Video & Transcript : 'sensitive discussions' :
Page 356 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any other discussion on the resolution? Senator Johnson [member_11877], thank you, Mr.
- </c> ask for your vote any other discussions ask for your vote any other discussions on<00:15:22.240>
- <00:17:21.559><c> on</c><00:17:21.799><c> the</c> discussion on the discussion on the resolution<00:17
- Any further discussion on the resolution? Senator Murphy [member_7891]: Thank you, Mr.
- Seeing no further discussion, the secretary will take the roll on Resolution No. 14.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there discussion to the motion? Seeing no discussion, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed.
- </c> Um some of the things of discussion Um some of the things of discussion there<00:09:52.320><c> are
- </c><00:18:01.520><c> in</c> know there's a lot to always discuss in know there's a lot to always discuss
- </c><00:27:05.520><c> Represent</c> Gomez was just discussing. Represent Gomez was just discussing.
- </c> federal action uh that's been discussed federal action uh that's been discussed is<00:47:01.119>
Committee:
House Ways and Means
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee and Senate Environmental Quality Committee Aug 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, my name is Angela Johnson-Mazaros, and thank you for inviting me here to discuss DTSC.
- So one of the things I wanted to narrow in on was some discussion of the fee structure.
- One of the things I wanted to narrow in on was some discussion of the fee structure.
- So we'd welcome the opportunity to continue that discussion.
- The board provides a public venue, as we've discussed, Equity.
Summary:
The joint oversight hearing focused on the Board of Environmental Safety (BES), created by SB 158 in 2021, and on broader DTSC reform efforts, including permitting, community engagement, fee setting, and the hazardous waste management plan. Chair Connolly opened by noting the board’s original goals of improving transparency, accountability, and fiscal stability, and raised concerns about a recent board appointee later becoming a lobbyist with DTSC-regulated clients. Witnesses and members also discussed the long-delayed SB 673 regulations on facility permitting and community vulnerability protections, as well as the board’s role in approving the hazardous waste management plan and reviewing permit appeals.
Community and environmental justice witnesses argued that the board has improved access by creating a public forum, ombudsperson, and appeal process, but said it remains too passive and lacks authority over budgets, staffing, and implementation. They urged more statutory direction, stronger community participation, better transparency on how comments are used, and more meaningful authority in permit and plan decisions. One witness suggested the Legislature consider a separate oversight body or stronger legislative engagement, while another called for youth representation and paid fellowships on advisory bodies. Business and regulated-community testimony was more supportive of the board’s structure, emphasizing that SB 158 was a negotiated compromise that improved transparency and accountability while avoiding politicization, and calling for faster fee analysis and clearer budget information.
Board Chair Andrew Rakestra and DTSC Director Barbara Butler reported that reform has produced measurable gains: more public engagement, stronger enforcement, fewer continued permits, improved compliance, increased revenues from the generation-and-handling fee, and progress on Exide cleanup, safer consumer products, and community revitalization grants. They acknowledged, however, that the board’s authority is limited, permit appeals can be slow, SB 673 regulations remain unfinished, and public trust still needs work. Both said the board is most effective when involved early and when DTSC shares information proactively. Members asked about fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, and whether the Legislature should give the board a more formal role in budget change proposals, regulatory processes, and implementation oversight. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with public comment.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Office of Training, Investigations and Safety Investigations Workgroup Jul 15th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- themes that have emerged during the work group's discussions.
- This slide illustrates one of the most important concepts for today's discussion.
- And so that is why we have this for discussion.
- But we'll be back to these discussions, I'm certain. It's welcome. Great.
- So I think there's a lot of... ...many directions to go with the discussion.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- No questions, any discussion members?
- If not, the chair discussion members?
- Uh<00:02:13.480><c> okay,</c><00:02:14.160><c> no</c><00:02:14.400><c> discussion</c> Uh okay, no discussion
- Uh okay, no discussion chair. chair. chair.
- Any discussion on this comments? Any discussion on this measure?
Bills:
HCR122
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
Olelo Hawaii, micro-credentials, Hawaiian language, Niihau dialect, language revitalization, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Hawaiian Affairs first took up HCR 122, which requests the University of Hawaii to allow an ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi E Pathway under the Niʻihau dialect. Testimony was generally supportive, and the chair noted agreement with the House author to mirror amendments already made in the Senate version, including technical, non-substantive changes and a micro-credential reference. Both committees voted to pass HCR 122 with amendments.
The committee then heard HCR 181, affirming the legislative intent of HRS 302A-1116 regarding the Department of Education’s authority to create temporary positions. DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi testified that the department follows statutory requirements and consults with the Attorney General, while several members expressed concern that the department’s interpretation could allow repeated annual renewals and undermine the budget process. Members discussed the need to make the bill more explicit that temporary positions may not exceed one year. The committee ultimately adopted the proposed SD1 and passed HCR 181 with amendments.
The committee also considered HCR 42 on recognizing cheerleading as a title sport, HCR 53 on a UH associate degree completion audit, HCR 110 on refining campus roles within the UH system, HCR 111 on clarifying UH system and campus responsibilities, and HCR 118 HD1 on strengthening menstrual health education and adopting a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. HCR 42 and HCR 53 were passed with technical/non-substantive amendments, HCR 110 and HCR 111 were passed unamended, and HCR 118 HD1 was passed with amendments reflecting the Senate version. Testimony on HCR 118 strongly supported standardized menstrual health education, with speakers emphasizing student demand and existing school infrastructure.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Government Finance Transportation Study Subcommittee Mar 19th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I will be discussing several items as requested by Senator Burckhard.
- And you're just getting into the fleet discussion. Sorry to interrupt that.
- The last item I would like to discuss today is our operational challenges.
- The last item I would like to discuss today is our operational challenges.
- I haven't discussed it with them yet.
Summary:
The Government Finance Transportation Study Subcommittee met to review fixed-route transit systems and related funding needs. After approving the prior meeting minutes, the committee heard presentations from Cities Area Transit in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, Bisman Transit in Bismarck-Mandan, and MATBUS/Fargo, along with comments from North Dakota Protection & Advocacy. The transit agencies described their routes, paratransit services, ridership trends, fare structures, fleet replacement needs, and rising operating costs, emphasizing that transit supports access to work, school, medical care, and other essential services. Testimony also noted that ridership fell during the pandemic and has been recovering, while vehicle and maintenance costs have risen sharply.
Grand Forks transit reported 17 routes, a recent fare increase, and operating costs that exceed fare revenue, with paratransit service extending beyond the federal minimum service area. Bisman Transit outlined its fixed-route and paratransit operations, recent service expansions, local mill levies, sales tax support, and federal grant structure, and said it is seeking more stable funding and flexibility beyond paratransit-only support. Minot’s transit superintendent explained the state’s existing transit aid formula, the use of refurbished buses, and the challenges of driver recruitment and electric bus infrastructure. Fargo asked for additional state support for fixed-route urban transit. Committee members discussed whether ride-share services could replace transit, the cost per trip, local match requirements, and whether a separate state funding source should be recommended for the four urban fixed-route systems. The subcommittee ultimately approved a motion to have Legislative Council prepare a summary of its activities for inclusion in the full Government Finance Committee report, and members indicated they would seek more detailed funding figures from the transit agencies before making any specific recommendation.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Feb 11th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Any discussion? I do have a substitute. Any discussion? I do have a substitute.
- Is there any other discussion about that, Representative Steinoff?
- Sorry to make so much discussion on this.
- So it is going to, at this point, any other discussion?
- Any discussion? I do have a substitute, of course.
Committee:
House Elementary and Secondary Education
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, any discussion? Seeing none, move the bill. I move the bill.
- The need and discussions about appropriations and money... ...that we have.
- I'd be happy to meet with anyone to discuss those.
- Members, now is our time for discussion. Mr. Chair, may I? Yes, sir.
- Any discussion? Seeing none... And any discussion? Same now, let's move it back.
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Keywords:
juvenile services, Coconino county, rehabilitation, detox center, financial appropriation, Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, appropriations, salary increase, corrections, public safety
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any discussion of the meeting minutes?
- Not hearing any discussion, we will do a voice vote. We will do a voice vote.
- This overview slide shows the nine reviews we'll discuss today.
- So next we'll discuss another property tax exemption.
- We will want to have a further discussion, as we said. Okay. Thank you very much.
Summary:
The meeting began with JLARC’s biennial executive committee elections. After confirming a quorum, members unanimously elected Representative Pollet as chair, Senator Wagoner as vice chair, Representative Orcutt as secretary, and Senator Solomon as assistant secretary for the 2025-27 biennium. The committee also approved the May 14 meeting minutes unanimously. Chair Pollet then outlined a commitment to more member input on audit scope and coordination with the State Auditor’s Office.
Staff presented a preliminary report on Washington State recreation boating programs. They reported that six agencies administer boating-related activities, that the state collected about $108 million in boating-related revenue in 2021-23, and that $86 million was spent, mostly on infrastructure and water access, environmental protection, boater safety, and marine law enforcement. Staff said Washington’s boating laws and programs are broadly similar to other states and noted that the final report is expected in September.
JLARC then reviewed several tax preferences. For natural gas used as a transportation fuel, staff said the preferences reduce fuel costs but did not meet emissions-reduction targets because fewer vessels and vehicles converted to natural gas than expected; staff recommended continuing some exemptions and modifying reporting requirements. For travel agents and tour operators, staff said the preference continues to provide tax relief, but large beneficiaries’ savings are rising while small beneficiaries’ use is declining, leading to recommendations to continue the small-business rate and add or revise performance metrics. Staff also reviewed a nonprofit low-income housing property tax exemption, concluding it helps developers build homes as intended but that the performance metric should better reflect housing outcomes; they recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify it. Other reviews covered multipurpose senior citizen centers, disabled veteran adapted housing, trade convention attendance, agricultural fertilizer and seed wholesaling, hazardous substance tax treatment for pesticides, and silicon smelter energy preferences, with recommendations ranging from continuation to expiration depending on whether the stated objectives were met.
The committee then adopted the final cannabis market study for distribution. Staff reported that Washington businesses produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023, and that inaccurate and incomplete reporting limits the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s ability to regulate the market. The board said it concurs with the recommendations, including developing a plan for a new data system and considering broader social equity options. Finally, staff presented the proposed final report on Department of Health oversight of hospital data reporting, inspections, and complaints. Staff said DOH was late on most acute-care hospital inspections, had not fully verified third-party inspection standards, and did not adequately review adverse event correction plans or assess language access barriers in its complaint system. DOH said it concurs with all six recommendations and has already made some transparency improvements, including a public dashboard for adverse event reporting.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections May 29th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Legislative Operations and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- We discussed the Subcommittee on Public Lands.
- I know the senator had reviewed it pretty extensively, discussed it with the DMV... ...discussed it with
- We heard this first today, and there is an amendment that Chair Orangeall discussed.
- Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor say aye. Aye.
- Is there any discussion on the motion? I don't think.
Keywords:
election reform, voter accessibility, conditional ballots, voter registration, mechanical voting systems, election audits, voter access grants, provisional ballot, voting technology, AB562, Nevada, Secretary of State, elections, elections management system, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, automatic voter registration, AVR, election technology, state appropriations
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 28th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I thought of Representative Hicks every time we discussed that.
- Discussion to the amendment. Representative Kosnick: Thank you, Madam Speaker.
- Representative Kosnick: Thank you for the discussion, members.
- And, you know, on that, there's a discussion about safety.
- That was discussed.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Any discussion? I have a substitute ending in 0.03C.
- Any discussion? C, it has been distributed, and I move for its adoption. Any discussion?
- Any discussion or questions for the bill sponsor?
- Any discussion or questions for the bill sponsor? To change that to 'that exceed.'
- Any discussion or questions for the bill sponsor?
Committee:
House Utilities
Summary:
The Committee on Utilities met in executive session with a quorum present and first took up House Bill 2248. Members adopted a substitute for the bill after Representative Hurlbert explained that it made three clarifying changes requested by the Public Service Commission: replacing certain threshold language with “that exceed” and restoring a section of existing law that had been removed in the original bill. The committee then voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2248 do pass by a vote of 18 ayes and 1 no.
The committee next considered Senate Bill 1629 and moved it do pass without discussion. The roll call vote was unanimous, 20 ayes and 0 noes, and the bill was reported do pass.
After completing action on both measures, the chair noted a chiropractor was available for members after the softball tournament, and the committee adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Apr 30, 2025, 9:00AM HST - Day 59
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Members, any further discussion? Members, any further discussion?
- Any further discussion?
- </c> discussion? Representative Iwamoto. discussion? Representative Iwamoto.
- Any further discussion? Members, uh you. Any further discussion?
- I see no further discussion. speaker. I see no further discussion.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-AEN, CPN-EDT, CPN-HOU, CPN-EIG Public Hearings 01-29-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- c> of</c> was some discuss discuss about some of was some discuss discuss about some of the<00:25:29.440
- Any discussion?
- Any questions or discussion?
- Any questions or discussion?
- Any discussion?
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation.
The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted.
A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee Aug 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The next section discusses some Supreme Court precedent.
- The next section discusses some Supreme Court precedent.
- So thank you for that discussion.
- Bachmeier discussed.
- Bachmeyer you know discussed if we have AI chatbots out there that you know discussed if we have AI chatbots
Summary:
The committee met at Minot State to continue its study of artificial intelligence, with a focus on child safety, sexual exploitation, chatbot risks, and education policy. Members first approved the minutes and then received a Legislative Council overview of AI-related harms to children, including AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, extortion, and chatbot companion risks. The memo reviewed North Dakota and federal law, recent state enactments, First Amendment limits, and examples from other states, including Connecticut’s AI companion safeguards and federal efforts such as the Take It Down Act. Members discussed whether North Dakota’s existing 2025 laws on minors and harmful material are strong enough in light of recent court decisions, and Legislative Council indicated it would provide additional comparison material before the next meeting.
Superintendent Levi Bachmeier then presented on AI in education, arguing that schools need guardrails but should not ban AI outright. He said AI should be treated as a tool that can support instruction, teacher efficiency, and digital literacy, while warning against passive use, academic integrity problems, and overreliance on machines. He suggested embedding AI and digital literacy across subjects rather than creating a standalone class, and said schools should provide basic instruction when students receive one-to-one devices. Members asked about parent concerns, local control, higher education partnerships, and how to balance access with safety; Bachmeier emphasized a “threading the needle” approach and said the department would likely seek more guidance on digital literacy and cybersecurity.
Special Agent Hellseth of BCI followed with testimony on AI and child exploitation. He said AI is already being used in North Dakota to create explicit images from innocent photos, impersonate children and adults, and facilitate grooming, harassment, and extortion. He described several cases involving AI-generated sexual images and said victims often suffer lasting trauma even when the images are fake. Hellseth explained that investigators use AI tools themselves to process large volumes of data and identify synthetic images, but that the workload is growing and victim services need expansion. He urged stronger accountability for companies, more resources for law enforcement and victim support, and continued training and public education. Members asked about cyber tip volume, staffing, false accusations, and corporate reporting obligations; Hellseth said every tip is reviewed, the unit is small but expanding, and current federal reporting laws are not proactive enough. Representative Porter suggested combining the Legislative Council memo and Bachmeier’s recommendations into a comprehensive bill draft for the next meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration May 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we're going to open it up for discussion. Sheriff.
- Yeah, I mean, I wouldn't—okay, well, let's have that discussion.
- But, you know, there's been a lot of discussion about the Norwegian model.
- It wouldn't hurt to have some discussion with them.
- Any further discussion or ideas on Jewish?
Summary:
The special commission on consolidation and cooperation in public safety held a hearing focused on correctional labor testimony, with union leaders and officers from multiple county facilities and the Department of Correction describing staffing, safety, wellness, and programming concerns. Speakers emphasized that correctional officers face high levels of workplace violence, exposure to synthetic drugs like K2, inmate suicides and assaults, and significant mental health strain. They also raised concerns about gender-identity housing policies, arguing that current practices can create unsafe conditions for staff, and urged stronger debriefing and wellness supports after traumatic incidents, including fuller use of programs like OnSide Academy.
Several witnesses from unions including KCU/NCU and local county bargaining units argued against consolidating sheriff’s offices or merging them with the Department of Correction. They said consolidation could weaken collective bargaining, harm retention and recruitment, increase commute times, and disrupt locally tailored programming and reentry services. Multiple speakers stressed that county facilities are distinct and should be evaluated individually, not by a single formula, and that staffing levels, training, and facility-specific needs must drive any policy changes. One witness described innovative programming such as welding and shed-building partnerships, while another highlighted Norfolk County’s accreditation, budget stability, and reentry efforts.
Commission members largely thanked the witnesses and echoed concerns about officer safety and wellness. They discussed the need for more facility tours, including Norfolk, and debated whether the commission should seek an extension beyond its September 30 reporting deadline. After discussion, the commission voted to request an extension to November 30, with the understanding that the report would still be completed and filed later. Members also discussed the possibility of examining the Norwegian correctional model and reaching out to the judiciary for additional testimony. The hearing concluded with an adjournment after public testimony closed.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is worthwhile discussion, but we don't usually have this kind of a discussion.
- This is a great discussion. The work that they do is very worthy.
- We're still just having some discussion.
- I don't think that's totally meritless in the discussion.
- Next, I want to discuss with you. The Educational Adequacy Fund.
Summary:
The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then took up an interim study proposal on adult education and the Excel Center model. Representatives from Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, the Excel Center network, and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities testified that roughly 300,000 Arkansans over age 19 lack a high school diploma or GED, and argued that the Excel Center provides a supported diploma pathway for adults who struggle with GED testing. Witnesses highlighted wraparound services such as free child care, transportation assistance, tutoring, life coaching, and career services, and cited outcomes including high retention, growing enrollment, and research showing higher employment and earnings and lower criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members raised questions about the state’s role, existing adult education programs, and how the study would be structured; the motion to adopt the ISP passed, though there was some procedural disagreement about when questions should have been taken.
The committee then heard a detailed adequacy funding overview from BLR staff Katie Walden and Adrian Beck on Arkansas K-12 education finance. They reviewed national funding principles and explained Arkansas’s system, including state and local revenue sources, the Public School Fund, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, and the Facilities Partnership Program. Staff said K-12 state and local revenues totaled $6.6 billion in 2025, with foundation funding making up the largest share of district and charter funding, followed by additional, categorical, and supplemental funds. They also explained the matrix-based foundation formula, the role of the uniform rate of tax, and how categorical and supplemental funds support areas such as alternative learning, English learners, special education high-cost cases, teacher salary equalization, declining enrollment, and student growth.
Members asked several follow-up questions about how specific funding categories are defined and used, including student support staff, instructional aides, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the inclusion of Excel Center amounts in state-local funding totals. Staff said some of those details would be addressed in a later presentation and offered to provide additional records, including district lists and historical information. The meeting ended after the funding overview, with no additional votes or actions beyond the ISP adoption and adjournment.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair, I move the amendment for discussion. Okay, we've got a motion.
- Those have been principal in our discussions throughout the years.
- So because of that discussion and the fact that we have...
- So because of that discussion and the fact that we have been discussing these two, attempting to align
- Discussions.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 96, which would reduce local zoning, fee, parking, HOA, and sprinkler-related barriers for child care operators and home-based child care facilities. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill is intended to expand child care access, especially in rural areas and child care deserts, while maintaining safety standards. Firefighters, child care advocates, and other supporters testified in favor, while one member objected to the bill’s limits on local control. The committee asked about “stacking spaces” and parking rules, then approved SB 96 on a 7-4 vote.
The committee then considered House Bill 303, as amended, dealing with utility construction and certificate of convenience and necessity timing. Utility representatives from El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy, and PNM, along with consumer and energy groups, supported the bill, saying it would let utilities begin construction before the CCN process is complete, with the utility bearing the risk and no cost recovery if approval is later denied. Members questioned impacts on ratepayers, PRC oversight, co-ops, and the bill’s policy rationale. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 303 as amended unanimously, 11-0.
Finally, the committee heard House Memorial 6, as substituted, which asked for a study of private equity involvement in critical utilities and whether the state should consider a direct equity stake in utilities. Supporters argued the memorial would provide independent data before major ownership decisions, citing concerns about private equity acquisitions and the need to protect ratepayers and public interests. Opponents, including utility and business representatives, argued the PRC already has authority and expertise, warned about due process and conflict-of-interest concerns, and said the memorial could create uncertainty for investment. After extensive debate, the committee first tabled the committee substitute and then tabled HM 6 itself on an 8-3 vote, ending consideration of the memorial.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There have been hundreds, if not thousands, of discussions over the last several months speculating on
- Wouldn't that be something very similar that we discussed in the last meeting?
- My point in this bill and hearing it today is to give us a position to continue the discussion.
- So, I mean it... is the suggestion on shallow wells with a deep drawdown like is being discussed.
- So, I mean, it's an interesting discussion to have about all this.
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Keywords:
groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management, 997, house, all
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Jun 3rd, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So please keep that in mind as we discuss this.
- Thank you and uh we will discuss the sites when we get there.
- see more discussion on that reclamation fund.
- Um, I'd like to see a lot of discussion on that.
- discussions, and I broke it up into different topics.
Committee:
House Water & Natural Resources Committee