Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation requires that we get three approvals.
• Thank you for your Leadership and for considering this piece of legislation.
• Chairman, no more than ninety-two million is described in the legislation. Okay.
• We're not asking for any more appropriation.
• But the school districts, you can request that as a parent.

Bills: SB48 , SB64 , SB100

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• DSHS, which administers this program, is to request a waiver... ...food.
• For the record, I'm Senator Judy Warnick, 13th Legislative District.
• This bill is subject to appropriation.
• This bill is subject to appropriation.
• We hope that you'll consider this legislation.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on three bills. SB 6212, sponsored by Sen. Nobles, would create a Department of Commerce pilot program providing monthly cash benefits to families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, with a control group and a final report to the Legislature on whether to expand the program statewide. Supporters said the pilot could reduce child poverty, improve family stability, and provide evidence on the effects of direct cash assistance; the sponsor acknowledged the bill would be expensive and said funding would need to be worked out. No vote was taken. SB 6186, sponsored by Sen. Warnick, would direct DSHS to seek a federal waiver to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to buy candy and sweetened beverages, with annual reapplication if needed. The bill’s preliminary fiscal note was described as significant, and the sponsor said she was open to amendments, including possibly limiting the proposal to Sun Bucks. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed from anti-hunger advocates, public health experts, economists, SNAP educators, and individuals with lived experience, who argued the restrictions would be costly, hard to administer, stigmatizing, and unlikely to improve nutrition; one supporter said the measure would promote healthier choices and reduce long-term health costs. No action was taken. SB 6707, also by Sen. Warnick, would have WSIPP study DCYF’s screening tools and risk assessment processes for child welfare referrals and their effects on outcomes such as services, removals, re-referrals, and fatalities. DCYF said it supports evaluating its risk assessment tool but is already working with Chapin Hall on a similar redesign and pilot of the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale, and asked how the bill would avoid duplicating that work. Sen. Warnick said the bill was intended to examine child welfare outcomes more broadly. The committee heard testimony but took no vote, and the chair announced amendments for Wednesday’s executive session are due by noon the next day before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• That just became available to us six months ago, and then the $50 million special appropriation that
• These are new requests, and we do not currently have enough funding to be able to fund all of those requests
• The next slide goes into our legislative request, which is the $135 million request for the Housing Trust
• But I do have a piece of legislation this year, and several others are going to join me on this: the
• And that's the point of the bonds and the appropriations that we're seeking this session.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so to me, that feels like an appropriate place to put this notice.
• appropriation?
• appropriation?
• I'm afraid for the fate of your bill if it goes to Appropriations.
• Are you trying to put together model legislation?

Bills: HB471 , HB798 , HB947 , HB1140 , HB1186 , HB1195 , HB1222

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, consumer protection, automated decision systems, data privacy, broadband, cable service, price increase, notification, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, telecommunications, spoofing, call authentication

Transcript Highlights:

• Justice partner access request.
• On line 36, they had a request for a jury pay deficit. This money is also available for four years.
• Starting at line one, this section is not in appropriation.
• Data requests if the data requester does not show up to collect or inspect the requested data that has
• Our organization has been buoyed by the significant investments from the legislator in years past.

Bills: HF2300

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Um, so with over 90% of the appropriated Um, so with over 90% of the appropriated funds<00:03:36.000
• </c> legislation. This is an act of justice. legislation. This is an act of justice.
• </c> much for this important legislation. much for this important legislation.
• via this grant or legislative appropriation.
• </c> 400,000 via this grant or legislative 400,000 via this grant or legislative appropriation.<01:18

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I have, I believe the committee has a draft of some potential legislation or solution that was requested
• If the legislation approaches...
• Many of the agencies, because we did ask specific questions as requested by the Legislative Council,
• on some legislation, I think it was on page three. that they were working on some legislation.
• We had requested a $25,000 budget from Chairman Hogue, Chairman of Legislative Management, for the study

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:48.680><c> Um</c> uh we come to you for request. Um uh we come to you for request.
• </c> uh to you know, your appropriations uh to you know, your appropriations committee<00:02:57.920><
• I can't legislate that away days.
• </c> system is the appropriations committee. system is the appropriations committee.
• </c> has determined is appropriate. has determined is appropriate.

Committee: Joint Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll entertain a motion at the appropriate time. Thank you very much.
• Many of you supported this legislation.
• I respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you. Thank you so much.
• Name and affiliation at the appropriate time.
• Appropriations? You want to just repeat the current vote?

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard several wildfire, disaster recovery, and behavioral health bills. AB 1960 would allow Cal Fire wildfire prevention grants to fund community-level home hardening projects, and AB 1964 would require the State Fire Marshal to survey the number of homes needing upgrades to very high fire-hardening standards and estimate the cost. Supporters for both bills included Fire Aside, Megafire Action, the Orange County Fire Authority, and the Nature Conservancy; there was no opposition. Committee members praised the community-focused approach and the need to better measure progress on home hardening. The committee also heard AB 2385, which would clarify state law so local governments can create local reconstruction agencies and plan disaster recovery in advance, with model ordinances and technical assistance from state agencies. The League of California Cities supported the bill, saying it would help cities and counties recover more quickly and orderly after disasters; members cited the Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendations and urged preserving the bill’s authorities. No opposition was heard. AB 2093, a cleanup and governance bill for California’s 988 crisis response system, would address implementation problems from AB 988, including unclear leadership, coordination gaps between 988 and 911, and funding structure issues. The Steinberg Institute and several behavioral health and advocacy organizations supported the measure, while the County Behavioral Health Directors Association opposed unless amended. After discussion, the committee voted to pass the consent calendar and all four bills—AB 1960, AB 1964, AB 2093, and AB 2385—to the Appropriations Committee, with each measure ultimately reported out on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> new appropriation. new appropriation.
• </c> 73 and this follow-up legislation. 73 and this follow-up legislation.
• Madam Speaker, while I voted no in order to allow our legislative process to play out on an appropriate
• . legislators. legislators.
• </c> the governor requested last January. the governor requested last January.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Aubrey Rodriguez, and I'm a legislative advocate with ACLU California Action.
• My name is Aubrey Rodriguez, and I'm a legislative advocate with ACLU California Action.
• These gaps are preventing other court certificate available for them to request.
• Colleagues, the chair will be recommending an aye at the appropriate time.
• That is not onerous; it is completely appropriate.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with testimony split between supporters who framed the measures as targeted fixes and opponents who warned about overcriminalization and unintended consequences. SB 701, by Senator Wahab, drew support from law enforcement and local government groups, who said state law lacks a tool to address the conduct at issue; the ACLU opposed it as duplicative of existing law, while public defenders said they may withdraw opposition after amendments. Because there was no quorum at that point, the bill was held open without a vote. SB 834, by Senator DeRazzo, was presented as a technical cleanup bill to improve California’s automatic record clearance system by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It received broad support from criminal justice reform and defense organizations, with no opposition, and the chair indicated support, but no final action was taken during the hearing. SB 248, by Senator Rubio, would require DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and related resources; supporters called it common-sense education, while one opponent argued the information is already available. The committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, but it remained on call pending one additional vote. Senator Rubio’s SB 19, the Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, would create a new offense for credible threats against schools or houses of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community advocates, said current law leaves a loophole and that the bill would help prevent panic and resource-draining lockdowns; opponents from civil liberties and youth justice groups argued existing law already covers threats and that the bill would worsen the school-to-prison pipeline. After a motion and second, the committee voted due pass to Appropriations, with the measure also left on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, prompted by the killing of Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, would require a court hearing after a third supervision violation or new offense for people on post-release community supervision; supporters said it adds accountability, while opponents said it removes probation discretion and could increase jail and court burdens. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was reported as passing. The committee also heard SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance while preserving veterinary use. Supporters, including veterinarians, law enforcement, and a parent who lost a son to a drug-related death, said the drug is increasingly present in fentanyl mixtures and needs to be controlled; opponents from drug policy and civil liberties groups argued scheduling would criminalize users, hinder research, and repeat failed drug-war policies. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out due pass to Appropriations, and it passed. Finally, SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, was introduced to regulate AI-generated voice, image, and video replicas, with supporters emphasizing protection against deepfakes and nonconsensual images; the California Chamber of Commerce opposed unless amended, seeking narrower definitions and limits on consumer warnings. The hearing ended while SB 11 was still under discussion, with no final vote reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposed legislation does two things. This proposed legislation does two things.
• And so with that, I would respectfully request you print this RS.
• I would request to change my vote. Thank you. It's up to the chair.
• How would I be able to opt my son into an age-appropriate...
• How would I be able to opt to my son into an age appropriate?

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Members were reminded that RS introductions are not the place for broad bill debate, though technical questions could be discussed. Representative Chris Matthias presented RS 33033, which would require schools to notify parents when a student is involved in a serious bullying incident, including incidents resulting in suspension, and would eliminate the current requirement for schools to compile and send bullying incident counts to the Idaho Department of Education. After a brief procedural issue over whether members had access to the RS, a motion to introduce the RS was made and approved. Chairman Dale Hawkins then presented RS 32917, a cleanup measure related to K-12 instruction on sexual orientation. He said the proposal was intended to remove confusing leftover language from an earlier version of the bill that had already been enacted. Representative Matthias raised a technical question about how the change would interact with existing opt-in provisions for human sexuality instruction, and Representative Garner asked for statistics on how often the issue arises in classrooms. Hawkins said he would bring data back later. The committee then voted to introduce RS 32917, and the meeting adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• the reason for any delays in fulfilling a public records request.
• the reason for any delays in fulfilling a public records request.
• Okay, and I don't... on the public records request...
• In regard to the legislative mandates, that entails rulemaking.
• Obviously, legislative session just started yesterday.

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is also triggered by an appropriation allotment.
• But that's an appropriations conversation, which I sit on appropriations.
• Motion is due passed to the Committee on Appropriations.
• Motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations.
• Motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Introduction of legislation: the reader will read.
• Reading of legislation.
• Introduction of legislation, the reader will read.
• A memorial requesting the Legislative Finance Committee to study statewide issues related to transportation
• A memorial requesting the Legislative Finance Committee to study statewide issues related to transportation

Summary: The Senate convened, initially lacked a quorum, then established one and opened with prayer, pledges in English, Navajo, and Spanish, and the salute to the New Mexico flag. Members then moved through announcements and recognitions, including permission for cameras on the floor and gallery, and certificates honoring Santa Fe County Day and Soil and Water Conservation District Day. Senators spoke in support of both recognitions, emphasizing Santa Fe County’s history, cultural and economic contributions, and the conservation districts’ role in stewardship, agriculture, and conservation work across the state. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests, honorary lieutenant governors, student shadows, and seniors visiting the Capitol. The Senate confirmed two State Investment Council appointments. Mary Patricia Roman was confirmed 31-0 after debate highlighting her decades of global investment experience, leadership in private banking, and service on the SIC investment committee. John F. Bingaman was then confirmed 32-0 for reappointment, with senators citing his finance background, prior service as governor’s chief of staff, and role in state economic and early childhood policy. Members also discussed his leadership on the council and the importance of strong management of the state’s permanent funds. On legislation, Senate Memorial 3 passed 27-0. The memorial, developed with the Wild Friends civics and science program, invites state agencies to participate in an insect identification and education workshop with UNM’s Museum of Southwestern Biology and the Xerces Society. The Senate also received House messages and adopted several committee reports, including referrals and passage recommendations for multiple bills and memorials. Later, the chamber debated Senate Bill 145, which would consolidate certain federal audit reporting into a single submission and adjust audit requirements for smaller entities and acequias; supporters said it would streamline compliance without changing audit requirements, while opponents raised concerns about auditor business, oversight, and the risk of weakening scrutiny. The bill remained under debate in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If an individual submits a written request for their information to be kept private, written requests
• does not specifically appropriate the money.
• This bill is modeled after the federal legislation.
• Thanks to all of you for passing this very important legislation.
• I'm also chair of the TMA's Council on Legislation, which is the body that informs legislative policy

Bills: SB1888 , SB3003 , SB2417 , SB2459 , SB3055 , HB1393 , HB2884 , SB2943

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Quick introductions of the legislators who are here.
• LFC included about half of that appropriation at $15.7 million.
• Your current appropriation for out of school.
• Supplemental appropriation to the SEG.
• You've already appropriated that money.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with Dan kidsburg who's my legislative with Dan kidsburg who's my legislative director<00:21:42.000
• <00:26:00.919><c> for</c><00:26:01.200><c> agency</c> Appropriations for agency Appropriations for agency
• </c><00:31:52.080><c> for</c> done through competitive request for done through competitive request for
• </c><01:23:52.960><c> from</c> are you meeting with legislators from are you meeting with legislators
• intent that's built into the legislative intent that's built into the legislation<01:40:05.719><c> is

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023, WaTech requested legislation to remove OPDP's broadband equity reporting requirement, but the
• And it comes from the legislative support for the office.
• , but would it be helpful to have a legislative definition?
• , but would it be helpful to have a legislative definition?
• Legislative intent, but would it be helpful to have a legislative definition of farm worker?

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload. Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• She respectfully requested that the committee reject the legislation in favor of animals getting the
• And that is the focus of the legislation before you.
• So those provisions are included in this legislation as well.
• I requested to see these records at the board office.
• Simply this, I've just got a request that Mr.

Summary: The committee first approved the January 28, 2026 minutes and held Senate Bill 1241 for a later hearing because a witness was unavailable. It then took up Senate Bill 1144, which would create an alternative pathway for veterinary technician certification through supervised on-the-job training and board-approved skills standards. Supporters, including the Arizona Humane Society, a high school student in a veterinary program, and other advocates, said the bill would help address workforce shortages, reduce student debt, and improve access to care, especially in rural and low-income areas. Opponents, including the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association and several veterinarians, argued the bill could weaken training standards, increase liability, and create safety risks; the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association ultimately moved to neutral after amendments added supervision and affidavit requirements. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 1144 as amended on a 6-1 vote. The committee next passed Senate Bill 1247 unanimously. That bill would allow a person who does not receive care services to live with a resident in an assisted living center, and would bar the Department of Health Services from imposing requirements on that person that the resident would not face. Supporters said the bill was needed to fix a recent agency interpretation that could force spouses or other companions to separate or pay for services they do not use, and noted a possible floor amendment to extend the same treatment to assisted living homes. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1286, which would extend from 14 days to 60 days the period for veterinary prescriptions and renewals issued through telemedicine. Supporters said the change would improve access in underserved and rural areas and reflect how telemedicine is already used in human medicine, while opponents warned that longer telemedicine prescriptions could delay necessary exams and diagnostics, increase the risk of misdiagnosis, and create animal welfare and liability concerns. After testimony, the sponsor asked that the bill be held for a possible amendment next week, so no vote was taken. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1164, which would allow Medicaid claims to continue under a prior owner’s billing number during a skilled nursing or assisted living facility change of ownership until new enrollment is complete; supporters said this would prevent long reimbursement delays, while Access raised concerns about federal-law conflicts and said it needed advance notice to process ownership changes. The bill passed 6-0 with one member not voting. Finally, the committee passed Senate Bill 1181, which expands CPA licensure pathways by allowing combinations of degree and work experience and updates reciprocity and rulemaking provisions, and Senate Bill 1415, which creates a licensing path for salaried insurance adjusters with out-of-state credentials, subject to an amendment clarifying exam and employment requirements. Both bills were supported as workforce and mobility measures, and both were reported out of committee on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.