Transcript Highlights:

• </c> do pass um either House File 97 or House do pass um either House File 97 or House File<00:10:43.920
• </c> House File um 3893 does. House File um 3893 does.
• Technet supports House House File 3893.
• </c> House File 3893? House File 3893? Okay.<00:30:21.279><c> Okay.
• </c> support of house file 3609. support of house file 3609.

Summary: The committee first approved the March 11, 2026 minutes, then heard House File 4048, which would exempt chiropractors from Minnesota’s provider tax if they are no longer eligible to provide chiropractic benefits under Medicaid/MinnesotaCare. Representative Robbins said the bill corrects an unfair situation because chiropractors still pay the tax even though the benefit was eliminated. Testifiers from the Minnesota Chiropractic Association and a longtime chiropractor supported the bill, arguing that most chiropractors are small-business owners and should not pay a tax for services they can no longer provide. Several members said they supported restoring chiropractic coverage instead of changing the tax, and there was discussion about whether the tax applies to all providers and whether it is effectively passed on to patients. The committee adopted a motion to recommend HF 4048 to the Committee on Taxes. The committee then took up House File 3893, as amended, a bill to restrict artificial intelligence from engaging in psychotherapy or counseling with humans. The author and supporters said the bill is intended to prevent AI chatbots from posing as therapists or counseling vulnerable people, citing reports of suicides and other harms linked to chatbot interactions. The A2 amendment was adopted; the author said it reflected stakeholder concerns and added informed-consent language. Testifiers in support, including a psychologist and a suicide-prevention nonprofit leader, urged strong safeguards and said AI should not replace licensed professionals in crisis settings. Other testimony raised concerns about overbreadth and unintended effects. TechNet and a rural mental health provider said the bill should be narrowed so it applies to clinical therapy rather than wellness or educational tools, and should allow supervised AI uses such as transcription and administrative support. Members discussed rural access, existing licensing-board authority, privacy laws, and whether the bill should target AI companies directly rather than licensed clinicians. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HF 3893, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, next up is House Bill 276.
• House Bill House Bill 276<00:08:22.720><c> um</c><00:08:23.280><c> the</c><00:08:23.599><c> title</c>
• </c> unanimously all right just in time House unanimously all right just in time House Bill Bill Bill
• </c><00:32:30.679><c> Bill</c> it's in another bill House Bill it's in another bill House Bill 725<00
• </c><00:43:43.520><c> Bill</c> to pass on House Bill to pass on House Bill 316<00:43:45.480><c> clerk

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 167, a PFAS-related measure expanding the state’s restrictions to include ski wax and related fluorocarbons. The sponsor said the bill was a follow-up to last year’s PFAS law and largely targeted products already off the market, describing it as a reaffirmation of the state’s intent to keep PFAS out of water. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the bill ought to pass and then placed it on the consent calendar. Next, the committee considered House Bill 275 on health career credentialing requirements. The discussion centered on a proposal that would have required insurance companies to pay for training mandated by federal requirements. Members concluded that approach was not appropriate and voted unanimously to make the bill inexpedient to legislate, then placed it on the consent calendar. House Bill 276, dealing with on-premise beverage license requirements, was then reconsidered after an initial ITL vote. The committee adopted an amendment creating a tavern license for establishments limited to patrons over 21, with a higher fee and no food requirement, and then voted 15-0 to recommend the bill ought to pass as amended; it was also placed on the consent calendar. The committee then took up House Bill 310, which would establish a commission to study a regulatory framework for stable tokens and tokenization of real-world assets. The sponsor said the amendment added blockchain-based trusts and discussion of privacy and environmental concerns. The committee approved the amendment 16-0 and then voted 16-0 to recommend the bill ought to pass as amended, placing it on the consent calendar. House Bill 312, concerning intercollegiate student athletes’ right to earn compensation from name, image, and likeness, was retained because members said the issue was not ready and the NCAA had not resolved how to handle it. Finally, the committee began discussion of House Bill 316 on ground ambulance reimbursement, with an amendment that would replace the bill’s reimbursement provisions with a study commission; members debated how it related to another bill, HB 725, and whether the amendment would delay immediate relief for ambulance providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:13.520><c> file</c> house file house file 674<00:43:15.559><c> Madam</c><00:43:15.760><c> shair
• </c><00:52:55.319><c> 1B</c> Steve Gander from house 1B Steve Gander from house 1B today<00:52:57.119
• And that's House File 1670.
• Steve Gander, House District 1B. I'd like to move House File 1438.
• </c><01:24:19.800><c> file</c> behalf of house file behalf of house file 1942<01:24:21.600><c> a</c><

Bills: HF343 , HF446 , HF448 , HF674 , HF811 , HF832 , HF1661 , HF1528 , HF1536 , HF1541 , HF1670 , HF1438 , HF1714 , HF1748 , HF1835 , HF1904 , HF1929 , HF1942

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• We're still waiting for an amendment for House File 9, so we'll start with House File 9.
• We're still waiting for an amendment for House File 9, so we'll start with House File 9.
• House File 385.
• Andrew Lee from House fiscal staff explains that the underlying House File 5 doesn't change the Blue
• house file five um the underlying house file five um doesn't<00:31:53.399><c> um</c><00:31:54.039><c

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• of affordable housing programs to better coordinate state housing resources.
• of affordable housing programs to better coordinate state housing resources. system by improving the
• alignment of affordable housing programs to better coordinate state housing resources.
• On housing, we have protected over $1.6 billion in affordable housing and homelessness prevention, including
• The veteran services that help those veterans who are not housed within the institution or state housing

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an affordable housing developer with over two decades of experience developing infill housing projects
• Additionally, estimates from the state and housing experts believe California has a housing shortage
• and Housing Action Coalition; and I believe Margie Lee is with us today.
• and the Housing Action Coalition, statewide organizations representing the gamut of housing production
• Protecting housing production while still advancing our climate goals.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and one resolution focused on recycling, housing affordability, air quality, coastal protection, wildfire resilience, and nuclear policy. AB 2559, by Assembly Member Ward, would require local governments to return refundable construction and demolition permit deposits if compliance documentation is submitted within three years of final inspection; supporters said it would prevent homeowners and developers from losing deposits due to mismatched local deadlines, and it passed unanimously as amended to Appropriations. AB 1704, by Assembly Member Gonzalez, would require CARB to assess the cost of lower-embodied-carbon building materials and pause the embodied-carbon program if cost parity is not reached; supporters framed it as a housing affordability safeguard, while environmental groups argued it would delay implementation of a key climate law. The bill passed on a party-line vote to Appropriations. AB 2349, by Assembly Member Solache, would create regional air quality incident response centers for emergency monitoring and coordination; it drew strong support from air district and local government representatives and passed unanimously to Appropriations. ACR 149, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy, highlighted coastal access, habitat protection, and climate adaptation; it passed the committee, though some members voted no. AB 1960, by Assembly Member Bennett, would let Cal Fire fund community-level wildfire hardening projects through the Wildfire Prevention Grants Fund; members raised questions about funding and implementation, but it passed to Appropriations. AB 2254, the Coastal Monarchs Protection Act, would require coastal local governments to add monarch overwintering protections when updating local coastal plans; supporters cited steep monarch declines and economic benefits, while local government groups opposed the mandate as duplicative and burdensome, and it passed to Water, Parks and Wildlife. AB 2253 would restrict deceptive recycled-content claims and mass-balance accounting practices; supporters said it would protect consumers and real recyclers, while business groups argued it would conflict with recognized accounting systems and EPR programs. The transcript also included AB 1757, which would create a limited carve-out from California’s nuclear moratorium for microreactors; supporters said it could provide clean, local power and support data centers, while opponents warned of cost, waste, and safety risks. The committee ultimately rejected AB 1757 on a divided vote, then granted reconsideration, and the discussion continued without a final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> House will be in order. The Chair lays before the House a communication from the Speaker.
• House.
• Pursuant to the order of the House of Monday, April 20th, 2026, the House stands in recess, subject to
• HOUSE.
• THE HOUSE STANDS IN RECESS, SUBJECT TO THE CALL OF THE CHAIR. The House will come to order. >> Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move House Bill 4018 with a due pass recommendation. Mr.
• Chair, I move House Bill 2417 with a due pass recommendation. Mr.
• Chair, I move House Bill 2417 with a due pass recommendation. There's no amendments.
• Chair, I move House Bill 2418 with a do pass recommendation.
• Chair, I move House Bill 2170 with a do pass recommendation.

Committee: Senate Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety approved the March 18, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills, beginning with HB 4018, which would give county sheriffs exclusive authority to regulate posse and reserve organizations acting under the sheriff’s authority and in support of the sheriff’s office. Supporters said it merely clarified existing law and improved accountability for volunteer public safety groups; one member opposed it as concentrating too much authority with too few guardrails. The committee recommended the bill do pass by a 5-1 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then heard HB 2417, which would let certain drivers choose a speed-inhibiting device instead of a license suspension for specified offenses, and HB 2771, which would allow the Department of Corrections to require prisoners to pay reasonable rehabilitation program costs as a condition of community supervision. HB 2417 drew support from a coalition focused on safer roads and second chances, but one member raised concerns about cost, privacy, and enforcement; it passed 6-1. HB 2771 was described as a simple language clarification and passed 5-2. Members also approved HB 2772, which would place a medical indicator on a driver’s license for advanced health care directives such as a living will or DNR so first responders can see it quickly; the sponsor said ADOT helped design the process and that it would not create a burden, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then passed HCR 259, reaffirming support for county sheriffs, by a 4-3 vote; HB 2418, which directs $600,000 in state funds to be distributed evenly among five county sheriff task forces, by a 7-0 vote; and HB 2170, which would bar state contracts with companies domiciled in or controlled by the Chinese government except in limited circumstances, by a 4-3 vote. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So on the Assembly's one-house budget bill, let me get back to it. Sorry.
• SO ON THE ASSEMBLY'S ONE HOUSE BUDGET BILL, LET ME GET BACK TO IT. SORRY.
• So grateful to both houses for putting the cost-of-living adjustment in.
• SO GRATEFUL TO BOTH HOUSES FOR PUTTING THE COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT IN.
• We are missing it in our one-house budget, and I want to put it back on the table.

Summary: The Human Services and Labor budget hearing opened with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members and naming secretaries for the record. The agencies covered included Human Services, Labor, Temporary and Disability Assistance, Children and Family Services, Veterans Services, Human Rights, Workers’ Compensation, the Welfare Inspector General, and the Public Employment Relations Board. Members then gave brief statements on their priorities for the upcoming budget negotiations. A major theme was affordability, with repeated discussion of child care, SNAP, housing, and worker supports. Senators and Assembly members highlighted the Senate and Assembly one-house proposals for a $500 million child care worker retention grant program, additional child care slots and subsidies, cost-of-living adjustments for human services workers, and expanded support for supportive housing, youth employment, HEAP, and energy affordability. Several members also emphasized food insecurity and SNAP-related issues, including funding to address payment errors, prevent penalties, expand SNAP education, and respond to expected federal changes. Labor-related issues included workers’ compensation fraud, wage theft enforcement, workplace violence, temporary disability insurance reform, and the creation of dedicated enforcement funding for the Department of Labor. Some members supported using workers’ compensation assessments or insurance-company-related funding to pay for anti-fraud efforts, while others preferred grants to district attorneys or broader DOL enforcement. There was also discussion of occupational health clinics, labor standards in any SEQRA changes, and expanding access to doctors in the workers’ compensation system. Veterans, child care, and public assistance fraud prevention were also discussed, including funding for veterans legal defense and mental health services, microchip/secure EBT cards to reduce skimming, and restoring or protecting various programs. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with the chairs stating that the Senate, Assembly, and Executive would continue negotiations toward a final budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, House Bill 2443, House Draft 1, relating to disaster services.
• 1768</c> on House Bill 1768 on House Bill 1768 House<00:16:21.680><c> Draft</c><00:16:22.079><c> 1</
• </c> House Draft 1 relating to immigration. House Draft 1 relating to immigration.
• Moving on to House Bill 1839, House Draft 2.
• Next measure, House Bill 2540, House Draft 2, relating to law enforcement.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1976, relating to dementia training for law enforcement, and HB 2443, relating to disaster services for people with disabilities and access or functional needs. For HB 1976, the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board opposed the bill’s process and cost, arguing there was no documented training gap because existing CALEA accreditation already includes mental illness response training that covers dementia. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, disability advocates, caregivers, and several individuals, said dementia-specific training would help first responders better handle real-world encounters and avoid harmful misunderstandings. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including changing mandatory language to permissive language in several places and removing a deadline for the first annual training cycle; the recommendation was adopted unanimously. For HB 2443, testimony was strongly supportive. The Disability Communication Access Board, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and individual testifiers said the bill would strengthen emergency planning and response by adding a Disability Integration Specialist and better integrating people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into disaster preparedness, sheltering, and FEMA coordination. Several speakers emphasized recent storms and rescues as evidence of the need. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including changes based on Attorney General comments and adding specialized communications and comprehensive communications planning provisions previously contained in another bill; that recommendation was also adopted unanimously. The transcript then moved to a separate mini hearing on HB 1768, relating to immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the ACLU of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would prevent local law enforcement from entering 287(g)-type agreements or otherwise participating in federal immigration enforcement, citing civil rights concerns, community trust, and the need for police to focus on local public safety. One testifier raised concerns that local cooperation could help avoid mistakes in enforcement, while supporters responded that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local agencies should not be deputized for civil immigration arrests. The excerpt ends amid extended member questions and discussion, without showing a final vote on HB 1768.

Transcript Highlights:

• to House Appropriations Welcome to House Appropriations Committee.<01:03:53.680><c> Please</c><01:03
• reports, House amended, adopted amendments, and the House summary sheet, just for your reference.
• back is the House standing committee reports,<01:11:13.199><c> House</c><01:11:13.520><c> amended,</
• </c> on the bill uh house bill one and house on the bill uh house bill one and house bill<01:12:21.600
• </c> been exhausted by the actions of House been exhausted by the actions of House Bill<01:14:51.679>

Bills: SF0032 , SF0010 , SF0001 , HB0001

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• As the ranking member said, mostly in House Bill 2 and House Bill 3, which is because that's where we
• I serve on your House Appropriation Staff. I am also the budget officer for the House.
• Maybe for housing.
• See none, we will close the public hearing on House Bill 11 and move to House Bill 12.
• House Bill 13. Seeing no one, is anyone here to testify in opposition to House Bill 13?

Summary: The committee first heard the Office of State Treasurer’s FY27 budget presentation from Treasurer Vivek Malik. He highlighted record investment earnings, growth in MOBUCK$ linked deposits, record unclaimed property returns, expansion of the MOST 529 plan, and changes to the MoABLE disability savings program. Members then focused heavily on two budget requests: $750,000 for the Show Me My Retirement Savings program and additional spending authority for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOST Scholars) program, along with a staffing request for compliance and communications positions. Much of the discussion centered on MOST Scholars’ rapid growth, how applications are prioritized, whether income is reverified, how funds flow through educational assistance organizations, and concerns about marketing, geographic distribution, and the use of public dollars for private schools. The treasurer also answered questions about the 529 plan, the pending lawsuit over the ESA general-revenue transfer, and whether funds should be swept back to general revenue when unused. Several members raised policy objections to MOST Scholars, including concerns about discrimination by participating private schools, the lack of annual income requalification, and whether the program shifts money away from public education. Other members defended the program as a parent-driven choice option and asked about expanding access, improving outreach, and ensuring the program is fully funded. The treasurer said the office was following the statute as written, that the program’s demand could exceed available resources, and that the office would continue to seek more funding and better outreach. The committee then concluded the treasurer’s budget hearing. The committee next began the FY27 budget hearing for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Commissioner Bennett Boggs introduced the department’s leadership team and gave a brief overview of the department’s role in aligning postsecondary education with workforce needs through its coordinating board and strategic planning. The hearing had just started when the transcript ended, and no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• House No. 5375, an act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges.
• House No. 2800. Its title has been changed by the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading.
• House No. 4805 is before the Senate.
• House No. 4805 is before the Senate.
• Paper from the House: the House petition of Joshua Toskey for legislation to authorize the establishment

Summary: The Senate first took up House No. 5375, an act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, and adopted the emergency preamble by a standing vote, with two members in the affirmative and the remainder in the negative. The chamber then briefly recessed. After reconvening, the Senate considered several local bills and passed each to be engrossed: House No. 2800, authorizing Stoneham to waive the maximum age requirement for original appointment of police officers; House No. 4718, making a similar change for Newton police officers; House No. 4805, amending the town charter of Plainville; and House No. 4843, providing for the exchange of certain parkland in Lexington. On the Plainville bill, an amendment offered by Representative Rausch was adopted to insert “the select board” after “committee” in section 29. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a House petition by Joshua Toskey to authorize a Veterans Suicide Mortality Review and Prevention Council within the Executive Office of Veterans Services, referring it to the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:00 a.m., with no calendar printed, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Pre-K through 12 Education Budget Conference is called to order.
• in the House.
• Well, it was my honor to present House Offer Number 1.
• For all of the spreadsheets included in House Offer Number 1, the format is the same.
• both of these offers align with our House budget offer Number 1.

Summary: The House Pre-K through 12 Education Budget Conference convened and organized by naming Rep. Persons-Mulicka as chair and Sen. Burgess as vice chair, with both selections approved without objection. Members also agreed, without objection, that ties are not allowed in committee meetings. Opening remarks from both chairs emphasized working together to resolve outstanding budget issues for the 2026-27 Pre-K-12 education budget. The House then presented its first budget offer. The chair highlighted several points: additional non-recurring child care and development funding to help prevent any child from being disenrolled from the school readiness program in fiscal year 2026-27; agreement to the Senate’s position on $200,000 for patriotic portraits in classrooms; continued support for a $100 million teacher salary increase focused on veteran teachers; and an adjustment to the base student allocation increase to match the Senate’s $50 increase. The offer also included project funding, FEFP summary changes, and proviso/back-of-the-bill items aligned with the House budget offer. No public testimony was offered and no questions were raised on the House offer. The chair reminded attendees that the conference was operating on a one-hour meeting notice. The meeting then adjourned on a motion to rise, without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we would prefer to see that moved out of restrictive housing law because this restrictive housing
• </c> restrict the use of restrictive housing restrict the use of restrictive housing and<00:29:13.120
• </c><00:30:57.200><c> With</c> reducing restrictive housing. With reducing restrictive housing.
• </c><00:34:58.240><c> Is</c> or or House. So, thank you again. Is or or House. So, thank you again.
• </c> housing that is not humane. housing that is not humane.

Summary: The working group convened with all members present, approved the minutes from its October 16, 2025 meeting and its October 28, 2025 Halawa Correctional Facility site visit by unanimous consent, and received no public testimony on the agenda or minutes. The chair then reviewed the statutory timeline under Act 292/SB 104, noting the group continues until January 8, 2027, and discussed required reporting dates and the need to develop a work plan for the remaining meetings. The chair also said the October 16 DCR presentation would be treated as satisfying the group’s interim-report purpose, though the legal reporting obligations to the Legislature and oversight commission still needed to be sorted out. The main discussion focused on DCR’s proposed amendments to Act 292 and the department’s interim report. Director Johnson said the department’s October 16 presentation included recommended statutory amendments because the law, as written, could not be fully complied with; the proposals were described as section-by-section changes intended to address implementation problems. Members discussed several specific issues, including transfer language for higher levels of care, the 2010 MOA with the Department of Health, and replacing “physician” with “clinician” to reflect staffing realities. DCR explained that the change would allow licensed clinicians, including APRNs and doctors of osteopathy, to make decisions when physicians are not on duty, and that the MOA is being updated so transfers can occur from any DCR facility to the state hospital. An OHA staff member gave a detailed critique of the proposed amendments, saying they would weaken Act 292’s intent by reducing procedural protections, expanding exceptions, and relying on aspirational language such as “strive” and “if practicable.” OHA also raised concerns about the lack of baseline data on restrictive housing use and said the department’s report showed serious operational problems, including overcrowded and outdated facilities, limited space for private medical or mental health exams, and the use of suicide/safety cells for people who may not need mental health treatment. DCR responded that it had requested 35 new medical positions in the budget, supported by the governor, and said those positions are needed to meet basic care obligations for people in custody. The group did not take a vote on the proposed amendments. Instead, members agreed to continue the discussion, with the chair saying the reports, settlement tracker, 2010 MOA, and comparison guidelines would be distributed and used as the basis for future work. In the final discussion on work-plan priorities, members identified staffing shortages, physical plant limitations, and the need to examine humane alternatives and implementation challenges as key topics for upcoming meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is housing part of that criteria?
• Representative Whitten. housing um part of that criteria? I'm housing um part of that criteria?
• </c> we built an 85 unit multifamily housing. we built an 85 unit multifamily housing.
• I think there's some housing?"
• Some of those houses living there.

Summary: The committee received an update from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, joined by Matt Wingate and Terry Bradshaw of the Kentucky Association of Economic Developers, on the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) and the closing fund. The presentation focused on how KPDI helps communities develop shovel-ready industrial sites by funding infrastructure, engineering, geotechnical work, and other site-preparation costs. Noel emphasized that the program is designed to reduce uncertainty for companies, improve speed to market, and support statewide job creation and investment, especially in rural and eastern Kentucky where development costs are often higher. Testimony highlighted the complexity and expense of preparing sites, with examples of road, water, power, and rock-removal costs, and the importance of third-party evaluation in scoring applications. Noel said the program has 116 total projects statewide, with 20 active projects stemming from pilot efforts and 35 projects already resulting in about 6,381 jobs and $4.4 billion in investment. He cited examples including Crown Holdings, Flash Metals, Phoenix Paper, Pratt Paper, AESC, Sound Elements, Kitchen Foods, Latte, Krueger, Biomass, and Anna Munsman. Bradshaw added that even communities that have not yet landed a project have benefited by building spec buildings or improving access to industrial property. The speakers said the last KPDI round drew $81 million in requests but only $35 million in available funding, and they urged lawmakers to consider whether additional funding or program adjustments are needed. Suggested changes included modestly increasing eligibility or funding flexibility for rural and eastern Kentucky, while maintaining third-party performance metrics, and continuing to prioritize finishing existing parks and creating strong regional sites. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill, House Bill 755.
• The bill, House Bill 755.
• Okay, the bill, House Bill 755. Okay. Okay, the bill, House Bill 755.
• </c> uh on House Bill 851. uh on House Bill 851.
• </c> it should pass on the House floor. it should pass on the House floor.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, what this bill is, is House Bill 270 relating to public works. ...is House Bill 270, relating
• Chairman, I'll move a due pass on House Bill 270.
• There's a date that just opened up at this intersection, and there's a housing, a big housing apartment
• There's a date that just opened up at this intersection, and there's a housing, a big housing apartment
• complex. ...intersection, and there's a housing, a big housing apartment complex.

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:

• Seeing no more, I now move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2099 be voted do pass.
• Seeing no more, I now move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2099 be voted do pass.
• House Bill 1791. This is a bill to set...
• of housing.
• We have a housing crisis.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• First on our agenda is House Bill 622, relating to the Department of Education.
• </c><00:02:32.080><c> Bill</c> members we are moving on to House Bill members we are moving on to House
• We are looking at decision making for House Bill 622 HD1.
• House Bill 622 HD1 House Bill 622 HD1 we<00:30:59.639><c> are</c><00:30:59.880><c> going</c><00:31:00.159
• House Bill 904 HD1, this is relating to Charter Schools.

Committee: Senate Education