Video & Transcript : 'Ms. Mejia' :
Page 2 of 491
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - State Gov Elections and Indian Affairs Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia? Here. Representative Spansky. Representative Zamora? Here.
- Representative Mejia? No. Representative Spansky? Representative Zamora? No. Madam Vice Chair?
- Representative Mejia? Pass. Representative Szczepanski? Yes. Representative Zamora? Yes.
- Representative Mejia? Yes. Madam Vice Chair, Madam Chair. Yes. Senator Brego to explain your vote.
- As Ms.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would ask the Public Regulation Commission to convene a working group on utility service problems in manufactured home communities. The sponsor described repeated water, electricity, and gas outages in mobile home parks and said current remedies are too slow and often require attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty said manufactured home communities are an important source of affordable housing and that clearer coordination and oversight are needed. The memorial passed on a due pass motion with no opposition.
House Bill 166 then drew substantial debate. The bill would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses, while sponsors said municipalities would still retain zoning authority. Supporters argued the measure would reduce confusion, provide uniform standards, and help businesses deter crime without taxpayer cost. Several members raised concerns that the bill would override local zoning practices, favor a specific product type, and create conflicts with existing local codes and historic or mixed-use districts. Despite those objections, the committee advanced the bill on a 4-3 vote, with members noting it should be worked on further before floor consideration.
House Bill 20 proposed allowing Native American applicants to request a Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, using tribal documentation but not naming a specific tribe. Supporters, including tribal representatives, State Police, and the sponsor, said the designation could help with law enforcement, turquoise alerts, child welfare, health and education verification, and recognition of tribal political status. Opponents and some members expressed concern about racial profiling, stigma, and whether the designation could create unintended consequences or extra bureaucracy. The bill ultimately passed, with several members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes.
The committee also heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would remove constitutional language requiring school elections to be held separately from partisan elections, allowing school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot. Sponsors and school board advocates said this could reduce special-election costs and increase turnout, while some members questioned ballot crowding and whether county clerks had been consulted. The resolution passed by due pass motion. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, a committee substitute creating an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting and technical assistance on ADA compliance for state buildings and websites. Disability advocates and supporters said the office would improve coordination and accessibility, while opponents argued it lacked enforcement power and would not by itself change compliance. The discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia, here. Madam Floor Leader, Representative Zamora, present.
- Representative Mejia. Yes. **Representative Zamora**: Yes, Madam Vice Chair.
- Representative Mejia? No. Madam Floor Leader? Yes. Representative Zamora? No. Madam Vice Chair?
- Representative Mejia. No. Madam Floor Leader. Yes. Representative Zamora. Yes. Madam Vice Chair.
- Representative Mejia. Yes. Madam Floor Leader. Yes. Representative Zamora. Representative Block.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 5th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia. Present. Madam Floor Leader. Here. Representative Zamora. Present.
- Representative Mejia. Yes. Madam Floor Leader. Yes. Representative Zamora. Yes.
- I'm sorry, Mejia, Block, right? Yes, with an explanation. Madam Vice-Chair, yes, Madam.
- Committee members, Representative Mejia. Madam Chair, Representative. I have some questions.
- Madam Chair, Representative Mejia, well the epidemiologist...
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 13th, 2026 at 08:39 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia. Thank you. Representative Lujan. Representative Mejia. Here.
- Representative Mejia, no. Representative Szczepanski, no. Representative Zamora? Yes.
- Senator Mejia was mentioned next, followed by Representative Block for a second time.
- Senator Mejia and then Representative Block for a second time.
- Representative Mejia? Thank you. Representative Lujan? Representative Mejia? Yes.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia. Yes. Madam Floor Leader. Yes. Representative Zamora. Yes. Madam Vice Chair.
- Representative Mejia. No. Madam Floor Leader. Yes. Representative Zamora. No. Madam Vice Chair.
- Representative Mejia, no. Madam Floor Leader. Yes. Representative Zamora. Madam Vice Chair.
- Representative Mejia. Yes. Madam Floor Leader. Yes. Representative Samara. Yes.
- Representative Mejia. Yes. Madam Floor Leader. Yes. Representative Zamora. Yes. Madam Vice Chair.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 6th, 2026 at 08:32 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia here, here. Representative Cranicki, ... Here. Representative Cranicki.
- I'd like to introduce Ms. Jean Whitehorse. If she would please give a few words. Good morning.
- Representative Mejia? Yes. Representative Szczepanski? Yes. Representative Zamora?
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia. Representative Sopansky. Representative Zamora.
- Representative Mejia... Representative Lujan: yes. Representative Mejia...
- Representative Mejia, Representative Sopanski, Representative Zamora, Representative Block? Yes.
- Representative Mejia, Representative Sopensky, representative Representative Mejia, Representative Sopanski
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard three measures: H.J.R. 5 on legislative compensation, Senate Bill 29 as amended on math instruction, and Senate Bill 37 on literacy instruction. H.J.R. 5 was presented as a constitutional amendment to create a paid legislature tied to New Mexico’s median household income, with supporters arguing it would broaden access to public service, reduce conflicts of interest, and better reflect the realities of modern legislative work. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from advocacy groups, civic organizations, faith groups, and veterans; one member raised concerns about fairness, attendance, and whether outside employment would still be allowed. The committee adopted an amendment to move the ballot question from 2028 to 2026, then approved H.J.R. 5 on a 5-1 vote.
Senate Bill 29, endorsed by the Legislative Education Study Committee, would strengthen math instruction by improving teacher preparation, requiring PED to set up statewide math supports, and creating early screening and family engagement for students. Supporters, including educators, business groups, and education nonprofits, said New Mexico’s math outcomes are too low and that early intervention and better teacher preparation are needed. Members asked about teacher licensure requirements, parent support, standardized testing concerns, and district implementation. The committee heard that the bill’s screenings are intended to be developmental rather than high-stakes tests, and that parents would be supported through school-based guidance. The bill passed unanimously.
Senate Bill 37 would codify a science-of-reading framework, require high-quality instructional materials, add literacy coaches and assessments, and expand support for bilingual and dual-language instruction. Supporters said the bill builds on recent gains in reading proficiency and strengthens teacher preparation and early intervention. Opponents, including tribal leaders, bilingual education scholars, and advocacy groups, argued the bill was too English-dominant, could conflict with existing bilingual and tribal language laws, and did not go far enough to protect indigenous languages and community-based approaches. Sponsors said amendments were being developed to clarify biliteracy, culturally responsive instruction, and protections for native language learning, and the committee advanced the bill on a vote with several members noting their support was contingent on those promised amendments.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026 at 03:06 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Johnson, Representative Mejia, Representative Ortiz, Representative Reed, Ranking member
- We have a motion for a do pass by Representative Terrasas, seconded by Representative Mejia, and I do
- We have a motion by Representative DeBasas, second by Representative Mejia.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Ms. Bachman.
- But as Ms. Bachman mentioned, it is...
- But as Ms. Bachman mentioned, it is, But as Ms.
- Ms. Bachman may want to add to that.
- Representative, Ms.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Joint Resolution 7, a land swap between the City of Santa Fe and the state involving a parcel in Midtown Santa Fe, the former College of Santa Fe campus area. The sponsor said the transaction would not involve any money and was intended to help advance redevelopment of the Midtown area. There was no public testimony, and the committee moved a due pass recommendation with no opposition.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 261, which updates 2024 law restricting firearms at polling places by narrowing exemptions. The bill would generally make polling places firearm-free, while still allowing firearms for law enforcement requested by election officials to maintain order or respond to emergencies, for officers whose offices are in the same facility, and for people inside private vehicles. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, said firearms can intimidate voters and poll workers and should not be present at polling sites. Opponents from the Zia Rifle and Pistol Club, NRA, and New Mexico Business Coalition argued the bill removes protections for law-abiding concealed carry holders and off-duty officers, and that concealed carry is not inherently intimidating.
Committee members questioned how the ban would be enforced, how concealed carry would be identified, and whether polling places would be left vulnerable in the event of an attack. The Secretary of State’s representative said stationing uniformed officers at polling places would violate federal law, that poll workers are trained in de-escalation, and that the bill is intended to create a clear, uniform rule for election workers. Before the discussion concluded, the sponsor had to leave for another committee, and the chair announced the bill would be rolled to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 26th, 2026 at 08:35 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia, here. Representative Szczepanski, here. Representative Zamora, present.
- Representative, I have Representative Mejia and then Representative Orego for a second time, and then
- , so let's go ahead and begin with Representative— So let's go ahead and begin with Representative Mejia
- Angelita Mejia from Chavez County. Thank you, Madam Chair. Martin Zamora, House District 63.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 5th, 2026
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The gentlelady from Chávez, Representative Mejia. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.
- If I may, I have Ms. Mona Kirk.
- The gentlelady from Chavez, Representative Mejia. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.
- If I may, I have Ms. Mona Kirk.
- With that, we have the Ms. Worth fifth grade class.
Bills:
HB95 , HB111 , HJR1 , HB32 , HB33 , HB61 , HJM2 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB8 , HB30 , HB43 , HB156 , HM2 , HM16
Summary:
The House opened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and a series of announcements and recognitions tied to Gallup-McKinley County Day, including the presentation and passage of House Memorial 15 designating February 5, 2026, as Gallup-McKinley County Day. Members spoke at length in support of Gallup and McKinley County, its Native communities, cultural traditions, Route 66 heritage, economic development, and local schools and guests in the gallery. House Memorial 15 passed unanimously, 70-0.
The chamber then took up House Memorial 3 recognizing nurses and other health care professionals. Several members and guests from labor and health care organizations spoke in support, emphasizing the dedication of frontline workers and the importance of honoring nurses. The memorial passed unanimously, 70-0. The House also passed House Bill 32, a counseling licensure compact, after adopting a technical amendment, by 63-0; House Bill 33, a psychologist compact, by 64-0; and House Bill 95, creating a fifth judge position in the Second Judicial District family court division, after a friendly amendment removing an appropriation because funding was already in the budget, by 65-0.
During committee reports, the House adopted favorable reports on several measures, including House Bill 70 substitute, Senate Bill 3 as amended, House Bills 246, 254, 271, 276, 288, and House Joint Memorial 3. In introductions, the House referred several memorials and Senate bills, including measures on teacher workload study, detention facility reuse, health insurance affordability, gifted education endorsements, special education, and burglary definitions. The House also announced committee meetings, upcoming events, and the annual House-versus-Senate basketball game, then recessed until the next morning.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- And one person who was here, Nicholas Meja, Mejah, Mejia. My apologies. Please come forward.
- Andreas Munoz and Elizabeth Fitzgerald, and one person who was here, Nicholas Mejia. My apologies.
- My name is Nicholas Mejia, and I'm co-chair of the Undocumented Communities Committee.
- My name is Nicholas Mejia, and I'm co-chair of the Undocumented Communities Committee, which focuses
- My name is Elizabeth Fitzgerald, and along with Nicholas Mejia, who testified earlier, I'm the co-chair
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 9th, 2026 at 08:35 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia? Here. Representative Szczepanski? Representative Zamora? Here.
- Representative Mejia voted no. Representative Szczepanski was called.
- I wonder where Representative Mejia is. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- colleagues, and guests, let's go ahead and continue with House Bill 314, and we have Representative Mejia
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Mejia here. Representative Skopansky. Representative Zamora here.
- Representative Mejia, no. Representative Skabanski... No. Representative Skabanski?
- I wonder where Representative Mejia is. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- colleagues, and guests, let's go ahead and continue with House Bill 314, and we have Representative Mejia
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 124, which would create a permanent Office of New Americans within the Department of Workforce Solutions. The sponsor and supporters said the office would help immigrant and refugee workers access training, licensing, language support, and other workforce resources, while also helping employers fill labor shortages in industries such as construction, agriculture, oil and gas, health care, and child care. Support came from advocates, business groups, faith organizations, and immigrant-rights groups; there was no opposition. Members asked about data protection, the number of other states with similar offices, and whether the office could help recruit and credential foreign-trained medical professionals. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with several yes votes and some no votes recorded, and the sponsor explained the vote as a way to support families and workforce integration.
The committee then considered House Bill 314, which would authorize zero-interest loans through the Local Government Division for political subdivisions to repair flood- and debris-damaged public infrastructure and remove debris from the October 19, 2024 storm event. There was no public testimony in support or opposition. Members briefly asked about the $150 million appropriation and whether it was already in the budget, and the sponsor said it was. The bill received a do-pass motion, a second, and was approved without opposition.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 64, as amended, to codify the Office of Special Education and a deputy secretary position within the Public Education Department. The sponsor and department officials said the bill would formalize an office already created by executive order, improve statewide coordination, support compliance with IDEA and the Yazzie-Martinez case, and develop a statewide IEP template to reduce inconsistency across districts. They emphasized that gifted education would remain in Curriculum and Instruction and that the bill would not add new paperwork or mandates for districts. Supporters included education leaders, disability advocates, vocational rehabilitation, and special education professionals; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about parent understanding of IEPs, monitoring and enforcement, funding, charter school coverage, and the treatment of gifted and twice-exceptional students. The bill passed on a do-pass motion with unanimous support from those present.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And we do have Taylor Mejia Roberts, who is with Florida State College at Jacksonville.
- Taylor Mejia Roberts, who is with Florida State College at Jacksonville, is waiving in support.
- Thank you so much, Ms. Zetchie. Is that correct? It's okay. Zetchie.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider one bill, a postponed bill, and a slate of trustee confirmations. The committee first took up CS/SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund to support health science workforce shortages beyond nursing, including allied health programs. The bill also broadens eligible uses of funds, revises matching requirements and grant criteria, and updates reporting requirements. A strike-all amendment was adopted without objection, and the committee then reported the bill favorably after supportive testimony from Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Florida Hospital Association, the College of Central Florida, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Senator Davis also noted a favorable vote on the bill for the record.
The committee then temporarily postponed SB 720 at the sponsor’s request. Chair Harrell explained that the bill had been incorporated into a larger committee measure and would likely be heard later in another form. Public witnesses who had come to speak on the bill were not heard because of the postponement.
The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for trustees at several state colleges, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. The appointees emphasized themes of affordability, workforce training, nursing and allied health success, dual enrollment, community partnerships, and local economic development. After hearing from the appointees, the committee approved a block motion to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 2 through 25. The meeting then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 22nd, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m Angelita Mejia from Chavez County. Good morning, Madam Chair.
- I’m Angelita Mejia from Chavez County, and this is my first time being here.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Land Grant May 30th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Representative Mejia. Madam Chair, I'm Angelita Mejia, Representative of District 58.
- Thank you, Madam Chair, Ms. Garcia. Thank you, everyone.
- Thank you, Ms. Garcia.
- Thank you so much, Ms. Garcia. We'll go ahead and move into the next section.
- The last one I identified is relevant to what Ms. Garcia was just telling us about.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 7th, 2026 at 10:15 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Angelita Mejia. Representative Reena Szczepanski. Representative Charlotte Little.
- Representative Mejia: ... Representative Lujan: yes. Representative Mejia: ...
- Representative Mejia. Representative Sopensky. Representative...
- Representative Mejia, Representative Sopensky, Representative Zamora, Representative Block. Yes.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, sorry, Commissioner Carolina Mejia. And we'll now turn to Ann.
- My name is Karolina Mejia, and I'm a Thurston County Commissioner. Can you hear me all right?
- My name is Carolina Mejia, and I'm a Thurston County Commissioner. Can you hear me all right? Yes.
- Hi, my name is Carolina Mejia.
- As students, as Ms.
Bills:
HB2289
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, sorry, Commissioner Carolina Mejia. And we'll now turn to Ann.
- My name is Karolina Mejia, and I'm a Thurston County Commissioner. Can you hear me all right?
- My name is Carolina Mejia, and I'm a Thurston County Commissioner. Can you hear me all right? Yes.
- Hi, my name is Carolina Mejia.
- As students, as Ms.
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on proposed substitute House Bill 2289, the House operating budget. Budget staff Mary Monroe gave a detailed overview of the proposal’s near general fund outlook, reserve levels, major revenue assumptions, and major spending and savings items. She highlighted assumed revenue from capital gains and a proposed “millionaires tax,” a transfer from the budget stabilization account, administrative reductions across agencies, and several major policy shifts, including changes affecting Working Connections Child Care, K-12 education, higher education, long-term care, behavioral health, wildfire response, and state employee compensation. Members then asked questions, including about the higher education building account/operating fee swap and its interaction with the capital budget and Climate Commitment Act funds. The committee also announced amendment deadlines for the budget process.
The bulk of the meeting was public testimony, with many speakers generally supporting or opposing specific parts of the budget. Supportive testimony praised funding for wildfire prevention, public health, reproductive health, civil legal aid, the Poison Center, some higher education institutions, and certain disability and child welfare services. Many speakers urged restoration or protection of funding for K-12 education, especially transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, bus depreciation, and Running Start; others opposed cuts to child care, early learning, public defense, long-term care, adult day and home care services, occupational/physical/speech therapy for Medicaid patients, and community and technical colleges. Several local government, health, and nonprofit representatives also asked the committee to preserve public works, homelessness, energy assistance, environmental justice, and recovery/diversion programs, while some business and public safety groups sought continued funding for organized retail crime prevention and related initiatives.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee recessed briefly and later resumed with virtual testimony, where additional witnesses repeated concerns about education cuts, long-term care, health care access, disability services, dispute resolution, early childhood programs, and the need for ongoing or increased funding in those areas.