Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:47:17.880><c> it</c> would urge members to support it would urge members to support it representative
• </c><00:54:56.680><c> for</c> purported clinic advertising support for purported clinic advertising support
• </c> regulated organizations that support regulated organizations that support pregnant<01:03:23.880>
• Minnesota to support women. I urge you to vote yes. Thank you.
• Minnesota to support women I urge you to Minnesota to support women I urge you to votee<01:13:27.320>

Bills: HF25, HF1, HF428

Keywords: pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:58.239><c> it</c> working on it but happy to support it working on it but happy to support
• </c> um we passed uh with bipartisan support um we passed uh with bipartisan support um<00:05:20.520>
• So I ask that you support HSP 1.
• </c><00:07:48.759><c> um</c> to stop so I um ask that you support um to stop so I um ask that you support
• </c><01:09:49.960><c> 100%</c> something that we should support 100% something that we should support

Bills: HF1, HF779, HF1034

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• . $150 goes to the Support Program, $350 goes to the community fund, and another $350 goes to the emergency
• But I have those for you, just kind of a summary to show the support that we have from medical associations
• I am very proud that this bill has bipartisan support, and a lot of our women colleagues are supporting
• Colleagues supporting it, basically what this does is it really just gets women into the process faster

Bills: HB30, HB35, HB72, HB89, HB30, HB35

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Bills: SB5223, SB5831, SB5928, SB6183, SB6071, SB5995, SB5966, SB5841, SB5840, SB6061, SB6058, SB5931, SB5944, SB5520, SB6011, SB6087, SB6076, SB5916, SB6016, SB5936, SB6137, SB5956, SB6025, SB6009, SB5833, SB6161, SB6188, SB5890, SB5917, SB5820, SB5973, SJM8015, SB5816, SB6136, SB6091, SB6024, SB5053, SB5249, SB5536, SB5834, SB5837, SB5872, SB5879, SB5899, SB5925, SB6019, SB6148, SB6184, SB6190, SB6237, SB6086, SB5574, SB5873, SB5992, SB5924, SB6134, SB6263, SB5395, SB6282, SB5905, SB6302, SB5950, SB6074, SB6226, SB6096, SB5970, SB6269

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, SB 6183, HIV, antiviral drugs, antiretroviral therapy, AIDS

Bills: SB5223, SB5831, SB5928, SB6183, SB6071, SB5995, SB5966, SB5841, SB5840, SB6061, SB6058, SB5931, SB5944, SB5520, SB6011, SB6087, SB6076, SB5916, SB6016, SB5936, SB6137, SB5956, SB6025, SB6009, SB5833, SB6161, SB6188, SB5890, SB5917, SB5820, SB5973, SJM8015, SB5816, SB6136, SB6091, SB6024, SB5053, SB5249, SB5536, SB5834, SB5837, SB5872, SB5879, SB5899, SB5925, SB6019, SB6148, SB6184, SB6190, SB6237, SB6086, SB5574, SB5873, SB5992, SB5924, SB6134, SB6263, SB5395, SB6282, SB5905, SB6302, SB5950, SB6074, SB6226, SB6096, SB5970, SB6269

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, SB 6183, HIV, antiviral drugs, antiretroviral therapy, AIDS

Summary: The Senate briefly convened to approve the previous day’s journal, then moved through the fifth order for introduction and first reading of bills. Senate Bill 6351 was introduced and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then went at ease in anticipation of fiscal cutoff committee report activity later in the day. When the Senate reconvened, it took up reports of standing committees and supplemental standing committee reports. Substitute Senate Bill 5292, concerning family and medical leave rates, and engrossed substitute House Bill/Senate Bill 5466 were both reported and referred to the Committee on Rules. The referrals were approved without objection. No substantive debate or votes on the bills occurred in this transcript beyond the referral motions. The Senate adjourned at the end of the session until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Southern Nazarene University, where we have the best administration in the country and the greatest support

Bills: HJR1032, SB1314, SB1257, SB1326, SB1365, SB1932, SB169, SB1991, SB1992, SB1204, SB1339, SB182, SB1847, SB1360, SB1346

Keywords: HJR1032, House Joint Resolution 1032, Service Oklahoma, administrative rules, rule repeal, joint resolution, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 670:15-1-10, OAC 670:15-1-14, agency regulation, legislative oversight, Secretary of State, Oklahoma Register, rulemaking, permanent rules, administrative code, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Southern Nazarene University, where we have the best administration in the country and the greatest support
• Support, and we learn that when we travel and play across the country. I'll make one final note.

Bills: HJR1032, SB1314, SB1257, SB1326, SB1365, SB1932, SB169, SB1991, SB1992, SB1204, SB1339, SB182, SB1847, SB1360, SB1346

Keywords: HJR1032, House Joint Resolution 1032, Service Oklahoma, administrative rules, rule repeal, joint resolution, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 670:15-1-10, OAC 670:15-1-14, agency regulation, legislative oversight, Secretary of State, Oklahoma Register, rulemaking, permanent rules, administrative code, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, along with several guests and visiting groups, including a military honoree, a women’s rugby team from Southern Nazarene University, a homeschool co-op, gun-rights advocates, and other constituents. The chamber also heard a citation honoring Chief Master Sergeant Scott R. Irwin for 34 years of military service, and the SNU women’s rugby team was congratulated for winning the 2025 National Collegiate Rugby Division I championship. On the floor, members considered House Joint Resolution 1032, which would align Service Oklahoma rules with existing law and executive action regarding changes to birth certificate and license sex markers. The measure drew extended questioning and debate about gender identity, intersex individuals, and whether the repeal would change current practice. Minority Leader Kurt opposed it as political and harmful, while the author said it simply removed outdated administrative code. HJR 1032 passed 38-8. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 1314, increasing caps on the groundwater well drillers and pump installers indemnity fund, 46-0; Senate Bill 1257, classifying THC as a Schedule I drug, 43-3; Senate Bill 1326, modernizing the self-storage facilities lien act and changing notice provisions, 40-4; Senate Bill 1365, raising the threshold for Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department inventory purchases from local vendors and making it an emergency measure, 35-11; and Senate Bill 1932, allowing certain motor carriers to be represented by an officer or partner at administrative hearings, 46-0. The Senate also heard announcements about an Appropriations Committee meeting and an upcoming Bible Reading Marathon before adjourning until February 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would actually offer the statute support that they would need to go forward.
• This would actually offer the statute support that they would need to go forward. Okay, thank you.
• You can convince all of us to be supportive of your issue, so congratulations. Thank you.
• Representative Shriver, it looks like you are unanimous in your support for your bill. We will...
• Representative Shriver, it looks like you are unanimous in your support for your bill.

Bills: HB3131, HB3380, HB3502, HB3552, HB3849, HB3886, HB3907, HB4201, HB4302, HB3448, HB3409, HB4095, HB3637

Keywords: homelessness, shelter standards, safety, accountability, state funding, local governance, regulation, Oklahoma Homeless Shelter Safety and Accountability Act, foster care, child welfare, Department of Human Services, educational opportunities, employment support, technology in child welfare, faith-based organizations, self-sufficiency, financial literacy, HB3502, Oklahoma, children's code

Transcript Highlights:

• This would actually offer the statute support that they would need to go forward. Okay, thank you.
• parents, would it not be a better use of effort to try to put in place increased resources, financial support
• You can convince all of us to be supportive of your issue, so congratulations. Thank you.
• Representative Shriver, it looks like you are unanimous in your support for your bill.
• Representative Shriver, it looks like you are unanimous in your support for your bill.

Bills: HB3131, HB3380, HB3502, HB3552, HB3849, HB3886, HB3907, HB4201, HB4302, HB3448, HB3409, HB4095, HB3637

Keywords: homelessness, shelter standards, safety, accountability, state funding, local governance, regulation, Oklahoma Homeless Shelter Safety and Accountability Act, foster care, child welfare, Department of Human Services, educational opportunities, employment support, technology in child welfare, faith-based organizations, self-sufficiency, financial literacy, HB3502, Oklahoma, children's code

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 3552, which would let child care providers bridge the gap between subsidy reimbursement rates and tuition rates. An amendment was adopted unanimously to make the bill subject to approval by the Administration for Children and Families, with the author explaining it was intended to protect federal DHS funding. The bill then passed on a 4-1 vote. Members then heard several child welfare and human services measures. House Bill 3380, on foster care reform and DHS transparency, passed 5-0 after questions about how public input and scoring would be documented. House Bill 3502, the parental rights and child welfare bill, passed 4-1 after debate over whether the bill addressed a real problem and whether resources would be better spent recruiting foster parents. House Bill 3849, updating and broadening a mentoring program for children and youth, passed 5-0, and House Bill 3886, requiring Health Department personnel to remain on site after an immediate jeopardy finding at a nursing home until a removal plan is accepted, also passed 5-0. The committee also approved House Bill 3907, which would prohibit certain facilities serving vulnerable juveniles and adults from being staffed through temporary staffing agencies, on a 5-0 vote. House Bill 4201, changing master teacher requirements in licensed child care from license capacity to actual enrollment, passed unanimously after discussion of how staffing ratios would work in practice. House Bill 4302, as amended, passed unanimously after removing subpoena language and instead allowing the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to disclose a complainant’s identity to law enforcement when needed to protect safety. House Bill 3448, requiring umbrella insurance coverage for certain child care caregivers, and House Bill 3409, streamlining recertification for five-star child care providers, both passed unanimously. House Bill 4095, reauthorizing and clarifying the 211 collaborative as the state lead entity for hotline services, also passed 6-0. The most extensive debate came on House Bill 3131, which would establish statewide baseline standards for transparency, public safety, and health safety in homeless shelters and create an advisory board. Members raised concerns about local control, rural county burdens, agency workload, and whether the bill duplicated existing requirements, while the author said he was open to further changes, including strike title and possible population-based exceptions. Despite objections, the bill advanced to the Oversight Committee on a 4-3 vote. Before adjournment, the chair said the committee would begin a deeper review of OCCY multidisciplinary teams and CAC child advocacy groups in upcoming meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, well, thank you for your comments and thank you for your support as well.
• Thank you for your comments and thank you for your support as well.
• That is at the heart of the prevention services bill that you have supported.
• I'm bringing this bill forward, and I'm asking for your support. This bill is simply...
• I'm bringing this bill forward, and I'm asking for your support.

Bills: SB5899, SB6292, SB6094, SB6182, SB5947, SJR8206, SB5933, SB6138, SB5823, SB6210, SB5921, SB6226, SB6159, SB5924, SGA9291, SGA9307

Keywords: chiropractic, animal care, veterinary medicine, license endorsement, nonhuman animals, health care, financing, legislative committee, joint committee, policy management, pediatric care, transitional services, healthcare, licensing, children's health, abortion, reproductive health, pregnancy termination, clinic access, abortion access fund

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee began with confirmation hearings for Ryan Moran, nominated to lead the Washington State Health Care Authority, and Dennis Worsham, nominated as Secretary of Health. Both nominees gave extensive opening statements about their backgrounds, priorities, and commitment to improving access, equity, public health, and agency operations amid federal policy changes. Senators asked about Washington’s health care system, social determinants of health, behavioral health, communication and public trust, and how each nominee would respond to federal disruptions such as HR1 and CDC changes. At the close of the hearings, the committee voted to recommend both appointments for confirmation. The committee then moved through executive session on a series of bills. It advanced measures including a chiropractic animal care endorsement bill, a joint legislative-executive health care financing committee bill, a pediatric transitional care facilities bill, an abortion savings program bill, a Washington Health Care Board bill, a constitutional amendment establishing a right to affordable health care, and an overdose mapping information bill. The abortion savings program bill drew the most debate, with several proposed amendments offered by Senator Christian; most were rejected, one amendment was withdrawn, and one amendment clarifying funding for contracted providers was adopted before the bill was sent forward. The committee also approved the gubernatorial appointments of Moran and Worsham in executive session. In the second group of bills, the committee advanced a patient advocate bill, a health plan certification process bill, a psilocybin bill, an audiologist clinical autonomy bill, and a pharmacist prescriptive authority bill. The pharmacist bill prompted comments about access, affordability, rural workforce shortages, and the role pharmacists already play in care delivery. All measures considered in executive session received do-pass recommendations or confirmation recommendations and were reported out of committee, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to testify in support of HB 1994. 1942.
• You all were lovely. to support us back in 2017.
• I support HB 1586.
• In support.
• I speak in strong support of HB3284.

Bills: HB1106, HB3284, HB541, HB713, HB1403, HB1586, HB1942, HB2070, HB2844, HB2851, HB3151, HB3749, HB3940, HB3963, HB4454, HB4466, HB4795, HB5154, HB5394, SB1357, HB1052, HB4099, HB4638, HB5147

Keywords: child abuse, neglect, gender identity, sexual orientation, child welfare, marriage, family, Texas Commission, family welfare, marriage support, stability, premarital education, child development, strong families, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• We wholly support HB 2070.
• I'm here to voice strong support for an amendment.
• Thank you for your support of this bill. Thank you for your time.
• in support of the bill.
• So, ultimately, we would love to see your support for this bill.

Bills: HB1106, HB3284, HB541, HB713, HB1403, HB1586, HB1942, HB2070, HB2844, HB2851, HB3151, HB3749, HB3940, HB3963, HB4454, HB4466, HB4795, HB5154, HB5394, SB1357, HB1052, HB4099, HB4638, HB5147

Keywords: child abuse, neglect, gender identity, sexual orientation, child welfare, marriage, family, Texas Commission, family welfare, marriage support, stability, premarital education, child development, strong families, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the Somerville County The Hospital District was established in May of 2013 to oversee and support
• Thank you all for being here and supporting us. Thank you.
• I'll be submitting a resolution in support of it.
• We strongly support a by-right third-party review and inspection.
• We just can't support it with the amendments that it currently has.

Bills: SB2784, HB23, HB247, HB1533, HB2011, HB2013, HB2273, HB2421, HB2464, HB3120, HB3424, HB3575, HB3788, HB4370, HB4809, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HJR34, HB23, HB247, HJR34

Keywords: Somervell County, hospital district, board of directors, elections, local governance, staggered terms, third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, border security, tax exemption, ad valorem, real property, infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• No financial support, despite many of these children being eligible for SSI. child support, SNAP benefits
• And even me, I have never received child support for these six kids, you know.
• them. support the long-term well-being.
• We need support.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of.

Bills: HB26, HB140, HB141, HB142, HB215, HB26, HB140, HB141, HB142, HB215

Keywords: Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education, Office of District Support Services, 702 KAR
• </c> of Education, Office of District Support of Education, Office of District Support Services,<00:09
• Department for Medicaid Services, Division of Long-Term Services and Supports, 907 KAR 2:720 and 7275
• >> Carmen Hancock, Division Director, Long-Term Services and Supports with Medicaid. Dr.
• ,</c> in need of some of those supports, in need of some of those supports, parents<00:42:03.040><c>

Keywords: 0:06 - Roll Call 0:30 - Approval of Minutes 0:45 - OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL 2:08 - FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET - OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER 2:55 - BOARD OF DENTISTRY 5:30 - BOARD OF OPHTHALMIC DISPENSERS 7:30 - BOARD OF NURSING 8:32 - BOARD OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 9:30 - EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, OFFICE OF DISTRICT SUPPORT SERVICES 15:35 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH 18:44 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES 23:39 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAID SERVICES 1:01:46 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, OFFICE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS 1:03:46 - Next meeting/adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up a series of administrative regulations from several agencies. Early items included Attorney General consumer protection rules on removal sales, health spas, liquidation sales, and nonresident sellers of visual aid glasses; Finance and Administration Controller rules on clearinghouse validation and fraud prevention; and Board of Dentistry rules updating exam requirements, controlled substance prescribing, training for neuromodulators and dermal fillers, infection control, sedation/anesthesia continuing education, and required education on pediatric abusive head trauma and controlled substance ingestion prevention. The committee also approved staff amendments on these items, generally to conform to KRS Chapter 13A, and members asked a brief question about the dentistry controlled-substances changes, which was answered as an alignment with statute. The committee next approved regulations for the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, Board of Nursing, and Board of Emergency Medical Services. The ophthalmic dispensers package would revise meeting and recordkeeping language, raise renewal fees, set reinstatement and apprentice-license rules, add complaint and hearing procedures, and repeal a duplicative regulation. The nursing regulations would streamline approval of training programs and require notice and documentation of site visits and deficiencies. EMS rules would create five EMS medical director certifications, set expiration and renewal requirements, require publication of disciplinary sanctions, and exempt currently approved directors before October 1, 2026. Staff amendments were adopted without objection on each set. The Education and Labor Cabinet’s school transportation regulation drew extended discussion. The agency explained the changes were intended to implement Senate Bill 46 and update references affected by later legislation, including an oral amendment to delete a subsection reference tied to KRS 160.380. The committee adopted both the agency and oral amendments without objection after brief questions about the scope of the bill changes and van transportation for students. The committee then heard a lengthy package from the Department for Public Health on WIC and related nutrition program regulations, including updates to infant and child certification periods, documentation requirements, vendor criteria, sanctions, hearing procedures, and high-risk vendor standards. Staff amendments were adopted without objection. Finally, the committee considered the Inspector General’s regulation for freestanding birthing centers, which included both staff and agency amendments. The agency changes would require two neonatal resuscitation program-certified staff, set rules for medical director vacancies and appeals, revise facility and staffing terminology, adjust transfer-agreement requirements, and allow waivers when agreements cannot be secured. Mary Katherine DeLodder of the Kentucky Birth Coalition testified in support, saying the parties had worked through concerns and were ready to move forward. The committee then moved on to Medicaid’s 1915C child waiver regulations, where staff amendments were adopted, but Lucy Heskins of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified against the package because it did not include person-directed services, which she said are required by Kentucky law and important for families using the waiver.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support services. support services.
• </c> your support. your support.
• > a</c> support specialist at a support specialist at a Minneapolis-based<00:36:10.960><c> IRTS</c><00
• We support a in this conversation.
• </c> and support program integrity. and support program integrity.

Bills: HF4207, HF4338

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review

Transcript Highlights:

• And I hope you support that today. But again, it does make sense.
• All of those are present, not wishing to speak, but in support of the bill.
• So I hope you support it.
• And the LDI, which supports this, gave me the discount range.
• I am present and in support. Do not wish to speak.

Bills: HB461, HB467, HB522, HB565, HB673, HB799, HB917, HB937, HB956, HB977

Keywords: building codes, construction standards, state uniform construction code, local option, municipal ordinance, parish ordinance, resilient construction, FORTIFIED Home, IBHS, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, hurricane resistance, storm resilience, roof replacement, residential construction, certificate of occupancy, code enforcement, building resilience, home hardening, wind mitigation, residential roof

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the impetus for my support.
• They need to be heard and supported.
• in support.
• in support.
• I mean, would you support, in order to support the ETA, would you support the legislature putting money

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• They need to be heard and supported.
• I stand in support of Senate Memorial 20.
• in support.
• in support.
• I mean, would you support, in order to support the ETA, would you support the legislature putting money

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Summary: The committee first considered the appointment of Mary Patricia Roman to the State Investment Council. Senator Campos presented her as highly qualified, citing more than 34 years in global investing, leadership at J.P. Morgan, and prior service on the SIC investment committee. Roman described her experience with asset allocation, fiduciary responsibility, and the SIC’s vetting process. Senators asked about the council’s role in pension investments, staffing levels, and whether personal values could influence decisions. Roman said the SIC process is robust, heavily staff-driven, and insulated from individual value judgments. The committee reported broad support and voted 8-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate. The committee then heard the reappointment of John F. Bingaman to the SIC. Senator Worth praised his leadership as SIC chair and his background in private equity, public service, and economics. Bingaman emphasized the growth of New Mexico’s sovereign wealth funds to more than $70 billion, the importance of staffing and asset allocation, and the SIC’s role as a fiduciary for New Mexicans. Senators asked about protecting the funds in a weaker market and about the Blackstone/PNM matter; Bingaman declined to comment on the memorial because he had not read it. The committee voted 9-0 to send his reappointment to the full Senate. The committee next took up Senate Memorial 20, calling for a statewide youth violence summit. Senator Lopez and an expert from the Council of State Governments said New Mexico lacks a cohesive statewide infrastructure for youth violence prevention and intervention, limited data collection, and enough evidence-based services. Supporters from the ACLU, behavioral health organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, and youth advocates backed the memorial as a way to center lived experience, community engagement, and research-based solutions. Some members raised concerns that victims’ families were not explicitly included in the planning group, but the memorial passed on a 6-3 vote. Finally, the committee debated Senate Memorial 9, which asked the Legislative Finance Committee to study whether New Mexico should invest in equity stakes in PNM and New Mexico Gas Company and requested that the PRC pause consideration of the private-equity acquisitions while the study was completed. Supporters argued the state should examine whether utility ownership value could remain in New Mexico, protect ratepayers, and diversify revenue, while opponents from PNM, Blackstone’s representatives, chambers of commerce, and utility advocates said the proposal would duplicate the PRC’s review, create uncertainty, and risk higher rates and delayed investment. The committee adopted an amendment removing references to the PRC, but the memorial then failed on a 4-4 tie after a motion for due pass as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• support in students’ education.
• However, I am testifying on my own behalf in support of this bill.
• Today in support of Senate Bill 6263.
• Thank you guys for allowing me to testify in support of this bill.
• staff, clerical staff, and all of the support needed to enroll and supervise teachers and support parents

Bills: SB6222, SB6263, SB6118, SB6261, SB6320

Keywords: public education, technology access, surplus hardware, digital divide, student resources, school district, public bidding, bid limits, procurement, public works, construction contracts, competitive bidding, lowest responsible bidder, small works roster, quotations, school purchasing, Washington-grown food, local food, inmate work programs, Department of Corrections

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 6320, then heard several education-related bills. Senate Bill 6222 would let school districts and educational service districts sell surplus technology hardware such as laptops and tablets to public school students at depreciated cost, or give them free to low-income students, with priority for low-income public school students. The sponsor and witnesses said the bill would help students keep access to devices for school, work, and college; one member asked whether tribal compact schools were included. Testimony was generally supportive. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6263, which raises school district public bid thresholds for purchases and repairs. The sponsor said the limits had not been updated in about 20 years and should be aligned with cities and ports to reduce costs and delays. School employees, finance officers, and coalition representatives supported the bill, saying current thresholds create unnecessary administrative burden and can slow maintenance and purchasing; the fiscal note showed no fiscal impact. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6261, which would require parents of six- and seven-year-olds not enrolled in school to file annual signed declarations of their education plans. The superintendent of public instruction supported the bill as a way to align Washington with other states and improve enrollment data, while homeschool parents, students, and advocacy groups strongly opposed it as burdensome, intrusive, and unnecessary. Senate Bill 6118 would require each school district to create cardiac emergency response plans for schools and athletic facilities, including AED placement, staff training, and coordination with emergency responders. The sponsor said the bill was personal because of her brother’s death from heart failure, and witnesses described sudden cardiac arrest incidents and argued that preparedness saves lives. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6320, which would restrict state-funded online and remote alternative learning experiences to public or nonprofit providers and reduce levy equalization for some remote ALE enrollment, with limited exceptions for medically fragile, severely ill, injured, or severely bullied students. Supporters said it would prevent privatization and better align funding with in-person schooling, while opponents said it would harm students who rely on online programs, especially those with special needs or other barriers to traditional school.