Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Dean, I commend your leadership, direction, and public service, as well as that of other committee
• So the reason I'm saying we want to be careful about adding—we don't want to run out of time again.

Bills: HB345, HB721, HB2580, SB815, HB3057, HB4603, HB3233, SB495, HB3863, HB3914, HB4570, HB5099, HB5173, SB458

Keywords: insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, insurer obligations, natural disasters, appraisal expenses, umpire selection, policyholder, insurer, umpire, claims management, health care, cost disclosure, benefit plan, administrators, traumatic brain injury, health benefit plans, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• It permits patients to request a cash direct pay price from physicians and health care providers.
• The legislation is meant to incentivize individuals to shop for their health care.
• So if you can get cash to go get care, you might go get care that you wouldn't have gotten before.
• Mental health care should not be a luxury for the wealthy.
• I'm with the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association.

Bills: HB345, HB721, HB2580, SB815, HB3057, HB4603, HB3233, SB495, HB3863, HB3914, HB4570, HB5099, HB5173, SB458

Keywords: insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, insurer obligations, natural disasters, appraisal expenses, umpire selection, policyholder, insurer, umpire, claims management, health care, cost disclosure, benefit plan, administrators, traumatic brain injury, health benefit plans, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• And the pharmacy that alleviated and pretty much took care of his... reaction. Very good.
• care they receive in the home environment.
• Mental health care is health care, just as we excuse students for physical illnesses. and routine medical
• appointments, we should treat mental health with the same urgency and care.
• of, that everyone has to take care of.

Bills: SB207, SB611, SB920, SB1174, SB1207, SB1325, SB1396, SB1551, SB1619

Keywords: SB 207, Texas Education Code, public school attendance, excused absence, mental health appointment, mental health care, behavioral health, school district, student absenteeism, same-day return, health care professionals, physician certification, religious holy days, court appearance, DFPS, foster care, education policy, student wellness, school mental health, attendance policy

Transcript Highlights:

• and physician care.
• People are charged based on what the care is.
• People are charged based on what the care is.
• Then that's the provider of quality health care.
• We talk a lot about access to health care.

Bills: SB5223, SB5993, SB5831, SB5928, SB6183, SB6071, SB5995, SB5966, SB5841, SB5840, SB6061, SB6058, SB5931, SB5944, SB5520, SB6011, SB6087, SB6076, SB5916, SB6016, SB5936, SB6137, SB5185, SB5956, SB6025, SB6009, SB5833, SB6161, SB6188, SB5890, SB5917, SB5820, SB5973, SJM8015, SB5816, SB6136, SB6091, SB6024

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, medical debt, interest charges, consumer protection, healthcare, financial burden, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, including the roll call, approval of the previous day’s journal, referral of committee reports and gubernatorial appointments, and the removal of Senate Joint Memorial 8003 from the consent calendar to the regular calendar. The chamber also received and referred Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604 to the Committee on Human Services, and later took up several gubernatorial confirmations. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8682 recognizing the YMCA’s 150th anniversary in Washington. Senators spoke in support, describing the YMCA’s role in child care, swim lessons, youth programs, civic engagement, camps, and community health, and guests from YMCA organizations were recognized on the floor. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey P. Fairchild to the Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees, Randall V. Scott to the Lake Washington Institute of Technology Board of Trustees, and Anna M. Franklin to the Community Colleges of Spokane Board of Trustees, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for the family of Representative Tom Dent after his wife suffered a stroke. After caucuses, the Senate returned to floor action on two major bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5185, creating a pilot pathway to physician licensure for international medical graduates, was advanced to final passage and approved 39-1. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5993, lowering the interest rate on medical debt, drew extensive debate about affordability, charity care, and the impact on rural hospitals; amendments were considered, including one to make the bill prospective rather than retroactive, which was adopted, while a rural-hospital differential-rate amendment failed. The bill ultimately passed 29-19. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• care in ways that were never intended.
• They need care, and we want to be here to provide that care.
• It also ensures that access to care for eye care is a top priority for this state.
• It also ensures that access to care for eye care is a top priority for this state.
• to take care of them.

Bills: SCR37, SB145, SB237

Keywords: informed consent, healthcare, medical procedures, patient rights, surgeon general, regulatory review, adult residential care, generators, emergency power, health safety, Louisiana Department of Health, compliance, regulations, child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews

Transcript Highlights:

• We call it universal health care.
• And this health care board is going to make the design for the universal health care board.
• And this health care board is going to make the design for the universal health care program that we
• But in that case, we want the health care board, along with the input of the Universal Health Care Commission
• It was designed as a gateway to collaborative care, but has since become a transactional barrier to care

Bills: SB5223, SB6071, SB5966, SB6061, SB6016, SB5973, SB5053, SB5249, SB5899, SB6190, SB5574, SB5873, SB5924, SB6263, SB6282, SB5950, SB6074, SB6096, SB5609, SB5901, SB5943, SB5975, SJM8016, SB5907, SB6031, SB6155, SB6158, SB6227, SB5947, SB6085, SB6234, SB6274, SB5909, SB6044, SB6239, SB6045, SB6089, SB6170, SB5954, SB5762, SB6032, SB6066, SB6082, SB6164, SB6176, SB6319, SB6308, SB6200, SB6080, SJM8014, SB6177, SB6052, SB6182, SB5828, SB6335, SB6017, SB5470, SB5990, SB5046, SB5387, SB5637, SB5647, SB5839, SB5888, SB5962, SB6018, SB6037, SB6047, SB6078, SB6130, SB6147, SB6151, SB6197, SB6220, SB6256, SB6311, SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• We call it universal health care.
• This health care board is going to make the design for the universal health care program that we will
• We're not going to solve them with universal health care.
• Last line: chiropractic evaluation, care, and adjustments.
• It was designed as a gateway to collaborative care, but has since become a transactional barrier to care

Bills: SB5223, SB6071, SB5966, SB6061, SB6016, SB5973, SB5053, SB5249, SB5899, SB6190, SB5574, SB5873, SB5924, SB6263, SB6282, SB5950, SB6074, SB6096, SB5609, SB5901, SB5943, SB5975, SJM8016, SB5907, SB6031, SB6155, SB6158, SB6227, SB5947, SB6085, SB6234, SB6274, SB5909, SB6044, SB6239, SB6045, SB6089, SB6170, SB5954, SB5762, SB6032, SB6066, SB6082, SB6164, SB6176, SB6319, SB6308, SB6200, SB6080, SJM8014, SB6177, SB6052, SB6182, SB5828, SB6335, SB6017, SB5470, SB5990, SB5046, SB5387, SB5637, SB5647, SB5839, SB5888, SB5962, SB6018, SB6037, SB6047, SB6078, SB6130, SB6147, SB6151, SB6197, SB6220, SB6256, SB6311, SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Summary: The Senate convened with all members present, heard a prayer and pledge, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through committee reports and House messages. Several bills were referred to committees, including low-income energy assistance and real property use restrictions. The chamber then took up a series of gubernatorial appointments, confirming Apollonio P. Hernandez to the University of Washington Board of Regents, Violet M. Frolov to the Central Washington University Board of Trustees, and Monica U. to the Washington Student Achievement Council, each after sponsor remarks and roll-call votes. The Senate also recessed briefly for caucuses and later resumed floor action on bills. On final passage, the Senate approved SB 6220 on nonprofit housing property tax exemptions for temporary community use, SB 5947 creating the Washington Health Care Board, ESSB 631 on safe pedestrian passage during construction, ESSB 6066 establishing crash prevention zones, SB 6044 recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, SB 5899 allowing qualified chiropractors to treat non-human animals under a licensing framework, SB 6151 dedicating environmental program fee accounts, ESSB 6200 allowing renters and mobile home occupants to install portable cooling devices with safeguards, SB 5901 adjusting school construction assistance for on-base schools, and SB 6080 governing federal detention contracts with county and municipal jails. Most of these bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 5947, SB 5924, SB 6200, and SB 6080 drew notable opposition from some senators who raised concerns about cost, scope, safety, or implementation. The Senate also adopted amendments to several measures, including technical or stakeholder-driven changes to SB 5947, ESSB 631, ESSB 6066, SB 5899, and ESSB 6200. SB 5924, expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice, passed after a lengthy debate over access to care, professional training, and the role of collaborative drug therapy agreements; supporters framed it as a response to provider shortages, while opponents argued it moved too quickly or needed more study. SB 6080, concerning jail contracts for federal detainees, saw failed amendments seeking an attorney general opinion and a good-faith extension, before passing on a 30-19 vote. The meeting ended with a personal privilege statement marking Lunar New Year and a motion to recess for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it seems like that's the direction we're going. It saddens me.
• It seems like that's the direction we're going. It saddens me.
• This is a very simple, straightforward bill that directs the Department of Commerce to create an economic
• district the incredible value that the Greenwood Senior Center is offering to our community: memory care
• And I believe that a lot of the small trucks that this bill—this isn't going to take care of the F-150s

Bills: SB5223, SB6071, SB5966, SB6061, SB6016, SB5973, SB5053, SB5249, SB5899, SB6190, SB5574, SB5873, SB5924, SB6263, SB6282, SB5950, SB6074, SB6096, SB5609, SB5901, SB5943, SB5975, SJM8016, SB5907, SB6031, SB6155, SB6158, SB6227, SB5947, SB6085, SB6234, SB6274, SB5909, SB6044, SB6239, SB6045, SB6089, SB6170, SB5954, SB5762, SB6032, SB6066, SB6082, SB6164, SB6176, SB6319, SB6308, SB6200, SB6080, SJM8014, SB6177, SB6052, SB6182, SB5828, SB6335, SB6017, SB5470, SB5990, SB5046, SB5387, SB5637, SB5647, SB5839, SB5888, SB5962, SB6018, SB6037, SB6047, SB6078, SB6130, SB6147, SB6151, SB6197, SB6220, SB6256, SB6311, SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• It'll take care of health care. Don't worry. But, Mr. President...
• Take care of health care, don't worry. But, Mr.
• We talk about health care, public servants, child care, higher education.
• We talk about health care, public servants, child care, higher education.
• and child care.

Bills: SB5223, SB6071, SB5966, SB6061, SB6016, SB5973, SB5053, SB5249, SB5899, SB6190, SB5574, SB5873, SB5924, SB6263, SB6282, SB5950, SB6074, SB6096, SB5609, SB5901, SB5943, SB5975, SJM8016, SB5907, SB6031, SB6155, SB6158, SB6227, SB5947, SB6085, SB6234, SB6274, SB5909, SB6044, SB6239, SB6045, SB6089, SB6170, SB5954, SB5762, SB6032, SB6066, SB6082, SB6164, SB6176, SB6319, SB6308, SB6200, SB6080, SJM8014, SB6177, SB6052, SB6182, SB5828, SB6335, SB6017, SB5470, SB5990, SB5046, SB5387, SB5637, SB5647, SB5839, SB5888, SB5962, SB6018, SB6037, SB6047, SB6078, SB6130, SB6147, SB6151, SB6197, SB6220, SB6256, SB6311, SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• I pray that you would direct them in their deliberations, protect them, provide for them.
• And whereas these contributions reflect the tradition, grounded in high standards, discipline, and care
• progress, and whose legacy continues to guide leadership grounded in responsibility, humility, and care
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Washington State Senate, ...and care.
• the next generation empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility, encouraging them to care

Bills: SB5223, SB6071, SB5966, SB6061, SB6016, SB5973, SB5053, SB5249, SB5899, SB6190, SB5574, SB5873, SB5924, SB6263, SB6282, SB5950, SB6074, SB6096, SB5609, SB5901, SB5943, SB5975, SJM8016, SB5907, SB6031, SB6155, SB6158, SB6227, SB5947, SB6085, SB6234, SB6274, SB5909, SB6044, SB6239, SB6045, SB6089, SB6170, SB5954, SB5762, SB6032, SB6066, SB6082, SB6164, SB6176, SB6319, SB6308, SB6200, SB6080, SJM8014, SB6177, SB6052, SB6182, SB5828, SB6335, SB6017, SB5470, SB5990, SB5046, SB5387, SB5637, SB5647, SB5839, SB5888, SB5962, SB6018, SB6037, SB6047, SB6078, SB6130, SB6147, SB6151, SB6197, SB6220, SB6256, SB6311, SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• Affordability Account for Cascade Care Savings Program.
• The amendment directs, there's three things.
• It also directs authority into partnerships when eminent domain.
• It directs OSPI to prioritize areas with a high need for child care and also existing TTK programs when
• It directs OSPI to prioritize areas with a high need for child care and also existing TTK programs when

Bills: HB2675, HB2249, HB2120, HB1069, HB1983, HB2431, SB6006, SB6297, SB6351, SB6353, HB2521, HB2091, HB2104, SB6355, HB2254, HB2385, SB5808, HB1796, HB1376, SB6260, HB2353

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity, information technology, IT contracting, data center, systems integration, network engineering

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and solution to allow for direct and solution to allow for direct payments<00:22:58.200><c> for<
• </c> this, but we do feel that the direct this, but we do feel that the direct payments<00:23:26.920>
• It ensures quality of care.
• It also It ensures quality of care.
• </c> including Medicaid managed care including Medicaid managed care programs,<00:32:49.800><c> to</c

Bills: SB2433, SB2047, SB2425, SB3045, SB2761, SB3001, SB2852, SB2471

Keywords: condominium governance, education trust fund, unit owners, real estate, dispute resolution, financial obligations, community representation, pharmacy benefit managers, maximum allowable cost, transparency, drug pricing, insurance commissioner, contracting pharmacies, healthcare, substance use disorder, SUD, addiction treatment, behavioral health, mental health, rehabilitation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2433 SD1 relating to condominiums, which would direct the condominium education trust fund toward educational resources for unit owners and require the Real Estate Commission to ensure owners’ interests are represented in funded activities and related rulemaking. Supporters, including the Hawaii Real Estate Commission and a condominium owner advocate, said owners need a seat at the table in condo governance and education efforts. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was necessary, with the Real Estate Commission indicating it could already use the trust fund for owner education and that owners are already considered stakeholders, though not through a specific commission seat. No vote was taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then took up SB 2047 SD2 HD1 on pharmacy benefit managers, which would set requirements for maximum allowable cost reimbursement, allow reverse-and-rebill claims after successful appeals, and authorize fines for violations. The Insurance Division offered comments, the Hawaii Pharmacists Association supported the measure with amendments and suggested future PBM reform funding, and Kaiser Permanente requested a technical amendment. A committee question raised whether the staffing and resource request for implementation was too large for a bill focused only on MAC pricing, and the witness said he would provide more data to the next committee. No final action was shown. Next was SB 2425 SD2 HD1 on health insurance and substance use disorder treatment, requiring insurers to honor written assignments of benefits to SUD providers and prohibiting anti-assignment clauses. Supporters described patients being unable to access treatment because of high out-of-pocket costs and said direct payment would reduce harm for people in recovery. HMSA opposed the bill but said it would begin direct payments to non-participating SUD facilities effective March 27, while continuing to object to the assignment-of-benefits portion because of fraud and balance-billing concerns; the Hawaii Association of Health Plans also opposed. Members questioned HMSA about reimbursement mechanics and why the bill was needed if coverage policies were already changing. Finally, the committee heard SB 3045 SD1 HD1, which would require coverage of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies, including for Medicaid managed care, under certain conditions. DHS and the Insurance Division offered comments, while SHPDA, Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, and others supported the bill, citing inconsistent access and a case in which a woman allegedly died after being denied a CGM. HMSA said it already covers medically necessary CGMs and had updated its policy in 2025 for type 1 and insulin-dependent patients, but it raised concerns about expanding mandated coverage to type 2 and gestational diabetes and about supply impacts. The committee also discussed whether the bill duplicated existing coverage standards and why it had been introduced repeatedly. No votes or final dispositions were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, nine out of ten bills that I file are direct constituent request bills.
• I don't have a direct answer to your question.
• Again, all of the questions today are directed toward existing law. That's the law today.

Bills: HB4338, HB3977, HB2100, HB2975, HB3056, HB3406, HB3720, HB4316, HB3405, HB1907, HB3142, HB3173, HB3270, HB3728, HB2440, HB2596, HB3466, HB3469, HB4338, HB3977, HB2100, HB2975, HB3056, HB3406, HB3720, HB4316, HB3405, HB1907, HB3142, HB3173, HB3270, HB3728, HB2440, HB2596, HB3466, HB3469

Keywords: HB4338, Oklahoma Brine Development Act, brine unitization, produced water, produced water unit, oil and gas wastewater, produced water recycling, reclaimed water, constituent elements, brine rights, solution gas, Corporation Commission, unitization, royalty interests, surface owner, oil and gas produced water, recycling and reuse, wastewater disposal, mineral extraction, lithium extraction

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, nine out of ten bills that I file are direct constituent request bills.
• I don't have a direct answer to your question.
• Again, all of the questions today are directed toward existing law. That's the law today.

Bills: HB4338, HB3977, HB2100, HB2975, HB3056, HB3406, HB3720, HB4316, HB3405, HB1907, HB3142, HB3173, HB3270, HB3728, HB2440, HB2596, HB3466, HB3469

Keywords: HB4338, Oklahoma Brine Development Act, brine unitization, produced water, produced water unit, oil and gas wastewater, produced water recycling, reclaimed water, constituent elements, brine rights, solution gas, Corporation Commission, unitization, royalty interests, surface owner, oil and gas produced water, recycling and reuse, wastewater disposal, mineral extraction, lithium extraction

Summary: The Energy Oversight Committee met for its first meeting of the session and considered a long agenda of House bills, mostly technical updates and agency request measures. Early bills included HB 438, which changes opportunities for Oklahoma’s iodine industry to extract iodine from brine/produced water, and HB 2975, a Department of Agriculture request bill amended to remove hauler licensing provisions. The committee also advanced HB 3056, which revises Oklahoma Milk Products Act language and, after amendment, removed donkey and horse milk, liability language, and restaurant provisions; members questioned raw milk advertising, pasteurization, and the scope of the bill. HB 3720, updating the Homemade Food Freedom Act to raise the sales cap and expand who may produce and sell food, also passed after questions about liability and food safety. Several other measures moved forward with little or no opposition, including HB 4316 on rural water districts, HB 3405 adding poison hemlock and kudzu to the noxious weed list, HB 1907 creating a battery storage framework, HB 3142 on LP gas industry issues after a prior veto, HB 2440 exempting the Water Resources Board from OMES hiring rules, HB 2596 speeding DEQ permitting, HB 3466 eliminating an unused Corporation Commission petty cash fund, and HB 3469 creating a three-year phase-in for a surety bond requirement. The most extensive debate centered on HB 3173 and HB 3270. HB 3173 would allow orphaned and abandoned wells to be repurposed for geothermal or energy storage; supporters said it could reduce taxpayer plugging costs and create new value, while opponents raised concerns about landowner consent, compensation, and possible eminent domain issues. The bill passed 11-3. HB 3270, a major amendment to the Chronic Wasting Disease Act, would shift permitting and a $500 license fee from the Department of Wildlife to the Department of Agriculture and allow the program to proceed under Agriculture’s oversight. The author argued Wildlife had not complied with existing law and that the change was needed to move the pilot forward; opponents objected to the late amendment, the lack of Wildlife testimony, and concerns from hunting organizations about releasing captive-raised deer. After lengthy questioning, the bill passed 6-5. The committee also considered HB 2100, which would protect state investment in Conservation Commission cost-share lands from eminent domain; members discussed whether the protection should apply only during the term of a conservation agreement and only to the specific acres enrolled. It passed 8-5. HB 3977, requiring the state veterinarian to have food-animal practice experience, passed 12-0. HB 3406 updating burn-ban statutes and giving county commissioners flexibility and liability protection passed 13-1. HB 438, HB 4316, HB 3405, HB 1907, HB 3142, HB 2440, HB 2596, HB 3466, and HB 3469 all received due pass recommendations, while HB 3728 was laid over. The meeting adjourned with notice that at least one more committee meeting would be held the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we don't care, I guess...
• I guess it's okay to pass this bill, but I do care, and I think you care, and I hope a majority of this
• body cares that what the Constitution says matters.
• We collectively really care about the Constitution.
• by health care providers.

Bills: HJR175, HJR88, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR9, HCR40, HB5138, SB17, HB4944, HB2284, HB3421, SB1569, SB2420, SB1968, SB2351, SB2544, SB1490, SB1349, SB1568, SB2776, HB3531, HB2149, HB4327, HB3158, HB3717, HB4520, SB888, SB552, HB3138, HB3704, HB2921, HB4853, HB4506, HB3892, HJR161, HJR175, HJR88, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40

Keywords: constitutional amendment, medium of exchange, currency rights, digital currency, financial autonomy, tax exemption, rainwater harvesting, graywater system, local government, ad valorem taxation, housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, audit requirements, affordable housing, development bonds, oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes

Bills: HB145, HB279, HB292, SB35, HJM1, HM7, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM32, HM51, HM1, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM30, HM52, HM64, HM65, HM66, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HM17, HM46, HM13, HM20, HM54, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM59, HM2, HM16, HM47, HM53

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, healthcare privacy, electronic medical records, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, data protection, location tracking, confidentiality, sexual abuse, prison safety, correctional facilities, inmate rights, investigation procedures, judgeship, judiciary, court system

Transcript Highlights:

• And just to remind folks that health care is a little bit complicated.
• of us in every aspect and took care of us deeply.
• Speaker, kind lady, that possibly don't have access to health care.
• I want to recognize you for taking care of your committee staff.
• I want to recognize you for taking care of your committee staff.

Bills: HB145, HB279, HB292, SB35, HJM1, HM7, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM32, HM51, HM1, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM30, HM52, HM64, HM65, HM66, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HM17, HM46, HM13, HM20, HM54, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM59, HM2, HM16, HM47, HM53

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, healthcare privacy, electronic medical records, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, data protection, location tracking, confidentiality, sexual abuse, prison safety, correctional facilities, inmate rights, investigation procedures, judgeship, judiciary, court system

Summary: The House met on the final day of session with quorum present and spent much of the morning and afternoon on announcements, expressions of gratitude, and ceremonial business. Members repeatedly thanked committee staff, leadership, clerks, security, sergeants-at-arms, analysts, and family members for their work during the session. The Speaker also recognized committee chairs, vice chairs, and ranking members, and reflected on the importance of committee leadership and the personal perspective gained during the session. The chamber took up several memorials. House Memorial 4, requesting an LFC study on expanding health insurance access for public higher education educators and graduate student employees, passed 36-23 after debate over whether the study should focus on expansion and affordability. House Memorial 30, directing a study of public education governance and the possibility of a statewide education commission, passed 57-0. House Memorial 24, calling for a study of the possible consequences of restructuring the Las Vegas land grant, passed 60-0. House Memorial 26, a Wild Friends memorial about insects and an interagency workshop on insect identification, ecology, and habitat protection, passed after extensive supportive debate from members who emphasized science education, pollinators, and ecological balance. The House also approved a large consent calendar of memorials by a 55-0 vote, then cleared additional ceremonial memorials from the Speaker’s table, including New Mexico Food and Farms Day, International Year of the Woman Farmer, Lincoln County Day, New Mexico TRIO programs, and New Mexico Speech-Language-Hearing Association Day, which also passed 55-0. The chamber received a Senate message concurring in House amendments to Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 273, as amended. The House then stood in recess subject to the call of the Chair while awaiting any further Senate messages and final adjournment business.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and our health care assets.
• There's a gap in care. I think, Mr.
• of that care, but a lot of those children don't have that care.
• There's things like the complex care and the Pervasive Plus that those facilities can care for, but the
• staff and they don't meet the direct care floor, they have to pay that money back.

Bills: SB57, SB405, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB222, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB815, HB949, HB1092, HB1214

Keywords: SB 57, Act 735, Act 463, nutrition, public health, food additives, artificial colors, banned chemicals, ingredient labeling, food labeling, FDA, food and beverage regulation, consumer disclosure, school nutrition, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40, Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 17, food manufacturers, food retailers, compliance, effective date delay

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now go to Tab 2 with Senator Harold in blue today, CS for SB 68 on health care patient protection
• As you may know, our emergency rooms are a very important part of our health care system.
• with emergency departments to have evidence-based policies and procedures for pediatric emergency care
• And we want to make sure our kids get the very best care when they wind up in the emergency room.
• And here again, I'm addressing some health care issues.

Bills: S0032, S0068, S0210, S0246, S0340, S0418, S0428, S0606, S0628, S1028, S1734

Keywords: injunctions, protection orders, domestic violence, serious violence, court procedures, enforcement, risk protection, statewide communication system, pediatric care, emergency departments, hospital regulations, patient safety, health care standards, public records, violence protection, confidentiality, defamation, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and reported a series of bills favorably, covering health care, public safety, insurance, coastal resilience, juvenile justice, drowning prevention, transportation designations, and beach management. Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 68, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, designated pediatric readiness personnel, and participation in a national readiness assessment; it passed. Harrell also presented CS/SB 340, requiring nursing students to complete two hours of human trafficking identification training before licensure; it also passed. Senator Sharif’s CS/SB 32 and SB 210, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and the related public records bill, were both reported favorably. Senator Garcia’s CS/CS/SB 302 on nature-based coastal resiliency, Senator Jones’s SB 418 on law enforcement interaction with individuals with autism and the Blue Envelope Program, and Senator Martin’s CS/SB 1734 updating juvenile probation and detention officer definitions and related cost-share language were also approved. The committee then took up several drowning-prevention measures. CS/SB 606 by Senator Smith would add drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials and direct the Department of Health to create standardized materials; an amendment removed a records-retention requirement, and the bill passed. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand the state swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; it received strong support from advocates, including a young swim instructor and autism advocates, and passed. The committee also approved CS/SB 246, a specialty license plate bill that was amended to include the UFC plate and a First Responders’ Resiliency Foundation plate, and CS/SB 1028, which revises Citizens Property Insurance and clearinghouse procedures to prioritize admitted carriers and prohibit public funds for the clearinghouse; that bill drew discussion about market competition, Citizens’ exposure, and potential impacts on policyholders. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 628, designating a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as Warrior Sacrifice Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack, and CS/SB 636 on beach management, which would create a proactive pathway for coastal communities to obtain erosion-related designations and align with federal programs. Beach industry testimony supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about perpetual easements and funding shortfalls. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The impact on rural health care is significant.
• But I feel very good that we continue to move in the right direction.
• I don't really care about sports.
• That may be a problem that we're going to have to take care of.
• Thank you. going to have to take care of.

Bills: SB190, SB152, SB77, SB150, SB151, SB156, SB172, SB182, SB185, SB212, SB170, SB133, SB174, SB163

Keywords: cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion