395 would create a voluntary Arizona School Fitness Program in ADE to recognize schools that participate in nationally recognized fitness testing, allow schools to note the designation on report cards, and direct ADE to issue guidelines and best practices. Supporters argued it would encourage student activity and improve health and achievement without penalties; it passed with a due pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote, with two members not voting. HB 2409, the Getting Arizona Ready for AI Act, would create an Arizona Artificial Intelligence Program in ADE to offer voluntary summer AI courses around the state, including digital hygiene/civic integrity and small-business/entrepreneurship components, with optional facility use and possible academic credit. The sponsor said the bill was meant to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption while keeping the program voluntary and low-cost. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. HB 2203 would require ADE to review school and agency reporting requirements, identify duplicative or obsolete reports, and recommend consolidation or repeal; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed unanimously by those voting. HB 2008 would bar school libraries from using public funds to pay professional associations for libraries and librarians; opponents called it unnecessary and constitutionally problematic, while supporters framed it as limiting public spending. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee also heard HB 2075, which would require school districts to submit superintendent and CFO contracts to ADE, post them online, and maintain a searchable database and annual compensation report. Supporters said it would improve transparency and prevent excessive or hidden compensation, while opponents argued it unfairly targeted district schools and should, if anything, apply to all publicly funded schools. After extended debate over transparency and comparisons to charter schools and ESAs, the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote with one not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• For tax savings, senators, the staff estimates that the bill reduces general revenue by $77 million in
• For tax savings, senators, the staff estimates that the bill reduces a general revenue by $77 million
• So 2,000 FTEs will generate more money, more cash money, than 1,000 FTEs.
• So 2,000 FTEs will generate more money, more cash money, than 1,000 FTEs.
• The second thing is the definition from one mill generating five million to one mill generating ten million

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax opt-outs, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, RV park special assessments, fiscally constrained county funding, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, and provisions barring governmental net zero policies. An amendment made the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the charter-school language would divert money from traditional public schools and on the fiscal-constrained county formula. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill after a roll call vote, with Senators Bernard and Jones voting no. The committee also considered SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and partially decouples from federal tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses bonus depreciation, research and experimental expenses, business meal deductions, and the business interest deduction, with the Revenue Estimating Conference expected to review the fiscal impact later in the week. The Florida Chamber testified that the bill should better align with federal tax relief and reduce administrative burdens, while senators emphasized the need to balance business tax relief with state revenue constraints. SPB 7048 was also reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• For tax savings, senators, the staff estimates that the bill reduces general revenue by $77 million in
• For tax savings, senators, the staff estimates that the bill reduces a general revenue by $77 million
• So 2,000 FTEs will generate more money, more cash money, than 1,000 FTEs.
• So 2,000 FTEs will generate more money, more cash money, than 1,000 FTEs.
• The second thing is the definition from one mill generating five million to one mill generating ten million

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis. The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote. The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 575 is placed on general orders.
• House Bill 575 is placed on general orders.
• We generally give a lot of deference to employers to make hiring and firing obligations here.
• general orders on Friday.
• general orders on Friday, and any of you that have bills on general orders, if you would please get

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ira Pearson, Property Tax Division, is also here, and General Eretchen...
• And General Errera, Department of Veterans Services, is here.
• We have Secretary and General Herrera here, ...the Department of Veterans Services.
• We have Secretary and General Herrera here as well from Veterans Services.
• .. ...those veterans from our general attention as it comes to housing and our veterans in general and

Keywords: 996, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Ira Pearson, Property Tax Division, is also here, and General Eretchen... ...shortly.
• And General Errera, Department of Veterans Services, is here.
• We have Secretary and General Herrera here as well from Veterans Services.
• So because of, in my view, the potential exclusion of those veterans from our general attention as it
• If it's okay, I would like the general to come up and talk about some of the current initiatives.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you now is Senate Bill 595 relating to the general powers and duties of the Attorney General's
• This bill would grant the Attorney General the authority to issue civil and investigative demands to
• Is it general or is it off SBA size or?
• and that would generate kind of a paper trail.
• and that would generate kind of a paper trail.

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee met on February 3rd to take executive action on several bills and gubernatorial appointments. The committee first considered Senate Bill 5925, which would expand Attorney General investigative authority through civil investigative demands. Members debated amendments to limit the bill’s reach, including protections for small businesses, exclusions for law enforcement use-of-force matters, and changes to appeal deadlines. Amendment Charlie was adopted, Amendment Delta failed, Amendment Alpha failed, and Amendment Echo was withdrawn. The bill then received a due pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. The committee next worked through Senate Bill 6086 on judicial officer safety and threat assessments. A proposed substitute retained threat-assessment provisions while removing some personal-information and consultant-related sections. Amendment Foxtrot 1, which would have removed security consultant authority, was not adopted, and the proposed substitute was approved and sent to the Rules Committee. Senate Bill 6074, concerning reinstituting parole, was narrowed in a proposed substitute to create a parole reinstitution work group with legislative appointment authority and a 2027 reporting deadline; an amendment adding victim advocate members was adopted, and the bill advanced to the Rules Committee. The committee also considered Senate Bill 6296 on involuntary treatment. The proposed substitute made multiple changes to enforcement, prosecutor representation, peace officer duties, intimate partner definitions, and firearms-related provisions. Amendments to remove firearm-related changes and to clarify officer liability and home-entry authority were debated; Kilo-2 and Kilo-3 were not adopted, and the proposed substitute ultimately passed and was sent to the Ways and Means Committee. The committee then confirmed several gubernatorial appointments, including Kristen Ferrer, Lisa Mannion, Kate Ben Ward, and Rochelle Cleland, and concluded by thanking staff and adjourning at the house-of-origin policy cutoff.