Transcript Highlights:

• first president, George Washington, once said, 'It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence
• of the director of the Idaho Transportation Department by the governor, and to provide for appointment
• a limitation on liability for workers or volunteers at certain polling places, and provide for state
• Upon her retirement, this body provided her the rare honor of receiving a Senate rocking chair.
• service centers, to provide limitations, and to provide for funding certain operations.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and received communications on substitute senators, gubernatorial appointments, and House bills transmitted for introduction. Committee reports moved a number of measures forward, including Senate Joint Memorial 110, House Bill 533, House Concurrent Resolution 24, Senate Bill 1258, and several newly printed Senate bills that were referred to standing committees. The chamber also advanced multiple bills through first and second reading, including measures on self-defense immunity, digital identification, state office vacancies and agency director appointments, beer sales, highway district elections, polling place liability, rangeland improvement, concealed weapons instruction, virtual education, and public charter schools. The Senate then recessed into a memorial service honoring former Senator Carl Crabtree, former Senator Reese Werner, former Senator Wayne Kidwell, and former Secretary of the Senate Janine Wood. Each memorial was adopted unanimously after brief readings and motions, and senators and guests offered tributes highlighting the honorees’ public service, integrity, work ethic, and impact on Idaho. The service included prayer, a musical performance, and remarks from current and former senators and family members. After the memorial service, the Senate returned to business, received additional committee reports and first-reading bills focused on water, irrigation, juvenile corrections, human fetal tissue, ignition interlock systems, public assistance, naturopathic licensing, hospital maternity price transparency, health exemptions, and regional education service centers. The chamber also heard a brief announcement from a guest and then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are to provide choice and accessibility and quality in the online curricular opportunities that are
• So we provide the curriculum, the teacher, the support, the full experience for the student.
• And so for this year, our per-enrollment model versus an ADA-funded model provides a savings of about
• So we provide the curriculum, the teacher, the support, the full experience for the student.
• And so for this year, our per enrollment model versus an ADA funded model provides a savings of about

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first approved the January 26 and January 27, 2026 minutes by voice vote. The committee then heard a presentation from Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) Superintendent Jeff Simmons, joined by Cambridge Superintendent Anthony Butler, on IDLA’s role as Idaho’s statewide supplemental online learning program. Simmons described IDLA’s funding model, course offerings, growth in enrollment, quality controls, teacher certification and oversight, use of Idaho teachers and curriculum, free open-content resources, and efforts to support families through lower course fees and waived dual-credit fees. He also said IDLA is preparing for a proposed $10 million budget cut, which he said would significantly reduce enrollments and course offerings. Butler testified that IDLA is especially valuable for small rural districts like Cambridge for credit recovery, dual credit, scheduling flexibility, and keeping students on track to graduate. Senators asked about teacher certification, costs, evaluation in a virtual setting, AI use, statutory naming, and how IDLA would be affected by budget reductions. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1234, sponsored by Senator Carlson, which would change Lewis-Clark State College’s name to Lewis-Clark State University. President Cynthia Pemberton testified that the change would not alter the institution’s mission, programs, or focus, but would reduce confusion about the school’s offerings, better reflect its four-year and graduate programs, and help recruitment and partnerships. She said the proposal has broad support from the State Board of Education, K-12 partners, local chambers, and campus stakeholders, and estimated a one-time rebranding cost of about $50,000. Senators asked about the cost and intent language, and the committee voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned afterward, with notice that there would be no Education Committee meeting the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's because of the leadership that you provide. And so I want to tell you thank you.
• That's because of the leadership that you provide. And so I want to tell you thank you.
• So we plan to have the recommendations that we will be providing are going to be public.
• They're nonprofit re-entry providers. We've worked with the BSCC in many capacities.
• I want to thank anyone who is here today to provide support and also all those who provided public comment

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and routine committee actions. The committee first approved, by unanimous 5-0 votes, appointments to the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission, the appointment of Lee Herrick as California Poet Laureate, a reference of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgments. Members then heard testimony from Trista Gonzalez, nominee to lead the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, who described her long career in tax administration, efforts to improve taxpayer compliance and service, readiness for the state’s lithium extraction tax, and the department’s work on online sales tax, cannabis, and tobacco enforcement. Senators asked about responsiveness to legislators, small business support, accountability, and enforcement; public commenters from tax and accounting groups supported her nomination. Her appointment advanced to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee also heard from Aaron McGuire, nominee to lead the Board of State and Community Corrections. He discussed the board’s expanded responsibilities, including annual detention-facility inspections, large grant programs for violence intervention and reentry, and the new in-custody death review division. Members questioned him about grant oversight, audit transparency, statutory authority for in-custody death reviews, and conditions in local detention facilities, especially in Los Angeles County juvenile facilities. McGuire said the board uses screening, site visits, audits, and compliance reviews to reduce fraud and ensure grant funds are used appropriately, and that trailer bill language had clarified access to records for death reviews. He also said staffing shortages remain a major issue in some juvenile facilities and that the board continues to work with counties and the courts to improve conditions. Public support came from nonprofit reentry providers and Giffords. His appointment also advanced to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we simplify this access in order to provide the information to the end users very, very quickly.
• So always we provide an answer that is tailored to the final user.
• , so as you said... ...component, and we would like to provide the reasoning.
• we would like to provide the answer with the reasoning.
• So we've provided it with faulty...

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in emergency management and related public-safety applications. The panel included the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the University of Florida, and Florida International University. FDEM described current uses of AI for invoice anomaly detection, automated situation report drafting, and data synthesis in WebEOC, emphasizing that AI is used to speed analysis and improve efficiency but not to replace human decision-making. The agency also said counties retain access through backup communications such as Starlink and generators, and that WebEOC provides shared visibility, archived documentation, and a common operating picture across all 67 counties. University of Florida representatives highlighted Beacon, an AI-enabled public safety audio service developed with FDEM and public media partners to distribute official alerts across multiple platforms, including mobile devices and digital streams. UF IFAS described a geospatial AI “Gaia bot” that turns satellite data into natural-language answers and maps for crop damage assessment and flood-risk mapping, with a focus on making complex Earth-observation data more accessible to growers and policymakers. FIU presented AI models that predict water levels and flood mitigation settings much faster than traditional simulation tools, with comparable or better accuracy, and said the work includes explainability features and broader research on compound flooding. Members asked extensive questions about storm surge, hallucinations, whether generative AI or large language models were being used, data vetting, and hardware needs. The witnesses repeatedly stressed that their systems are not autonomous, that human review remains central, and that the models used are primarily data-driven predictive tools rather than chatbot-style generative AI. The meeting ended with thanks to the panelists and an announcement that the committee’s policy chief was leaving for another position. Representative Mooney then moved that the committee rise, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• After the state auditor's office presents, agency staff will provide comments on the audit reports, and
• Before we get to the charter schools report, I'm here to provide just a very brief...
• I'm here to provide just a very brief overview, Mr.
• We'll provide a few illustrative examples of those. Thank you.
• They provided their experiences describing how schools had used some of these practices.

Summary: The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings. The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints. Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections four and seven clarify payment for nursing services provided by a household member of an injured
• Um, section three provides, well, I'll start with section three, and it defines a key term used throughout
• by a household member of an provided by a household member of an injured<00:03:56.680><c> worker.
• three uh provides uh well I'll<00:04:54.720><c> start</c><00:04:54.800><c> with</c><00:04:54.960><c>
• contractor provide quarterly uh updates<00:06:39.759><c> to</c><00:06:40.000><c> commerce</c><00:06:

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Upon whether or not that attorney has the time and resources necessary to provide effective counsel.
• Systems that counties use to provide legal services to indigent criminal defendants.
• [name not provided]. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I ask for your favorable consideration, and I close.
• We need to be able to provide them that order.
• It provides counsel for people in their Article 11.073 proceedings.

Bills: HB115 , HB 115 , HB507 , HB1765 , HB1847 , HB2046 , HB2239 , HB2328 , HB2309 , HB2417 , HB2728 , HB2794 , HB3206 , HB3566 , HB3694 , HB3744 , HB4254 , HB4697 , HB4733 , HB4915 , HB5465 , HB2813

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: public funds, lobbying, political subdivision, government spending, transparency, HB 115, taxpayer-funded lobbying, local government lobbying, county association dues, municipal lobbying, lobbyist registration, Chapter 305, Government Code Section 556.0056, Local Government Code Section 89.002, county government, city government, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, state association of counties, sheriffs association

Transcript Highlights:

• This will put a dent in the appropriation that you provide for a small county outreach.
• So it just shifts costs of relocating broadband, cable, and video utilities from providers to the state
• for a critical infrastructure provider that today pays more than any other utility for access to the
• The broadband and video providers offer competitive services without the opportunity to recover these
• That's not the case for broadband and video providers.

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably. The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to give public testimony, provide written testimony, or just register your position on a
• This will provide for a state class... a misdemeanor.
• Be overturned easily, but does provide a process whereby a three-fourths majority of the city council
• The statute provides an incentive for cities to resolve whatever the problem is.
• We feel like that needs to reflect and provide a mechanism for them to resolve these problems.

Bills: SB32 , SB464 , SB996 , SB1163 , SB1173 , SB1277 , SB1452 , SB1453 , SB1548 , SB1882 , SB1883 , SB2016 , SB 32

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• We are grateful to the Supreme Judicial Court for providing long-needed clarity and guidance on questions
• The Senate will provide records as described in the court order while reserving its rights to object
• We again greatly appreciate the SJC for providing us the clarity that we have been seeking.
• Now we have a narrowly defined scope that we can responsibly provide records for.
• We can provide these documents today. We can provide these documents today.

Summary: The Senate took up several local and special bills on third reading and final passage. It amended and passed to be engrossed Senate 1831, a Rutland bill providing killed-in-the-line-of-duty benefits for Joanne Saundi as the surviving spouse of Detective John DeSongy, and also passed to be engrossed two Haverhill bills exempting Nick Santos and Anthony Morales from the maximum age requirement for police officer appointments. The chamber then enacted bills concerning police age requirements in Newton and Stonem, sending them to the Governor. It also adopted two congratulatory resolutions, including one for the Florence Community Band’s 25th anniversary and another recognizing the Italian Consulate in Boston and Italian National Day. The Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition from Rep. Carol Fiola to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, proposing a temporary pilot to let municipalities extend liquor-license hours and allow public consumption in designated districts during summer 2026. The chamber also addressed House 5501, the fiscal year 2027 state budget, after the House nonconcurred in a Senate amendment; the Senate insisted on its amendment and appointed a conference committee, naming Senators Rodrigues, Comerford, and O’Connor. A major floor debate centered on Senate 3104, a resolution responding to the Supreme Judicial Court’s May 7, 2026 order regarding the State Auditor’s request for Senate financial records. Supporters said the resolution would provide documents in four clarified categories—budgets, audits, balance-forward transactions, and monetary settlement agreements—while preserving constitutional separation-of-powers objections to broader requests. Opponents argued the Senate should have sought the court’s guidance earlier and that the documents should be produced without further delay. The resolution was adopted on a roll call vote, 33-6. The Senate then adjourned in memory of William F. Howard of Beverly and set its next meeting for Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill here also provides clarity with regard to abortion providers and their duty of care that they
• And this would just clarify and put it into statute as to what the medical provider...
• Thank you. ...just clarify and put it into statute as to what the medical provider could do.
• The medical provider will help that child. That's what this says.
• I respect women and babies, and I also respect Missouri's medical providers.

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard Senate Bill 999, sponsored by Sen. Brad Hudson, which was presented as a revised “Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” combined with language from other bills on domestic violence/no-contact orders, pregnancy-associated mortality review, and cyber harassment. Hudson argued the bill would ensure that any child born alive during or after an abortion attempt receives the same legal protections and medical care as any other child, and he said Missouri’s current infanticide law contains a carve-out that leaves such children insufficiently protected. Committee members questioned him about the Canadian study he cited, Missouri mortality concerns, the scope of the infanticide statute, and whether medical providers already understand themselves to have a duty of care. Public testimony was split. Missouri Right to Life supported the bill, saying it was needed to prevent confusion and ensure care for babies born alive after an abortion attempt. Abortion Action Missouri opposed it, calling it a “trap law” designed to restrict abortion access and warning it could delay life-saving care; the group also said major medical organizations oppose such legislation and that no abortion-after-delivery procedure exists. Campaign Life Missouri testified only for informational purposes, supporting the born-alive language but warning that the added provisions and a nonseverability clause could make the entire bill vulnerable to a court challenge and potentially invalidate unrelated sections. In executive session, several members explained their votes. Opponents said they supported children and medical providers but believed the bill was unnecessary, duplicative, or harmful to medical practice; supporters said the bill was needed to protect babies born alive and to clarify duties in law. The committee then voted 12-4 to report Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 999 do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, which provides for the effects of leases.
• By Senator Miller, which provides for the effects of leases of movable property.
• It provides for multiple successions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• The judge can't provide that exception on their own motion.
• HB 603 provides relative to the authorized uses of public funds.

Bills: HB165 , HB603 , SB77 , SB140 , SB185

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• A market pay enhancement would provide a salary supplement in areas of the state of the state is the
• Finally, the bill provides rulemaking for both the Senate board and the superintendent.
• The reinstated section provides a mechanism for sheriffs to suspend a tax lien sale in the following
• The bill does not increase any money that is provided to these volunteer fire departments.
• Lastly, the bill provides that any data obtained and maintained pursuant to these requirements is not

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It then reconsidered Committee Substitute for House Bill 5212, noting that an Education Committee amendment had been inadvertently omitted the day before; the vice chairman withdrew the prior motion to report the bill, and the committee returned to the bill with the technical Education Committee amendments pending. The transcript then moved through a long agenda of bills and supplemental appropriations, with the committee generally hearing brief explanations from counsel, occasional member questions, and then voting to adopt amendments and report measures to the full Senate. Among the substantive policy bills, the committee advanced House Bill 4007 on the Industrial Access Road Fund, allowing an additional possible $3 million transfer in a fiscal year, expanding eligible uses, and increasing county/municipal spending limits; House Bill 4765, which raises salaries for state police, teachers, and school service personnel and, via a strike-and-insert amendment, creates a market pay enhancement tied to county and regional income data; House Bill 5162, recodifying tax lien sale procedures and clarifying ownership and government-property tax treatment; House Bill 5382, extending the Neighborhood Investment Tax Credit Program to July 1, 2031; House Bill 5685, authorizing up to $150 million in revenue bonds backed by excess lottery funds for State Culture Center improvements; House Joint Resolution 42, placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to raise the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000; House Bill 4010, creating an airport hangar grant program and fund; House Bill 4404, increasing from $500 to $5,000 the amount volunteer fire departments may spend on training and fire prevention materials; House Bill 4592, requiring standardized campus safety mapping data for higher education institutions; House Bill 4784, extending and making retroactive a qualified opportunity zone business tax modification; and House Bill 5088, increasing retirement benefits for Division of Natural Resources police officers, with a one-time $4.25 million cash injection. The committee also reported several supplemental appropriations and originating bills, including Senate Bill 842 for the Spay Neuter Assistance Fund, Senate Bill 846 for Culture and History capital repairs, Senate Bill 872 for Natural Resources capital repairs (reduced to $10 million in committee substitute), Senate Bill 876 for Department of Health facilities, Senate Originating Bills 1 through 5 covering Culture and History, road funds, corrections IT and services, tobacco education, and the Adjutant General’s armory board transfer, respectively. Most items were adopted by voice vote; House Bill 4765’s strike-and-insert amendment was adopted after a division vote of 10-6. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the bill provides rulemaking for both the State Board and the superintendent.
• The reinstated section provides a mechanism for sheriffs to suspend a tax lien sale in the following
• The reinstated section provides a mechanism for sheriffs to suspend a tax lien sale in the following
• The bill provides that the county commission place the State Auditor on notice and then requires the
• This bill does not increase any money that is provided to these volunteer fire departments.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• order of business: prayer by our good chaplain, Tom Doherty, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance provided
• retroactive application, and providing an effective date.
• retroactive application, and providing an effect. rental choice tax credit advance payment fund and
• declaring an emergency, providing retroactive application, and providing an effective date.
• unstructured activity breaks for students in grades 6 through 8 and declaring emergency and providing

Summary: The House convened with 66 members present, approved the journal, and received a Senate message transmitting enrolled House Bill 504 to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for delivery to the Governor. Committee reports followed, including several bills recommended do pass and referred to the appropriate committees or calendars, along with House Bill 562 being placed on general orders without objection. During third reading, the House first took up House Joint Memorial 14, which urges federal agencies to advance water-storage research and planning in Idaho, including small and medium reservoir feasibility, basin studies, and a long-term goal of 750,000 acre-feet of new storage by 2100; it passed by voice vote and was sent to the Senate. The House then passed House Bills 676, 737, 615, 683, 684, 645, 703, 560, and 637, with recorded votes on several measures. The bills addressed geothermal utility water-right planning, consolidation of state agency functions, disturbing the peace at religious services, sex-offender residency clarification, reimbursement for counties retrieving escaped prisoners, portable benefits for independent contractors, consolidation of DOPL disciplinary provisions, allowing prospective jurors to serve as poll workers, and recognizing foreign gold and silver coin as legal tender in Idaho. House Bill 637 passed on a narrower 55-13 vote; the others passed with larger margins. Members also agreed to hold the remaining third-reading bills one legislative day. In announcements, committees scheduled upcoming meetings, the Energy Caucus and construction industry reception were noted, and members were reminded to submit amendments before the next general orders calendar. The House then adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• order of business: prayer by our good chaplain, Tom Doherty, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance provided
• retroactive application, and providing an effective date.
• retroactive application, and providing an effect. rental choice tax credit advance payment fund and
• declaring an emergency, providing retroactive application, and providing an effective date.
• unstructured activity breaks for students in grades 6 through 8 and declaring emergency and providing

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill would allow providers to have a clean break from their responsibility to the commission, and
• We have been doing this work for over 40 years in the state to provide a non-disciplinary pathway when
• Relinquishment provides a solution that has previously not existed in Washington State.
• However, specific funding for this purpose has not been provided since fiscal year 2009.
• were specifically provided through the Appropriations Act.

Summary: The House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6258, which would authorize the Washington Medical Commission to adopt rules allowing physicians and certain other licensees to voluntarily relinquish their licenses outside of a disciplinary process. Staff and the bill sponsor explained that the current system only allows relinquishment through a disciplinary or quasi-disciplinary path, which can trigger reporting to national databases even when there is no misconduct. Testimony from the Medical Commission and the Washington Physicians Health Program supported the bill as a non-disciplinary, permanent, and more dignified way for providers to exit practice while preserving patient safety by excluding those under investigation or discipline. The chair said the committee would executive the bill the next day and asked that amendments be submitted by 6 p.m. that day. The committee then held a work session on part-time/adjunct faculty in the community and technical college system. State Board of Community and Technical Colleges staff described the system’s 34 colleges, the role of local bargaining, and the differences in duties and pay between full-time and part-time faculty. They noted that adjunct pay has historically lagged and cited a 2024 report estimating it would cost about $75.1 million to raise average adjunct compensation to 85% of full-time faculty pay. American Federation of Teachers Washington representatives and contingent faculty testified in support of HB 2538, arguing that contingent faculty are underpaid, often lack stable employment and compensation for work outside class time, and that higher pay would improve retention, student support, and equity. Members asked about bargaining structures, health benefits, workload, and comparisons to other faculty roles. In executive session, the committee considered Substitute Senate Bill 5931, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board, including removing a public dashboard requirement and adjusting election timing. The bill passed 14-1 and was reported out with a do-pass recommendation. The committee also approved Senate Bill 5963, which automatically makes Passport to Careers participants income-eligible for the Washington College Grant and aligns need calculations with the federal formula; it also directs Passport funds into the state financial aid account. That bill passed unanimously, 15-0, and was likewise reported out with a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, providers are navigating fragmented funding streams.
• Now, we don't know if that's going to be provided for advocates in our nation's tribes and pueblos.
• So we as providers who are seeing increases and being told that we're flatlined are actually seeing a
• We have 32 providers right now meeting with them.
• We have 32 providers right now meeting with them.

Bills: SB238 , HJR1 , SM21 , SM22

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Keywords: Governor's Residence, management committee, government administration, New Mexico, advisory, commission, general services, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, overdose prevention centers, harm reduction, drug overdose, opioid crisis, substance use disorder, public health, addiction treatment, naloxone

Transcript Highlights:

• For the public hearing that we will be holding later today, as testifiers are called upon to provide
• When funding is provided under the community reinvestment account for the economic development criteria
• staff and support to state advisory teams, and providing support to local advisory teams.
• The bill analysis provides more detail about those groups identified in the office's rules.
• This bill provides a narrow and thoughtful solution.”

Bills: HB2523 , HB2606 , HB2684 , HJM4012

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• met, including notifying residents within 500 feet, conducting a maximum of one community meeting, providing
• met, including notifying residents within 500 feet, conducting a maximum of one community meeting, providing
• It also specifies that the inability of a local government to provide adequate alternative shelter space
• However, that means we miss opportunities to provide complementary services near each other, such as
• But I think, again, the underlying substitute... ...can actually become quite costly for the providers

Bills: HB2266 , HB2489

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, emergency shelters, homelessness prevention, public space, local governance, life-sustaining activities, statewide standards, regulation, 904, all