Transcript Highlights:

• It's a wonderful project that we thank Senator Campos for his support in, and it supports our students
• And I stand in support of this bill because it does two things.
• So I'm not able to support it at this point.
• And please understand, I'm a big supporter of public radio.
• The New Mexico School Board Association has, for several years, supported this initiative, and MSBA supports

Bills: SB194, SB200, SB203, SB204, SJR3

Keywords: appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University

Summary: The committee began with announcements about an upcoming Friday breakfast and presentation with the School Board Association in El Dorado, then moved through a series of education appropriation and capital-style bills. The first major item was Senate Bill 194 for Luna Community College baseball and softball fields. Senator Campos and Luna officials described the project as part of a larger athletic and community complex, emphasizing the college’s NJCAA compliance turnaround, 100% athlete graduation rate, 3.44 average GPA, and the fact that 94% of athletes are New Mexico residents. Supporters said the fields would improve recruiting, reduce annual rental costs, and add community amenities such as a walking path, soccer pitch, and wildfire resiliency training space. Several senators raised concerns that the project should go through the normal capital outlay process and questioned funding sources, ongoing operating costs, bathrooms, electricity, parking, audits, and whether the $5 million request was sufficient. Despite those concerns, the committee voted 5-3 to give the bill a due pass. The committee then heard a request for KANW educational radio funding. KANW’s general manager and staff said the station is celebrating 75 years, serves much of the state with news, cultural programming, Spanish music, and emergency alert services, and is one of the state’s primary radio stations. Supporters praised its public service and statewide reach. However, several senators objected to the funding mechanism, arguing that the request was being routed through growth funding rather than the usual capital or appropriations process and that other legislators lacked equal access to those funds. After discussion about federal funding cuts, translator opportunities, and the station’s educational mission, the committee voted 3-5 and the bill failed. Senate Bill 203, a duplicate of a previously heard Northern New Mexico State School documentary bill, was quickly tabled on motion. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 3, which would ask voters to replace the current appointed Secretary of Education model with an appointed State Board of Education that would hire a state superintendent. Senator Soles argued the change would create more stability and reduce political whiplash, while supporters from the school board and superintendent associations backed the idea but noted concerns about appointment clarity. Opponents from PED, KIDS CAN, the Chamber of Commerce, charter schools, and others argued the proposal would add bureaucracy, reduce accountability, sideline the governor and voters, and repeat a failed pre-2003 system. Committee members were split along similar lines, with supporters emphasizing continuity and critics stressing accountability and local control; the transcript ends before a final vote on SJR 3 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Strong support.
• Strong support.
• Higa in support, Myoin Yagi and Alan Hayashi in support.
• All in support. Auani, and Diane Lei. All in support.
• . support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've tried to, in tandem, bring incredibly bold public school reforms and support, teacher support
• The Supreme Court's ruling supports us on this.
• They deserve that attention and support.
• we fully support our public schools.
• TCCRI has always supported the public school system.

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support.
• in addition to online support.
• And the Latin Business Association, in support of CYBHI, we want to make sure that we keep supporting
• the app support that Soluna brings.
• We really appreciate the support. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have any primary witnesses in support?
• For these reasons, I urge your support of AB 1608. Great.
• Any additional folks wish to express support in the room?
• Any additional folks in the room wish to express support?
• Other folks wish to express support?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, there's established case law precedent that supports that.
• Jackie Annes, on behalf of Recology, in support.
• I appreciate all the people that came to support.
• Anyone else in support?
• I support this very much.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met, established a quorum, and first approved a consent calendar containing SB 1005, SB 1080, SB 935, and S.J.R. 11 on a 4-0 vote, with those items remaining on call until later. SB 992 had been pulled at the author’s request. The committee then heard SB 922 by Senator Laird, which would clarify that local governments may recover street maintenance and repair costs caused by public service operations, such as waste hauling, through rates, fees, or franchise agreements. Supporters included the League of California Cities, county groups, cities, waste haulers, and legal counsel who argued the bill restores a long-standing practice disrupted by a recent court decision and does not authorize new taxes or development fees. The California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended, warning the bill could inadvertently broaden local fee authority. After discussion about the bill’s scope and whether it would apply only to heavy service vehicles, SB 922 passed the committee 7-0 and was sent to the Senate floor. The committee also heard SB 1078, which would allow Santa Cruz County voters to consider raising the local tax cap to fund essential services, including health care, food assistance, and hospital support, in response to federal funding cuts. The County of Santa Cruz and the Central California Alliance for Health supported the measure, emphasizing Medi-Cal enrollment, CalFresh needs, and budget shortfalls tied to HR1 impacts. Some senators questioned whether the bill was effectively authorizing a tax increase and raised concerns about setting a precedent for other counties, while supporters stressed that the measure only allows voters to decide. SB 1078 passed 5-2 and was sent to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation. The committee then reconfirmed passage of the consent calendar items 7-0 and adjourned after concluding the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and you have witnesses in support? Yes, Chair.
• Thank you, and you have witnesses in support. Yes, Chair.
• So thank you very much, and in support. Thank you. Any additional folks in support?
• And any primary witnesses in support? Anyone else in the room wish to express support?
• They are effective in fostering recovery and providing support.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on January 22, 2026, for its regular order hearing and suspense-file hearing. In regular order, the committee approved consent-calendar bills AB 683, AB 763, AB 1126, and AB 1278 on unanimous due-pass motions, and AB 34 and AB 442 on a second unanimous due-pass motion. The committee then heard and advanced several bills, including AB 35, which would create an APA exemption for Proposition 4-funded programs to speed implementation of water, wildfire, energy-storage, and grid-support projects; AB 748, establishing pre-approved housing programs for local agencies; AB 939, allowing immediate transfer of certain affordable homeownership units to qualified nonprofit housing organizations; AB 643, adding a narrow organic-waste-derived agricultural fertilizer product to SB 1383 procurement options; and AB 96, removing the high school diploma requirement for certified Medi-Cal peer support specialists. Testimony on these bills was largely supportive, with sponsors and coalition representatives emphasizing reduced delays, lower costs, and improved housing, environmental, or behavioral-health outcomes. The Department of Finance offered general budget comments but no bill-specific positions. The committee voted the bills out, with AB 643 and AB 96 receiving no recorded opposition in the transcript and AB 939 passing with some members noting support and interest in coauthoring. The committee also received a presentation-only discussion of AB 1091, a proposal to authorize eight-letter specialty license plates, which the author said could generate revenue for rural programs such as the Williamson Act; the bill was not acted on at that time. After public comment, the committee moved to the suspense-file hearing on 53 bills. Using a substituted motion for due-pass and due-pass-with-amendments items, the committee held some bills and advanced many others, often with amendments that narrowed scope, deleted provisions, or required reports or studies. Bills held in committee included AB 405, AB 298, AB 333, AB 296, AB 1091, AB 1241, and AB 577, among others. The committee reported moving 43 bills to the Assembly floor, with several on A roll calls and others on B roll calls or with amendments, and noted that amendment language would be posted later online.

Transcript Highlights:

• SEAN DONNELLY IN SUPPORT. SOMETHING HERNANDEZ. DAN. WAVING IN SUPPORT.
• EVAN KENDALL IN SUPPORT, TERESA HODGE WAVING IN SUPPORT. HOPEFULLY I GOT ALL THAT RIGHT. OKAY.
• ALEXIA SPEAKING IN SUPPORT.
• SEAN FORD WAIVING IN SUPPORT. KYLE LEE WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
• NOAH CORCORAN FLORIDA CHILDREN'S FIRST IN SUPPORT. WAIVING IN SUPPORT. WAIVING IN SUPPORT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE PROVIDING SUPPORT.
• WE ARE IN STRONG SUPPORT OF SB WE ARE IN STRONG SUPPORT OF SB 1144 AND THANK YOU SENATOR BURGESS FOR
• FOR THOSE REASONS I ASK FOR YOUR FAVORABLE SUPPORT.
• CONTINUING ROLE IN EDUCATION, TOURISM, AND MILITARY SUPPORT.
• WITH THAT, I ASK YOU TO SUPPORT THIS WORKING VERY GOOD BILL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also rise in support of AB 664.
• I rise in support of AB 1054.
• I rise in strong support. I rise in strong support of AB 1349.
• This is support, support, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• This is support, support, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you, Assembly Member Fong.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors, community college delegations, students, caregivers, a retired Assembly staff member, and a championship high school football team. Members also observed an adjournment in memory for Alex Preddy, a VA nurse killed in Minnesota, and later for Kathy Wooten and Rowena Ramos. The chamber then moved through the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. Among the bills taken up, AB 34 on renewable portfolio standard exemptions for publicly owned utilities passed 55-0; AB 35 to accelerate implementation of Proposition 4 climate resilience funds passed 62-0; AB 52 on food and agriculture equity passed 50-6; AB 72 creating an EV economic opportunity zone passed 58-0; AB 96 removing a diploma requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialists passed 55-0; AB 230 extending Pierce’s disease control programs passed 64-0; AB 277 requiring background checks for behavioral health employees passed 59-0; AB 647 clarifying a county RV disposal pilot passed 54-0; AB 664 authorizing limited bachelor’s programs at Southwestern Community College passed 60-1; AB 673 creating a support grant for unaccompanied homeless youth passed 55-1; AB 710 on dynamic electricity pricing passed 54-0; AB 748 streamlining pre-approved housing plans passed 65-0; AB 767 expanding protections around sexually violent predator placements near schools and daycares passed 65-0; AB 883 protecting officials’ personal information from data brokers passed 66-0; AB 946 expanding 30x30 conservation efforts to urban areas passed 65-0; AB 1054 creating a deferred retirement option program for CHP and Cal Fire passed 61-1; AB 1070 on missing middle housing code simplification passed 66-0; AB 1159 strengthening student data privacy passed 54-4; AB 1204 revising the Local Control Funding Formula passed 54-1; AB 1265 extending the historic building tax credit passed 64-0; AB 1349 banning speculative ticketing passed 61-0; AB 1359 allowing seniors 80+ to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note passed 67-1; AB 643 on organic waste procurement credits passed 48-4; AB 685 creating a small business resiliency fund passed 63-0; AB 714 tightening oversight of commercial driving programs passed 65-1; and AB 805 establishing a youth apprenticeship bridge program passed 66-0. Several other items were passed and retained or continued without debate. Debate on AB 1054 drew the sharpest disagreement, with opponents warning about pension costs and supporters arguing it would help retain experienced CHP officers and firefighters. AB 767 also prompted strong comments about public safety and placement of sexually violent predators in rural communities. On AB 1349, supporters from both parties backed the anti-speculative ticketing bill as consumer protection, while AB 664 drew support from members emphasizing access to higher education in underserved regions. The Assembly then adjourned until January 29, 2026, after announcing upcoming session dates and recording a few vote changes from the dais.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:16.400><c> the</c> finally, section five, it supports the finally, section five, it supports
• I'm here to support this researcher.
• </c><00:08:05.360><c> coordinated</c> This bill aims to support coordinated This bill aims to support
• Your support of this bill would help mental health targeted case managers support Minnesota's medical
• <c> File</c> to support House File to support House File 2143.<00:15:12.160><c> Appreciate</c><00:15:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today in support of SB 358 and HB 561. I'm here today in support of SB 358 and HB 561.
• Please support this proposal. Thank you. Thank you.
• And that is why we're supporting this bill. Right, and that is why we're supporting this bill.
• I'm here to testify in support of H. 521.
• Please do not support this bill. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a lengthy hearing on a large slate of bills focused primarily on charter school policy and vocational technical education. Committee members opened with ground rules for testimony, including a two-minute limit, written testimony acceptance, and a live-streamed format. The committee then heard testimony on bills to expand collective bargaining rights in Horace Mann and Innovation Schools, reform charter school funding and reimbursement, allow enrollment preferences for high-need students in charter lotteries, and require BESE to consider district impacts when approving new or expanded charters. Several witnesses, including union leaders, parents, educators, and legislators, argued that charter growth has strained district budgets and that funding formulas should be reworked to better protect public schools; charter advocates and alumni countered that charter schools serve high-need students well and should not be penalized for their success. A major portion of the hearing focused on vocational technical education bills, including proposals to expand access and capacity, create a large grant program, and increase MSBA reimbursement rates for vocational school construction. Supporters described long waitlists, strong labor-market demand, and the higher cost of building and maintaining vocational schools, while municipal officials emphasized the tax burden on local communities. The committee also heard testimony on charter school reimbursement bills that would extend the state’s reimbursement schedule, with witnesses from districts such as Boston, Worcester, Fall River, and New Bedford describing large net losses to charter tuition and arguing for longer reimbursement periods and structural reform. The committee took no final votes during the hearing. In one instance, the chair said a bill would be held open until a missing senator could testify. Members asked several detailed questions about charter admissions lotteries, special education placements, funding formulas, and the practical effects of proposed charter caps and reimbursement changes. The hearing remained informational, with witnesses and committee members presenting sharply different views on whether the bills would improve equity and opportunity or harm existing public school systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please invite your supporters.
• We respectfully request your support. Thank you.
• We respectfully request your support. Thank you.
• , I respectfully urge your support for SB 1286.
• I'm pleased to be here today in support of SB 1123.

Summary: The Senate Government Organization Committee met without a quorum at first, then later established one and took up a series of bills, many focused on regulatory oversight, state symbols, food insecurity, immigration enforcement, and ethnic media funding. SB 885 by Senator Strickland proposed requiring legislative approval for major regulations with an estimated economic impact over $50 million; supporters argued it would restore accountability and help address affordability, while labor and environmental opponents warned it would delay important health and safety rules. After discussion of committee amendments and concerns about timing, the bill was moved out on a due-pass motion, with the roll held open for absent members. The committee also heard SB 986, a similar regulatory oversight bill by Senator Saryato, which accepted committee amendments and advanced after supporters emphasized separation of powers and opponents raised delay concerns. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado created an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate food programs across departments; members generally supported the goal but urged stronger reporting and oversight guardrails, and the bill was moved forward with the roll held open. The committee then heard several symbolic designation bills. SB 1214 by Senator Ochoa Bogh would designate the Western monarch as California’s state butterfly; supporters highlighted the species’ ecological importance and conservation value, and the bill advanced as amended. SB 1178 by Senator Reyes would designate the California yellow jacket as the state wasp; testimony emphasized its role in pest control and agriculture, and it also moved forward as amended. SB 1286 by Senator Richardson would designate the California sea lion as the official state pinniped; the author and Marine Mammal Care Center described sea lions as a conservation success story and a sentinel species, and the bill passed out of committee as amended. The committee also considered SB 1171 by Senator Caballero, which would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded loans or grants. Supporters framed it as a response to harmful ICE enforcement practices, while opponents warned it could sweep in providers of essential services such as food, medical care, and legal research for detainees and could invite retaliation against California funding. The bill was approved on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open. Finally, SB 1358 by Senator Rubio, the Ethnic and Community Media Equity Act, would create a database and contracting framework to direct more state advertising and outreach funds to ethnic and community media; supporters said it would improve reach, trust, and effectiveness in underserved communities, and the bill advanced on a strong vote with the roll held open. The committee also took up the consent calendar after quorum was established, and several items were held open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, uh, Shipy Shipa in support. Nope. All right. Uh, Hawaii Medical Association in support.
• We do uh ask that the effective support.
• Uh, Hawaii support. Nope. All right.
• . support. support.
• </c> support of the intent of this bill. support of the intent of this bill.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard testimony on several measures. SB 1402, relating to vessels in state commercial harbors, drew opposition from Captain Andy Sailing Incorporated, and later the committee agreed to amend the bill to exempt tour boat operators before passing it. SB 1411, relating to Medicaid third-party liability, received strong support from the Department of Human Services, which asked that the effective date be restored to upon approval. SB 1438, relating to home care agencies, was supported by the Department of Health and one individual testifier, with the department arguing that unlicensed personnel performing skilled nursing services puts kupuna at risk. The committee later moved that bill forward with a clean date. SB 1449, relating to prior authorization of health care services, drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association and comments from the Hawaii Association of Health Plans and HMSA. Health plans asked that reporting requirements align with upcoming CMS regulations, and HMSA noted the work of the stakeholder process. The committee discussed the bill as consumer-focused and adopted amendments to add laboratory and diagnostic tests and to require the working group’s first report before the 2026 session and before each session thereafter. SB 1291, relating to certified public accountants, received support from the Board of Public Accountancy, the Hawaii Society of CPAs, Hong Consulting LLC, and Ron Heler, who said it was substantially the same as a previously passed House bill and would help increase the CPA pipeline in Hawaii. The committee also heard SB 752, relating to insurance, with opposition and comments from the Hawaii Insurance Council and Liberty Mutual, which requested amendments on non-payment of premiums, material misrepresentation, and limiting the bill to homeowners insurance. Greg Mskian testified in support but urged clearer notice and denial explanations for homeowners. SB 385, relating to condominiums, drew support from Hawaii Realtors and detailed comments from Ray Tenno and Greg Mskian about making governing documents available online or by email to owners and agents, with discussion of website costs and access. Finally, SB 140, relating to invasive species, received support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and CAPS, while the Department of Agriculture offered comments and proposed streamlining language; supporters emphasized firewood treatment standards and the need to prevent invasive pests. After a brief recess, the committee took votes on several measures, adopting the chair’s recommendations on SB 1402, SB 1411, SB 1438, SB 1449, and SB 1291.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cheryl and Lee, and I am in support of this bill. I work with... I'm Dr.
• Carolyn Lee, and I am in support of this bill.
• William... ...the county of San Diego also in support. Thank you.
• Any other witnesses in support?
• Thank you for coming forward today to support this bill.

Summary: The committee met with one item on the agenda: Senate Bill 623 by Senator Archuleta. The bill would implement a related constitutional amendment to provide property tax relief for veterans and their families by allowing eligible veterans to combine, or “stack,” the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption, and by removing certain property limitations tied to the exemption. The author and chair framed the measure as recognition of veterans’ service and a way to expand access to tax relief for veteran homeowners. The committee heard extensive testimony in support from veterans and advocates, including disabled veterans, combat veterans, representatives of veterans’ organizations, and county and health care advocates. Supporters said the bill would meaningfully improve benefits for veterans and their families. No opposition testimony was presented, and no committee member raised objections during the hearing. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Committee on Appropriations. The roll call vote was 3-0 in favor, with the bill held on call pending Senator Menjivar’s return so she could vote as well. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked the veterans and attendees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Victoria Zep, Family Support Services, waving in support, and Children's Home Network as well, waving
• in support, and One Hope United, waving in support. ...and Children's Home Network as well, waving in
• support, and One Hope United, waving in support.
• Violet Gonzalez, Sunrise Community, waving in support.
• Tyler Sununu, Florida ARF, waving in support. Tyler Sununu, Florida ARF, waving in support.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met to consider several bills and the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. SB 1310, relating to reporting of student mental health outcomes, was temporarily postponed. The committee then took up SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entities, adopted a delete-all amendment, and heard support for the bill’s focus on transparency, accountability, audits, referral patterns, and a DCF report due by December 1. Members discussed the capacity of the current reporting system and the need for coordination with school districts. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee next considered SB 1620 on mental health and substance abuse disorders, which implements selected recommendations from the 2025 Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. The bill, as amended, includes reforms on dignity and patient-centered care, crisis response, individualized treatment plans, use of the DLA-20 assessment tool, data analysis by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, and creation of a research center. Amendments removed a direct medication-provision requirement in favor of a review and report on discharge procedures, medication adherence, and long-acting injectables, and clarified licensure priorities for short-term residential treatment programs. Testimony and debate emphasized the need for action, better data, and efficient use of public funds. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard from Taylor Hatch, the Governor’s appointee to lead DCF. Hatch described her background in state government and her priorities for DCF, including coordination, transparency, prevention, permanency, and responsiveness to vulnerable Floridians. Several members spoke in support, citing her experience at APD and familiarity with the agency’s work. The committee voted unanimously to recommend her confirmation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott for the East West Center, in support via Zoom.
• </c><00:03:52.000><c> of</c> its written testimony and support of its written testimony and support of
• </c> that we also have testimony and support that we also have testimony and support from<00:04:00.159
• </c><00:08:15.639><c> we</c><00:08:15.759><c> can</c> all the support we can all the support we can get
• </c><00:08:43.680><c> of</c> are about 23 individuals in support of are about 23 individuals in support

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Culture and Arts met on February 7 and heard testimony on two measures. HB 1025, relating to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West, received support from the East-West Center, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Friends of Civil Rights, with the Department of the Attorney General submitting comments. No opposition was noted, and the committee later voted to pass HB 1025 with amendments. The chair said the amendments would incorporate the Attorney General’s comments, add a preamble clarifying legislative intent, and change the effective date to July 1, 3000; the vote was unanimous among members present, with two members excused. The committee also heard HB 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts grant program under the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The SFCA supported the bill but asked that section 5 be deleted, saying the Works of Art Special Fund is not the right vehicle for performing arts and that the agency’s positions are currently federally funded and should be shifted to general funds. The Attorney General likewise recommended deleting section 5, warning that expanding the Works of Art Special Fund could jeopardize the state’s tax-exempt GO bond status, and suggested creating a separate special fund in chapter 9 instead. DBEDT stood on its written testimony, and several arts organizations and individuals testified in support, with the chair noting about 23 supporters overall. During questioning on HB 1378, members asked about possible federal funding losses. The SFCA director said the agency is in discussions with other state arts agencies about potential reductions from the National Endowment for the Arts and related White House requests, and that the immediate goal is to protect federally funded positions by moving them into the general fund. The committee did not take final action on HB 1378 and deferred decision-making until Wednesday, February 12.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I support the sustainable aviation fuel, but I cannot support this bill because it's on the backs
• Again, I support the sustainable aviation fuel, but I cannot support this bill because it's on the backs
• President, and rising in obvious support.
• Rising in strong support of this resolution.
• I stand in support. I don't rise in sport.

Bills: SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, suspended rules to allow committee work and additional floor resolutions, and referred committee and gubernatorial appointment reports as designated. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments in third reading. Megan Matthews was confirmed as director of the Washington State Office of Equity by a 45-2 vote, and Robert A. Zupon, Denise E. Gideon, Andrea Buchanan, Michelle R. Smith, and Edison A. Valerio were each confirmed to various community and technical college boards of trustees by large bipartisan margins. The chamber then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. After rejecting the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopting a narrower floor striking amendment, senators debated the bill’s changes, including repeal of the luxury aircraft tax and replacement with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, along with technical corrections and safety-related transportation provisions. Supporters said the bill was a workable compromise that would sustain transportation funding and support future aviation investments; opponents argued it would raise costs on small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed final passage 33-15. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. Multiple senators spoke in praise of his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and district advocacy, as well as his institutional knowledge, mentorship, and personal integrity. Senator Conway then offered a personal statement thanking colleagues, staff, family, and constituents, and saying he would continue advocating for working people after leaving the Legislature. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I urge support for SB 241 because when we support families, we strengthen all of New Mexico.
• We support expansion.
• I support the amendment. I support the amendment being present for transparency.
• We can support the bill with stronger support for the workforce.
• Can support SB 241 as it stands.

Summary: The committee met late in the evening and announced that Senate Bill 132 would be rolled until the next day. The only bill heard was Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 241, which would codify New Mexico’s Child Care Assistance Program in statute, establish eligibility, payment, wait-list, and co-payment rules, require reporting and transparency, and tie reimbursement rates to a cost-estimation model and wage scale/career lattice. The sponsor and administration described the bill as creating a durable framework for universal child care, with protections for program integrity, inclusion of children with developmental needs, and requirements to maximize state and federal child care tax benefits. Public testimony was largely supportive of the bill’s child care expansion goals, with endorsements from State Police, firefighters, early childhood advocates, and women’s policy groups, but many providers and educators said they could not support it without stronger wage and career-ladder protections and clearer guarantees that funding would reach staff salaries rather than owners or institutions. The committee adopted Vice Chair Dixon’s amendment, which lowered the proposed transfer from the Early Childhood Education and Care Trust Fund from $1 billion to $700 million and added reporting requirements on the wait list, consultation requirements for rate-setting, additional facility reporting, a prohibition on supplanting certain public education funds, tribal facility participation, and food program reporting. A separate amendment from Representative Duncan to require first-come, first-served enrollment was debated at length but was tabled by a 9-7 vote after the sponsor and secretary said it conflicted with federal prioritization rules and the bill’s targeted access goals. Members also questioned how the bill would affect public entities, nontraditional-hour providers, co-pay triggers, and whether the wage scale would adequately compensate educators. After debate, the committee voted 10-7 to give the amended bill a do-pass recommendation. Supporters said the bill would strengthen workforce stability, improve access for working families, and help sustain New Mexico’s universal child care system; opponents warned about the long-term fiscal impact, the potential growth of the program, and whether the bill sufficiently protected early childhood educators’ wages and other state priorities. The meeting adjourned with notice that the committee would reconvene at 8 a.m. the next day to hear the Senate’s actions on House Bill 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• In strong support, brief remarks, please proceed. Representative Bot? speaks in strong support.
• In support with reservations, please proceed.
• In support with reservations, please proceed.
• In support with reservations, please proceed.
• In support with reservations, please proceed.

Keywords: 910, house, all