Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment simply strikes Section 3 of House Bill 322, and that's the section that deals with taking
• So this proposes the creation of a transportation trust fund and a transportation program fund.
• So this proposes the creation of a transportation trust fund and a transportation program fund.
• 13-4D-3, Section A.
• And so this bill right now doesn't address that section. It's the previous section.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, as amended, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor explained that the amendment removed a proposed 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales, while leaving the broader financing structure in place, including a $400 million seed appropriation and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenues into the new funds and related road accounts. Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association testified in support, and there was no opposition. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill on a do-pass vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for certain public works projects, while preserving a zero contribution rate where no approved program exists for a classification. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, and building trades representatives, argued the bill would close loopholes, expand training opportunities, and strengthen the workforce. Opponents, including utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico, argued it would raise project costs, duplicate existing federally approved training programs such as TTCP, and unfairly require payments from contractors who already train workers in-house or cannot access approved programs. Members debated whether the bill would affect existing in-house programs, rural access to training, and whether the language conflicted with existing law. An amendment to limit the bill to projects of $50 million or less was tabled, and the committee then passed HB 270 on a 6-5 do-pass vote. After the bill vote, the committee received a District 3 New Mexico Department of Transportation presentation covering project status, funding, and equipment needs in Bernalillo, Valencia, and parts of Sandoval and Socorro counties. DOT staff reviewed completed and upcoming maintenance and STIP projects, local government and school district cooperative projects, and equipment requests. Members asked about delays on the Rio Bravo Bridge project, which DOT said were caused by utility coordination issues, and about the I-25/Gibson interchange, which remains in design and development with later-year funding anticipated. The presentation also addressed specific local projects such as Paseo del Norte and Paseo del Volcán.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, that Well, see note sections. Oh, yeah, that's it. Thank you so much. I apologize for that.
• You see transportation, distribution, and logistics. That would be the same trend there.
• That much of your distribution and logistics is being taken over by AI, while the transportation part
• public schools are more protective of pregnant students than are private universities because of moral codes

Transcript Highlights:

• They have different codes, they have different modifiers, they have different portals.
• shown that business location decisions primarily hinge on several factors other than taxes, like transportation
• experts agree they are a poor substitute for a state that lacks a good education system, a good transportation
• And I really appreciated that in the business section of the New York Times—not yesterday, but a Sunday

Committee: Joint Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1531, an act amending Sections 28-2351, 28-2403, and 28-2470.40, and amending Sections 28
• Transportation, Technology. HB 244, transportation mental health patients. Public Safety.
• Public Safety and Appropriation, Transportation, Technology.
• Appropriation, Transportation, Technology.
• Appropriation, Transportation, Technology.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and advocacy groups, including State Farm agents, justice court judges, Donate Life participants, AARP, educators, and rural water advocates. Members also introduced a doctor of the day and several former legislators and officials. The chamber later agreed to the House’s request to adjourn after completing business on March 11 until March 16, and committee meetings and caucuses were scheduled for the recess. The Senate then took up a series of third-reading votes. Bills passed included SB 1602 on kinship foster care; SB 1621 creating an obesity treatment and prevention advisory council; SB 1672 on AHCCCS step therapy, where one senator objected to the fiscal note while another argued for broader access to treatment; SB 1677 appropriating funds for forestry and fire management, with comments about tamarisk removal and native plant restoration; SB 1811 on public schools; SB 1001 and SB 1072 appropriating funds to the Department of Economic Security; SB 1169 appropriating funds to AHCCCS administration, with support tied to medical residency opportunities; SB 1531 on special plates; and SB 1776 amending AHCCCS statutes. SCR 1020, a proposed constitutional amendment on compensation for elective state officers, also advanced after debate about recruiting a broader range of candidates and making the salary more livable. The chamber also used Committee of the Whole to amend and advance several bills. SB 1170 on drug offenses was amended to change crime qualifications and remove mandatory minimums, then recommended do pass. SB 1488 establishing a study committee on coal-impacted communities was amended to alter appointment provisions and then passed out of committee and later on third reading, with a lengthy explanation from a senator about the economic history of coal plants and tribal communities. SB 1641 on marijuana licensure was amended to remove DHS’s annual license determination role and passed with the required three-quarters vote. SB 1752 on mescaline offenses and SB 1740 on turquoise alerts also advanced. The Senate confirmed gubernatorial nominations for Alex Ridgeway as Director of Tourism, Jessica Manuel to the Game and Fish Commission, and Stephen Williams to the Livestock Loss Board. The session ended with announcements, a motion to reconsider the failed SCR 1047, a civic learning proclamation, and a series of first-reading referrals for House bills before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call the Transportation Committee to order for Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, for the purpose of executive
• session on one bill in Gross Substitute House Bill 2711 concerning transportation resources.
• Section 301, which is the bicycle education grant program.
• I will start with Section 1201, the public transportation benefit area provision.
• I'll just be speaking to Section 2001. This section will look familiar.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met in executive session on Gross Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources measure, after a staff walkthrough of the Senate striking amendment S-5820.4. Staff explained that the striker largely replaced the bill with provisions from Senate Bill 6352 and related transportation revenue and policy changes, including updates to mobile driver’s licenses, account interest provisions, recreational vessel and luxury vehicle tax clarifications, peer-to-peer tax administration changes, fuel tax timing changes, aircraft fuel tax and account changes, bicycle education grants, ferry payment-card fee authority, traffic safety camera revenue and rebuttable presumption rules, online driver education regulation, transit annexation tax/liability clarification, Sound Transit 75-year bond authority limits, stolen copper protections for light rail and DOT communications infrastructure, and a highway contracting threshold change. Staff also reviewed fiscal impacts, including revenue gains from trade-in value clarifications and aircraft fuel changes, and losses from the diesel tax delay, motorhome exemption, and repeal of the luxury aircraft tax. Members asked several clarifying questions, including the luxury RV tax threshold, how trade-in value is treated under the luxury vehicle tax, whether ferry debit-card fees are authorized, and the legality of passing card-processing fees to customers. Staff and counsel said the luxury vehicle tax applies to value over $100,000, trade-in value is added back for the luxury tax calculation, and the ferry provision is intended to clarify that both credit and debit card surcharges may be passed through. On the traffic safety camera section, staff described a revised approach that would require stronger proof from registered owners to rebut presumed responsibility, and on Sound Transit bonds, staff clarified that bonds over 40 years would be limited to federal transportation loan purposes and would affect eligibility for certain state grants. After caucus, the committee returned to executive session, waived the amendment posting deadline under Senate Rule 45, adopted the striking amendment, and then voted to advance ESHB 2711 as amended with a do pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. The motion carried, and the chair thanked staff before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And those are sections<00:10:29.600><c> 2</c><00:10:30.079><c> 3</c> sections 2 3 sections 2 3 4<00:10
• Section five is the statemies, and section six is the perpage center. Article 11 is the READ Act.
• Section five is the statemies, and section six is the perpage center. Article 11 is the READ Act.
• Section five is the statemies, and section six is the perpage center. Article 11 is the READ Act.
• Section five is the statemies, and section six is the perpage center. Article 11 is the READ Act.

Bills: HF1388

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Representative, but so Article two section six of Oklahoma's constitution basically states that every
• And my question here is, are we in any way denying what Article 2 Section 6 says to the constituents?
• This bill deals with the procedures to deal with livestock transport vehicles when they are involved
• This bill deals with the procedures to deal with livestock transport vehicles when they are involved

Bills: SB3 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB259 , SB1191 , SB1246 , SB1314 , SB1439 , SB1613 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB330 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB3 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB259 , SB1191 , SB1246 , SB1314 , SB1439 , SB1613 , SB1930 , SB1976 , SB330 , SB2069 , SB2095

Committees: House Energy , House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight

Keywords: industrial hemp, program licensing, agriculture, cannabinoids, state regulation, water infrastructure, wastewater, investment program, loans, local government, SB1509, groundwater, water wells, well spacing, water rights, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, OWRB, basin, subbasin, maximum annual yield

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes a homeowners bill of rights section. It includes safeguards.
• It includes a homeowners bill of rights section.
• Chair, I move to amend the amendment to House Bill 3453, page 3, section 1, line 7. Mr.
• I believe it is in Section 6 that talks about immunity from Section 4. I apologize, Mr.
• Let me turn back to Section 4. Let's see what we have here. All right. Okay.

Bills: HB1453 , HB2933 , HB2941 , HB2945 , HB2959 , HB3087 , HB3094 , HB3297 , HB3298 , HB3319 , HB3321 , HB3386 , HB3453 , HB3471 , HB3505 , HB3510 , HB3544 , HB3549 , HB3652 , HB3727 , HB3791 , HB3845 , HB3906 , HB4119 , HB4125 , HB4126 , HB4198 , HB4236 , HB4425 , HB4343 , HB4094 , HB3407

Committee: House Civil Judiciary

Keywords: foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, abortion

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute simply took out all of section one, which would include that had the underlined
• one in its entirety, renumbering subsequent sections, and amending the title to conform.
• We removed section one and simply put in new language there at the bottom of page two, section two.
• That includes having taken out what looked like new language in section.
• Which, if we could, you know, at some point, we could even look at changing building codes, which is

Bills: SB1732 , SB1217 , SB1443 , SB1455 , SB1457 , SB1459 , SB1465 , SB1944 , SB1946 , SB1218 , SB1942 , SB1352 , SB2132 , SB1920 , SB1285 , SB1304 , SB1305 , SB1326 , SB1590 , SB1767

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: professional licensing, licensing fees, home inspection, home inspector, Construction Industries Board, CIB, contractor license, journeyman license, apprentice registration, alarm endorsement, code inspector, electrical license, plumbing license, mechanical license, permit fees, renewal fee, reciprocity, poultry house contractor, poultry house wiring, environmentally controlled poultry house

Bills: SB2026 , SB1376 , SB1355 , SB2115 , SB1533 , SB1732 , SB1217 , SB1443 , SB1455 , SB1457 , SB1459 , SB1465 , SB1944 , SB1946 , SB1218 , SB1942 , SB1352 , SB2132 , SB1920 , SB1285 , SB1304 , SB1305 , SB1326 , SB1590 , SB1767

Keywords: military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, Oklahoma National Guard, education assistance, military benefits, dependents, CareerTech Assistance Act, burial grant, memorial headstone, eligibility requirements, funding, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, fiscal management, state law, veteran burial, burial assistance, indigent veterans

Bills: HB95 , HB111 , HJR1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM34 , HB2 , HB32 , HB33 , HB61 , HJM2 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26

Keywords: HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order

Transcript Highlights:

• > conforming</c><00:08:28.400><c> change</c> Section two contains a conforming change Section two contains
• Section three establishes in the bill.
• . transportation. transportation.
• </c> transportation, it is a lifeline. transportation, it is a lifeline.
• </c> Transportation Services. Transportation Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> section 504 plan. section 504 plan.
• So, I'm thinking the best way to do this is to just go section by section.
• I can is to just go section by section.
• </c><03:50:04.720><c> So</c> transportation goes? So transportation goes?
• </c> transportation under the candy ventil. transportation under the candy ventil.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 3369 is a simple deregulation bill relative to the fire code on food trucks.
• homes to sell a package that is not provided by the funeral home themselves, but by a third-party transportation
• Members, House Bill 3498 is a targeted modernization of our corporate code and limited liability company

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills, mostly on broadband, artificial intelligence, business law, public safety, funeral services, health care transparency, and licensing. HB 2293 extended the Oklahoma Broadband Office sunset to December 31, 2030 to allow it to administer remaining broadband grant funds. HB 3545 set standards for state agency use of AI, including human oversight for high-risk decisions, transparency for AI-generated content, and annual public reporting. HB 3546 prohibited AI systems and other non-human entities from being granted legal personhood under Oklahoma law. HB 3260 added the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association to the list of approved continuing education providers for funeral directors. HB 3147 created a Route 66 centennial specialty license plate to support preservation and centennial activities, HB 3369 eased food truck fire code requirements by allowing portable extinguishers instead of mandatory automatic suppression systems, HB 4453 created the Oklahoma Health Care Cost Transparency Board, HB 3660 addressed national organic reduction, HB 3081 lowered the age for fire extinguisher technicians from 21 to 18, HB 2035 allowed funeral homes to sell certain third-party transportation packages, and HB 3498 modernized corporate and LLC statutes to improve Oklahoma’s competitiveness for business formation. Most bills were presented by their authors, several with proposed committee substitutes or corrections that were adopted without objection. Members asked a few questions, particularly on the AI bills, the Route 66 plate, the food truck fire code change, and the corporate law modernization. The AI personhood bill drew discussion about legal liability and human rights, while the corporate code bill was described as modeled on Delaware-style business law to attract and retain companies in Oklahoma. Votes were largely unanimous in favor. HB 3545, HB 3546, HB 3260, HB 3147, HB 3369, HB 4453, HB 3081, HB 2035, and HB 3498 all received do-pass recommendations, with vote totals ranging from 11-0 to 16-0. HB 3660 passed 15-1. HB 3673 was laid over at the author’s request, and Chairman West’s bill was also laid over to the committee’s next meeting on Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1551, budget stabilization fund transportation fund; SB 1554, unfair claims; SB 1552, ad revisions
• SB 1638, conformity, Internal Revenue Code deductions. SB 1643, firearm sales regulation. SB 1648.
• SB 1648, revenue code deductions. SB 1643, firearm sales regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This exemption is to give flexibility to small school districts from the State Building Code Council
• to exempt certain parts of the energy code.
• that prioritizes both the safe passage of our wildlife and the people who are driving on our transportation

Summary: The Committee on Rules considered a gubernatorial package poll, a consent calendar package poll, and a series of individual polls. The gubernatorial nominations on the lavender sheet were advanced to the confirmation calendar, and the measures on the pink consent calendar package were advanced to the consent calendar, with Senator Peterson noting the consent package was a bipartisan set of bills expected to be unanimous. The committee then advanced numerous bills from the white sheet, including SB 6002 on limits for automated license plate readers and privacy protections; SB 6178 on restrictions related to assignment of post-loss property insurance benefits; SB 5892 on protecting voter registration data and sensitive personal information; SSB 5490 on search policies for transgender and intersex individuals in local jails; SB 5177 on professional development that considers historically marginalized and underrepresented groups; SB 6039 on electronic communications for L&I; SB 5874 on waiving penalties for minor unemployment insurance reporting errors; SB 5863 on preserving Lakeland Village records and artifacts until 2030; SB 5972 on binding arbitration for certain correctional officers; SB 5941 on energy code flexibility for small school districts; SB 5203 on wildlife habitat connectivity and related reporting/funding; SB 6014 on confidentiality for pregnancy accommodation complaints; SB 5993 on limiting interest on new and unpaid medical debt to 1%; SB 5831 on the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act; SB 5928 on wildfire risk model disclosure and insurer consideration of mitigation efforts; SB 5912 on reinstating the indigent defense task force; and SB 5825 on technical cleanup of the Washington Leadership Board statute and private fundraising authority. Most motions passed by voice vote with little or no opposition. Senator Short spoke against SB 5892, arguing voter data access had traditionally been handled through auditor or county elections offices and that the bill moved in the wrong direction; supporters responded that it protected sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and birthdates while preserving access to voting history. The meeting concluded after the chair asked for further business and, hearing none, adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order.
• has to implement moon, then Mars, United States. law is explicit and unequivocal on that, 51 U.S.C. section
• to use up every bit of life that's remaining on the International Space Station so we can crack the code
• 1996, because I believed then and I believe now that access to education shouldn't depend on your zip code
• that taxpayers have invested in that orbital laboratory, use every bit of time we have to crack the code

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: state policy, governance, legislative processes, public concerns, policy improvement

Summary: During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the code sections for it.
• </c><00:03:40.480><c> sections</c> Senate Bill 2671 is code sections Senate Bill 2671 is code sections
• </c> these are the code sections for it. these are the code sections for it.
• So, code sections brought forward.
• So, code sections brought forward.

Committee: Joint Economic and Workforce Development

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment simply strikes Section 3 of House Bill 322, and that's the section that deals with taking
• So this proposes the creation of a transportation trust fund and a transportation program fund.
• So this proposes the creation of a transportation trust fund and a transportation program fund.
• 13-4D-3, Section A, NMSA 1978...
• And so this bill right now doesn't address that section. It's the previous section.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor offered and the committee adopted an amendment striking the section that would have imposed a 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales. After a recap of the bill’s remaining provisions, including a $400 million seed amount and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenue, the committee heard brief support from Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association and no opposition. The amended bill then passed on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for public works construction projects, while eliminating an exemption for certain road, highway, utility, and maintenance work. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, the building trades council, and apprenticeship advocates, argued the bill would expand training, help address labor shortages, and provide a return on public investment. Opponents from utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico said they already operate federally approved in-house training programs, warned the bill would raise project costs, and argued some trades have no accessible approved programs. Members questioned how the bill would interact with existing in-house programs, whether rural contractors and nonunion firms would be affected, and whether the state-approved fund and federal highway training requirements could conflict. A proposed amendment to exempt projects of $50 million or less was introduced but tabled. After extensive debate, the committee voted 6-5 to pass HB 270. The meeting also included discussion of a prior procedural error in which HB 270 had been heard before being properly assigned, which the chair said rendered that earlier action void. At the end of the meeting, the committee received a brief New Mexico Department of Transportation District 3 presentation on district projects, budget, and construction status.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:45.560><c> on</c> Department of Transportation on Department of Transportation on amendments
• I recommend moving this forward with amendments, just adding a new section incorporating sections 3 and
• I recommend moving this forward with amendments, just adding a new section incorporating sections 3 and
• I recommend moving this forward with amendments, just adding a new section incorporating sections 3 and
• </c> House Bill 960 reling to transportation House Bill 960 reling to transportation is<01:50:12.199>

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.