Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Special Education Ombud for the State of New Mexico.
• I was a special education educator for 25 years, and currently in my new position, we're rolling into
• My name is Jill Vice, the deputy secretary for the Office of Special Education at the Public Education
• My name is Susan Medina, and I am a New Mexico educator for over 10 years.
• My name is Susan Medina, and I am a New Mexico educator for over 10 years.

Bills: HJR6, HJR7, HB120, HB60, HB151, HR1, HM13, SB40, SB104

Keywords: constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, legislative session, even-numbered years, New Mexico Constitution, student behavior, physical restraint, seclusion, public schools, training, de-escalation, student safety, behavior interventions, criminal offenses, peace officer, Victims of Crime Act, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the education part, that same thing.
• And that's why we're looking at things like the new fintech vertical in order to bring education and
• I think there's room for just an understanding, a better education, so we're better.
• And I think we're going to be talking about education, higher ed, and stuff at that point.
• Is there And I think we're going to be talking about education, higher ed, and stuff at that point.

Summary: The committee took roll, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a compliance-report update on the Industrial Commission and related funds and programs. Staff reviewed the status of one-time appropriations and grant programs, including electric grid resiliency, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the salt cavern business-case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members asked about funding balances, reimbursement timing, matching requirements, and how some commitments would affect the State Investment Fund and future biennia. Industrial Commission staff then gave a broader update on the agency’s administrative office, grant management system, leadership transitions at several commission agencies, and active grant rounds. They reported that the grant management system is nearing completion, that several agency leadership searches have concluded, and that the commission’s grant programs currently have 108 active grants totaling more than $165 million. They also described the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority round, the oil and gas research program’s enhanced oil recovery awards, the grid resiliency grants, the salt cavern study, and the research technology park program, noting that some projects are awaiting federal funds or additional matching cash. Ron Ness, speaking for the Oil and Gas Research Council, focused on the state of the oil industry and the enhanced oil recovery “Bakken 2.0” effort. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on better infrastructure, longer laterals, and new EOR methods such as CO2, natural gas, and surfactants. He emphasized the importance of the Bakkeneast pipeline and related gas-utilization projects, the recent DOE funding that will return some money to the research council, and the need to modernize tax and incentive rules for CO2-based recovery. Members discussed the potential economic benefits for oil, agriculture, and manufacturing. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and a broader strategic update. Bank leadership reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, participation lending, student lending, disaster programs, and legislatively directed programs, and said the bank is managing for a flatter deposit base and stronger liquidity because of fintech competition and changing market conditions. They reported improved earnings, with net income rising to about $231 million, and described Rough Rider Coin as a new internal payment rail for North Dakota banks and credit unions, not a public cryptocurrency. Members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster lending, and the bank’s capacity to support state programs while maintaining its balance-sheet and liquidity requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a former educator, I believe, much like what the bill handler just said, parents are our students'
• “Education, endanger vulnerable children, and place an impossible burden on our school systems.
• This is from someone who supports public education.
• And let's be clear, this bill is a direct attack on public education.
• She's not the... ...Commissioner of Education from here until eternity.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to change that to 35.5% to the education trust fund and 64.5% to the general fund.
• And that will allow us to meet all our obligations of both education as well as the general fund.
• </c><00:14:09.519><c> trust</c> much money goes in the education trust much money goes in the education
• </c> current law of 41% to the education current law of 41% to the education trust<00:14:32.160><c> fund
• as well as the general both education as well as the general fund. fund. fund.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And some of the things I think we need to do is education also with regard to young people, critical
• As I said before, we need to have both education and empowerment with regard to users and increase in
• And so when federal enforcement ...education equity.
• And in the education space, ensure that all communities are represented in our hate prevention in the
• educational system.

Summary: The committee on Hate, Racism, and Xenophobia met to review California hate-crime trends and hear from state agencies and community organizations about current impacts and policy responses. The California Department of Justice reported that 2025 hate-crime events declined modestly from 2024 but remained historically elevated, with race and ethnicity still the largest category, anti-Black bias the most frequently reported, and notable increases in anti-Hispanic/Latino and citizenship/immigration-status bias. The California Commission on the State of Hate said its research and victimization studies show hate is broader than official crime data alone, with millions of Californians experiencing hate incidents and many victims needing services beyond law enforcement, including mental health care, legal help, and workplace protections. The commission also emphasized online radicalization, the need for better data infrastructure, and stronger training and support systems. Members then heard from the NAACP, LULAC, Jewish California, CHIRLA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, CAIR California, and Equality California. Testimony described fear, underreporting, and the effects of rhetoric, federal policy changes, and online misinformation on Black, Latino, Jewish, immigrant, Asian American, Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities. Witnesses urged sustained funding for Stop the Hate and nonprofit security grants, stronger language access, civic education, and community-based reporting and victim services. Several groups also called for specific legislation, including measures on racial profiling, immigration detention oversight, Jewish ethnicity recognition, safe worship zones, anti-Muslim hate prevention, and LGBTQ+ data privacy and health protections. Committee discussion focused on the conditions that fuel hate, especially political polarization, social media radicalization, and the role of public figures and institutions in normalizing dehumanizing language. Members and witnesses discussed the limits of current data, the need for long-term research and prevention strategies, and the importance of solidarity across communities. No formal votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript, though members referenced existing and pending bills and ongoing efforts to expand training, funding, and anti-hate infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• and provide higher education to a community that historically has struggled.
• institutions that we have here at Fresno State up to Our higher education institutions that we have
• I'll just give you an example since we're here at a higher education institution.
• We were able to improve their educational goals.
• I think there's school education, there's lived education, and there's so many different types.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and provide higher education into a community that historically has struggled.
• institutions that we have here at Fresno State up to Our higher education institutions that we have
• I'll just give you an example, since we're here at a higher education institution.
• I think there's school education, there's lived education, and there's so many different types, and I've
• had the benefit of being educated by my neighbors for the past two decades.

Summary: The hearing focused on inclusive economic development in California’s Central Valley, with the chair describing prior state and federal investments in Fresno and the region, including Transformative Climate Communities funding, the Southwest Fresno Community College campus, affordable housing and infrastructure projects, medical education pathways, F3 Farm Food Future, and high-speed rail-related jobs. The chair emphasized that rural and historically disinvested communities often face complex application processes and limited technical capacity, and said the committee’s goal was to learn from successful local models and identify ways to better direct resources to communities that need them most. The first panel featured representatives from the Sierra Health Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, and UC Merced. Chet Hewitt argued that health and economic opportunity are inseparable and described Sierra Health’s economic development portfolio, including the San Joaquin Valley Health Fund, the Impact Investment Fund, and the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI), which together support healthier workplaces, microbusiness financing, and nonprofit capacity. Jessica Kaksmarik said Irvine’s place-based grantmaking in inland regions aims to strengthen worker and community power, support community-led development, and expand equitable pathways to mobility, while stressing that philanthropy must partner with government because it cannot meet the scale of need alone. Dr. Manuel Pastor and Dr. Ed Flores both argued that inequality and extractive development weaken long-term growth, and that community organizations need both power-building and technical expertise to influence regional planning; Flores also described the Valley Seed project and high-road economic development models that link labor, climate, and community benefits. The second panel highlighted community-based programs and the effects of unstable funding. Yolanda Randalls described the Sweet Potato Project at West Fresno Family Resource Center, a youth agriculture and entrepreneurship program that combines hands-on farming, business training, and mental health support; she said participants improved from a 1.9 GPA to a 3.3 GPA and that the program is seeking long-term support as its funding nears expiration. Addie Carr of Neighborhood Industries described a second-chance employment model that provides job training, case management, literacy and life coaching, and small no-interest loans, and said CEMI helped the organization open a second store and create more jobs. Maria Redoubt Orozco of Community Alliance with Family Farmers said small farmers are central to the Valley’s economy but face land, water, climate, and market barriers, and warned that federal cuts to programs like Local Food Purchasing Assistance threaten local food systems. Daniela Rodriguez of Immigrants Rising described entrepreneurship and technical assistance for undocumented and mixed-status entrepreneurs, including the SEED initiative, and said policy uncertainty and access-to-capital barriers continue to constrain immigrant economic mobility. In closing discussion, panelists repeatedly called for longer-term, braided, and flexible funding rather than one-time grants, and the chair noted the need to continue supporting community-defined practices and public-private partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• "Many of you probably are aware that today is Home Family Education Day here at the Capitol, and probably
• She is the Home Family Education Coordinator for statewide.
• The bill would change two definitions in the law: the definition of eligible educational institution
• The purpose of this bill is to educate on this issue.
• of education, the Division of Labor, and economic development partners to identify emerging job growth

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in the medical field, there needs to be more education to help... ...women suffering.
• So I urge this bill to be passed so that providers can be educated.
• The Department of Health already educates the people... ...the risk of cognitive decline.
• The Department of Health already educates the people about these types of behaviors.
• And the antidote for that is education and information to a degree. As Mr.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and advanced Senate Bills 6102 and 6103 with due-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee, and referred Senate Bill 6194 to the Ways and Means Committee without recommendation. SB 6102 would align the Ambulance Transport Fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations, SB 6103 would make payments for rural emergency hospital services subject to appropriation, and SB 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid payments for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations under specified conditions. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6183 would require health plans, beginning in 2027, to cover FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with one therapeutic-equivalent exception for prevention drugs. The prime sponsor and one testifier supported the bill as a way to reduce barriers to timely HIV treatment and prevention; sign-in testimony showed 53 pro, 58 con, and one other. SB 5985 would create an online endometriosis resource center, require Department of Health training modules, and direct OSPI to include menstrual health and endometriosis awareness in school standards. The sponsor and multiple patients and clinicians testified in support, emphasizing long diagnostic delays and the need for earlier education; sign-in testimony showed 36 pro, 56 con, and 92 not testifying. SB 6019 would revise home care rate statutes to clarify how Medicaid home care agency rates are set, cap administrative portions at 20%, and require verification that funds are spent as required. The sponsor, labor, and provider representatives supported it as a technical fix to preserve pay parity, while sign-in testimony showed 46 pro and 57 con. SB 6161 would direct the Department of Health to include dementia risk-reduction information in public and provider materials when appropriate and to consult experts; supporters said it could help reduce cognitive decline and align with the state Alzheimer’s plan, while sign-in testimony showed 61 pro and 62 con. Finally, SB 6210 would authorize the Health Benefit Exchange to add a new certification criterion for marketplace plans to address affordability and access, including possible requirements tied to county availability, plan differentiation, and metal-level offerings. The prime sponsor, the Exchange, AARP, and patient advocates supported it as a response to rising premiums and limited choices, especially in rural or single-carrier counties; insurers, brokers, and some carriers opposed it, warning it could reduce competition, create uncertainty, and raise costs. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner supported the bill with a requested amendment to avoid premature disclosure of proposed rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess as a retired art educator after 42 years, I would hate to see anything that's, you know, kind
• Um, I do want to also expand current educators.
• </c><00:09:21.600><c> and</c> support arts and education and support arts and education and culture.<
• I I guess as a retired art educator<00:10:04.720><c> after</c><00:10:04.959><c> 42</c><00:10:05.519><
• but also in business and education but also in business and government,<00:25:06.559><c> I've</c><00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on a 3:00 p.m. agenda that included House Concurrent Resolution 94 and several gubernatorial nominations. HCR 94, which asks the governor to proclaim Hawaii a Purple Heart State on August 7, 2025, drew support from the Hawaii Veterans of Foreign Wars and no opposing testimony. The chair recommended passage as is, and the committees adopted the recommendation without objection. The bulk of the meeting focused on nominations to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, along with one nomination to the Medical Advisory Board. Nominees and supporters emphasized experience, continuity, and service: Dana Alla Lopez, Beverly Lee, and others described prior commission work; Janet Sato and Marcia Deutsch highlighted long involvement in arts education, grants review, and public art; and Randall Francisco stressed arts advocacy and accessibility. Testimony in support also came from commission staff, the Association for Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development, the mayor of Kauai, and others. One nominee, Judy Kvel Kovville, had support from the Department of Transportation. Several committee members raised broader questions about sustaining arts funding amid possible federal cuts and changes in state project financing that could reduce revenue under the 1% for art law. The nominees for the arts-related posts said they were open to exploring new funding sources, including private philanthropy, community support, and learning from other states. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent on all listed nominations—GM506, GM507, GM508, GM556, GM654, GM740, GM742, and GM743—with no votes or reservations, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and they provide career pathways, uh, for, uh, through our public education system.
• With the education a lot of our students are receiving.
• The second part is the state education benefit called the Hazelwood exemption.
• Uh, we put together a partners in Education work like certificate program.
• It's an occupational education certificate program.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to have continuous education.
• </c><00:05:34.240><c> You</c> have to have continuous education.
• You have to have continuous education.
• Now when it comes continuous education.
• ,</c> citizens who may not have education, citizens who may not have education, they<00:17:26.480><c>

Bills: HB586

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just, I guess for the record, I think I believe the Department of Education.
• It will join us at the Arkansas Department of Education.
• We'll join us at the Arkansas Department of Education.
• So I mentioned earlier, this is an education thing, really important.
• I think education is just as important as what we're talking about.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• invited Nick Moore, who is the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education
• human resources, talent development system, and so that we’re really thinking about workforce and education
• of a lot of the opportunities that we’re hoping to bring to bear through the partnership between education
• Perkins, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provide about 10% of the K-12 education and
• Adult education has primarily been separate, although it’s Title II of WIOA, and a lot of times these

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, on efforts to better align workforce, education, and human services programs. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA were designed to function as an integrated talent system, but that federal and state bureaucracy has kept them siloed. He said the Department of Labor and OCTAE are working on more integrated state plan guidance, including a 2026 plan modification timeline, combined Perkins/WIOA plans, and greater use of labor market information to align training with in-demand jobs and Workforce Pell. Moore emphasized reducing overhead, cross-training staff, using common intake and integrated case management, and focusing on the “shadow labor force” of people facing benefit cliffs, child care barriers, or other obstacles to work. He repeatedly urged states to use waivers and flexibility where possible, to consolidate or streamline local workforce structures, and to hold programs accountable through measures such as labor force participation, training-related employment, retention, and cost per successful outcome. Members asked about the balance between flexibility and accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data systems such as Mississippi Spark and Arkansas Launch. Moore said states should use technology and integrated intake to co-enroll eligible participants in multiple programs and better match people to jobs. In response to questions, Moore said some federal rules cannot be waived, but many reporting and administrative requirements can be streamlined, and he encouraged Arkansas to propose ideas for waivers or state-level integration. He also discussed the need for enhanced wage records and state longitudinal data systems to improve workforce planning and economic development. After Moore’s presentation, DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill gave a brief update on reimbursement rates, saying the department had compiled more than 100 public comments, recommended holding the current rate, and was awaiting executive review; they estimated the process could take 30 to 60 days. The committee then adjourned, noting a later audit presentation scheduled for the afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't properly address who's who specifies the continuing education for physician assistants or
• continuing education for<00:10:45.279><c> physician</c><00:10:45.839><c> assistants</c><00:10:46.560
• They're the experts on medicine and medical education, not us.
• We're the experts on medicine and medical education, not us.
• And I will see you educational. Okay.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 538, a Liquor Commission cleanup bill. Chair Joseph Mica and CFO Tina Deir explained that the bill updates outdated statutory titles and positions after the commission’s 2014 restructuring, deleting references to the former commissioner and COO roles, adding a director of administration and a director of finance and audit, and keeping the new positions at the same labor grade pending review by the Joint Committee on Employee Classification (JCEC). Members discussed the proper sequence for JCEC review, but generally treated the bill as housekeeping. The committee then voted ought to pass, and the roll call was unanimous, 16-0. The committee next took up House Bill 493, which would require continuing education related to child abuse/ACE recognition for physicians and other providers. Testimony and committee discussion focused on whether the bill was too vague, whether it improperly intruded on the Board of Medicine’s authority to set professional education requirements, and whether it would effectively mandate a narrow training course that is currently voluntary and free. Supporters argued the bill addressed a real problem and cited testimony about missed abuse cases, while opponents said the board should handle the issue through its own rules and that the bill was poorly drafted. A motion of inexpedient to legislate passed 9-7, and the committee noted a minority report would be needed. The meeting ended with procedural and scheduling announcements, including that the committee would be dealing with budget hearings the following week and had a large number of Senate bills scheduled for later in the month.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 634, 635, 636, and House Joint Resolution 9 were referred to the Education Committee.
• House Bill 656, by the Education Committee, is an act relating to education.
• House Bill 624, by the Education Committee, was read for second reading regarding education.
• House Bill 624 by Education Committee regarding Education, House Bill 576 by Transportation and Defense
• Committee relating to motor vehicle. by Education Committee regarding education, House Bill 57 by Transportation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secondly, it changes part of the Road to Independence Program, specifically the post-secondary education
• Secondly, it changes part of the Road to Independence Program, specifically the post-secondary education
• The amendment limits the changes to the Road to Independence Program to only post-secondary education
• Instead of practicing medicine and education, we really need representatives to practice representation
• Kathleen Murray, State Education Director for Citizens Defending Freedom, speaking in strong support

Bills: S0560, S0590, S0778, S1010

Keywords: child welfare, psychotropic medication, Department of Children and Families, community-based care, liability insurance, forensic services, defendants, mental health, judicial system, defense, legal definitions, minors, healthcare, parental rights, criminal penalties, civil action, sex-reassignment, investigations, economic damages

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered four bills. SB 590, by Sen. Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement; an amendment clarified retroactive application for offenses not already time-barred by the bill’s effective date. Sen. Bradley said the bill is intended to ensure accountability in institutional abuse cases and not to change the reasonable-suspicion reporting standard. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 778, by Sen. Simon, which would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Barney Bishop appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without amendment. SB 560, by Sen. Garcia, would streamline procedures for psychotropic medication prescriptions for children in DCF custody, reduce duplicative background checks and reporting, and simplify consent documentation. Amendments removed language allowing licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists to serve as evaluators and narrowed changes to the Road to Independence Program’s postsecondary education services and supports, extending eligibility ages from 18 to 26 while keeping the five-year cap. Senators discussed the fiscal impact and funding blend for the education stipend. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1010, by Sen. Yarbrough, which adds criminal and civil enforcement for violations involving sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures for minors and related parental-rights provisions. An amendment clarified that the civil action authority applies to minors and that damages benefit the affected minor. Public testimony was heavily divided, with supporters saying the bill enforces existing protections and opponents warning it would chill care, counseling, and school-based support for transgender youth. Senators Harrell, Sharief, and Rouson raised concerns about vagueness, standing, and impacts on teachers and health professionals; Sharief voted no, while the bill was still reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see reduced spending on education. We see reduced spending on education.
• That's $1.2 billion we do not have for other important projects, starting with education.
• And if you look particularly at education, if you look at health care, it will grow at 2 percent.
• Education and ATT. SB 1132, appropriation for Arizona State Hospital. ATT and HHS.
• SB 1143, veteran tax technician certification educational alternation. SB 1147, family court ...

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their contributions to public service, science, medicine, education, and the arts reflect the best of
• There are entrepreneurs, educators, health care professionals, and public servants.
• We recognize the immense contributions of Korean Americans in finance, tech, law, medicine, education
• Their commitment to family and faith and education and service reflects the very best of the American
• From small business owners and educators to health care workers, artists, and public servants, Korean

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journals, and took up motions to remove several measures from the inactive file, including S.J.R. 9, SB 626, and SCR 89. The main item on the floor was SCR 106 by Senator Choi, which recognized January 13 as Korean American Day and highlighted the history and contributions of Korean Americans in California and nationwide. Senator Choi and many members spoke in support, citing Korean American business, civic, cultural, military, and community contributions, as well as local Korean American communities and landmarks across their districts. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. After passage, Senator Choi introduced Korean American guests in the chamber and invited members to a reception. The Senate then returned to motions and committee announcements, including upcoming meetings of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Senate Human Services Committee. Members also requested that SB 626 be returned to the Assembly for amendments. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials. Senators Umberg, Allen, Pérez, and Menjivar honored Monica Lynn Martinez-Hays, victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires, and Sergeant Adrian Carrillo, respectively. The memorials recounted the lives and community service of the deceased and emphasized ongoing grief, recovery, and support for affected families and communities. The Senate announced it would recess until the next scheduled floor session on Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And high required education, high skill, high wages, or low skill, low wages. You don't get both.
• And so this really isn't a public education bill.
• I think we're more aligned on education than almost anything else.
• I mean, they're about to close down the Department of Education.
• In regards to the Department of Education, that's a federal program.