Transcript Highlights:

• And with the community colleges, it opens up avenues for student life and student housing.
• I'm concerned when we put in legislation and then it sets up a fund for universities and all to apply
• universities participating in Division I athletics, and it goes standing with the NCAA and other campus
• And so also another due pass. So thank you all and go forth and make our universities proud.
• together representatives from our universities, community colleges, tribal colleges, state agencies,

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began by announcing that SB 210 would be rolled over to Friday and would not be heard. The committee then returned to SB 234, which would provide foster child school transportation funding statewide rather than only for Albuquerque Public Schools. Members adopted an amendment striking the APS-only language and making the bill statewide after testimony from the sponsor, PED, and others that foster youth transportation is a growing issue and should have its own funding stream. The committee discussed how the money might be distributed and whether the $1.2 million appropriation would be sufficient, then voted do pass on SB 234 as amended. The committee next heard HB 8, which creates a Higher Education Major Projects Fund for large capital projects that are difficult to fund through existing capital outlay processes. Testimony from the sponsor, LFC, HED, and university representatives explained that the bill would support projects such as the UNM School of Medicine, an NMSU multidisciplinary building, student housing, student life projects, and certain Division I athletic facilities, while requiring design readiness, institutional matches, and legislative oversight. Several senators raised concerns about the clarity of the prioritization process, the Division I-only athletics language, the recurring nature of future funding, and the relationship to other capital funding streams, but the committee ultimately voted do pass on HB 8. The committee then considered SB 243 and SB 244, nearly identical bills for UNM and NMSU that would each appropriate $5 million for student health, student support, nutrition, travel, scholarships, and other athletic department needs. Athletic directors testified that conference realignment, higher travel costs, nutrition demands, and new revenue-sharing/NIL obligations have increased expenses, and sponsors said the bills were intended as one-time appropriations. Some senators questioned whether the requests should be recurring or funded through university revenue rather than the state, but both bills received do pass recommendations. Finally, the committee heard SM 16, as amended, which asks HED to convene a task force to study parenting students in higher education and recommend ways to collect data and improve support. Supporters said better data is needed to understand barriers such as child care and transportation, and the memorial passed with a do pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned until Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Teacher preparation in college and universities is also very important.
• And PED, HED, the ed reps, the colleges, and deans, we have already been working on that and putting
• and universities.
• And so we've been restricted at universities in terms of how many classes teachers can take.
• for one year so that we can do the work that would be required with our colleges and universities in

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, which would strengthen reading instruction and educator preparation around the science of reading. The sponsor and supporters said the bill requires evidence-based, culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction, including support for English learners and students in bilingual and dual-language programs, use of approved high-quality instructional materials for K-3 reading and interventions, a K-3 reading assessment, literacy coaches, and parent progress reports. An amendment package was adopted to clarify biliteracy language, broaden references to bilingual/dual-language and Indigenous language settings, remove awkward phrasing, and adjust reporting requirements from monthly to four times per school year. The committee then moved forward with the amended bill. Public testimony was largely supportive. Students, educators, school leaders, advocacy groups, and tribal representatives said structured literacy has improved reading outcomes and can help struggling readers, including students with dyslexia and multilingual learners. Several speakers emphasized that the amended bill better protects bilingual, dual-language, and Native language programs, and some noted the importance of parent communication and early intervention. Supporters also cited recent literacy gains in New Mexico and said the bill aligns teacher preparation, materials, assessment, and coaching. Opposition focused mainly on concerns that the bill could still privilege English over Indigenous languages, that high-quality materials requirements may be too restrictive or costly for districts, and that testing and reporting could add workload. Tribal speakers from Acoma and Taos said they could not support the bill without further changes to explicitly protect Native language revitalization. Other opponents raised concerns about funding for materials and coaches, the burden on teachers, and whether the assessment and HQIM requirements would be flexible enough for local needs. In committee discussion, the sponsor and PED said existing funds and staff could support implementation, that the assessment would be formative and teacher-focused, and that the bill was intended to complement, not replace, Native and bilingual education programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have in the uh bay and holes drilled down that that in which we went down and extracted oil and gas
• and such.
• And such. Um, and many of those now have been depleted and they have been capped off.
• </c> soil and water. soil and water.
• </c> say I'm skeptical and and need to know say I'm skeptical and and need to know more<00:58:23.599>

Bills: SB174, SB39, SB40, SB206, SB200, HB169, HB345, HB381, HB25

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner

Transcript Highlights:

• Advising ensures students and families are aware of and have access to very... various college and career
• Right, and some of them to military colleges. And then ROTC from there? Yes, sir.
• the opportunity to meet college, career, and military readiness requirements as outlawed. line and A
• It also brings all the partners. table, our districts, our community colleges, our universities, and
• Associates with a university and the student Goes over to that university to get the CT course so they

Bills: HB20, HB 120, HB20, HB120

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Transcript Highlights:

• for me when he first got out of college, and you look at Adrian, and you look at Isaac Romero.
• New Mexico, because of our wonderful universities, our national laboratories, and our historical legacy
• It's a strategic roadmap that leverages our state's unique assets, our national labs, and research universities
• Right now, we have the laboratories, the state, the universities, and the private companies all operating
• We created ion trapped and neutral atom technologies at **Sandia** (mentioned) and **University of New

Bills: SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a little bit of a fray about House Bill 2 and what happened to the 1%.
• And remember, if you're making under $50,000, we're paying 100% of that.
• And so 1% we have to do 80-20 for teachers. And so 1%. We have to do 80-20 for teachers.
• And so 1% just did not make sense with what we had to do with child care and everything else.
• When do you anticipate doing the bill for the university fund? I don't know, we'll see.

Bills: SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you. And Mr. Chair, and I agree with you. Okay. And thank you. And Mr.
• Additionally, item C, one up to $3 million for the New Mexico Highlands University soccer field and track
• Senator Neer, we started a statewide system last year and we got every university to agree to do online
• I know that in our statewide higher ed, we also include, you know, Navajo Technical University and so
• and tribal colleges located wholly within New Mexico as part of the student life and housing project

Bills: SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Curious as to why Oklahoma Free Speech Committee was chosen and why universities cannot create their
• It's trying to modernize startup ecosystems and get some visual venture capital And university collaboration
• and universities.
• So it seemed to make sense that there is at least a standard across all 25 colleges and universities
• And so, it's not a student's not going to be able to take a workplace assessment and get 4 hours of college

Bills: SB1477, SB1480, SB1593, SB1633, SB1670, SB1725, SB1726, SB1735, SB1632

Keywords: education, concurrent enrollment, students, age restrictions, academic access, apprenticeship, career education, youth programs, employment, technology centers, SB1593, OSU Tulsa, Oklahoma State University/Tulsa, Board of Trustees, higher education, university governance, A&M Board, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, presidential search, board rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Curious as to why Oklahoma Free Speech Committee was chosen and why universities cannot create their
• It's trying to modernize startup ecosystems and get some venture capital and university collaboration
• and universities.
• So it seemed to make sense that there is at least a standard across all 25 colleges and universities
• And so it would just pass them; it would allow them to get some college credit at a two-year university

Bills: SB1477, SB1480, SB1593, SB1633, SB1670, SB1725, SB1726, SB1735, SB1632

Keywords: education, concurrent enrollment, students, age restrictions, academic access, apprenticeship, career education, youth programs, employment, technology centers, SB1593, OSU Tulsa, Oklahoma State University/Tulsa, Board of Trustees, higher education, university governance, A&M Board, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, presidential search, board rules

Summary: The Postsecondary Education Committee considered a series of higher education and career-tech bills, with members asking mostly clarifying questions about eligibility, implementation, and alignment with existing law. House Bill 1477, requested by the State Regents, would limit concurrent enrollment to students age 21 or under; it passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1593 updated language on the Oklahoma State University Board of Trustees to reflect current practice and passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1725 addressed expressive activities on public campuses by allowing security fees for students or student groups, but not based on the content of expression, and also directed free speech training through the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee; it passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1670, a State Chamber priority bill, aimed to strengthen startup ecosystems, venture capital, and industry-embedded research to help move university research into private-sector jobs, and it passed 9-0. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1726, which would establish a baseline training course for graduate student instructors at colleges and universities. Supporters said it would standardize instruction across institutions and help ensure a consistent level of preparation for graduate instructors teaching undergraduates; it passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1633 would align Oklahoma statute with federal law following a consent judgment regarding tuition eligibility for individuals not lawfully present in the United States; members discussed how “lawfully present” would apply to DACA recipients and others with federal immigration status, and the bill passed 6-3. Senate Bill 1735, a cleanup measure shifting certain oversight of technology center career tech schools more directly under the State Board of Career and Technology Education, passed 9-0. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 1480, a pilot program for paid apprenticeships for 16-year-old students within career tech settings, despite questions about why a pilot was needed when career techs were already prepared to do similar work; it passed 9-0. Finally, an amendment to Senate Bill 1632 changed “shall” to “may” and allowed the State Board of Regents to use workforce assessments such as WorkKeys to award some entry-level college credit for students who score highly, especially those returning to community college or seeking an associate degree; after discussion about the limits of the credit, the amended measure passed 9-0. The meeting concluded with thanks to members as the committee’s final meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:03:06.120><c> community</c><00:03:06.680><c> it</c> and and more than the community it and and more
• </c> priority and every single plane and priority and every single plane and Aviator<00:09:31.120><c>
• and and yield for to my testimony today and and yield for any<00:10:12.360><c> questions</c><00:10:13.360
• :31.280><c> now</c><00:20:31.679><c> though</c> SUVs and cars and so right now though SUVs and cars and
• </c> and whilea due to Staffing and and whilea due to Staffing and prolonging<00:39:45.400><c> the</c

Bills: HF198, HF269, HF185, HF303, HF305, HF189

Keywords: HF198, shared time pupils, shared-time enrollment, nonpublic school, private school, public school, career and technical education, CTE, secondary credit, school funding, state aid, education finance, Minnesota Statutes 126C.01, compulsory attendance, school district, education policy, HF269, Spicer, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• prevention plans at colleges and universities.
• And so what it does, the proposed law would require the colleges and universities to provide information
• And so what it does, the proposed law would require the colleges and universities to provide information
• In addition, colleges and universities would have to collect and report aggregated, non-identifiable
• having something on their diploma showing that to colleges and universities, their dedication and their

Bills: HCR14, HB201, HB218, HB352, HB626, HB636, HB738, HB749

Keywords: Department of Education, federal overreach, education policy, Tenth Amendment, local control, fine arts, high school diploma, arts education, capstone project, academic achievement, student recognition, Louisiana education, food insecurity, hunger, student hunger, school meals, free lunch, community eligibility provision, McKinney-Vento, homeless students

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a junior in aerospace engineering at New Mexico State University and part of the CAMP program,
• She is a junior in aerospace engineering at New Mexico State University and part of the CAMP program,
• And so we just think... ...that's a university, community college, or trade school.
• pursue academic growth that supports long-term opportunities for careers, college, and economic mobility
• I have Montgomery and San Mateo and other streets that are big and huge and dangerous, and this bill

Bills: SB23, SB73, SB210, SB234, SB243, SB244, SM16

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies prohibiting student use of wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for medical needs, assistive technology, emergencies, and educator-approved instructional use. The sponsors and PED/Broadband officials said the bill builds on last year’s law, responds to classroom distraction and cyberbullying concerns, and pairs the mandate with access to the Education Technology Infrastructure Fund for implementation support. Supporters included NEA-NM, AFT-NM, Teach Plus, New Mexico Kids Can, higher education, ECED, and others, who said the bill would improve focus, classroom culture, and student readiness. Some members questioned the three-year phase-in, local control over consequences, effects on recess/lunch and after-school programs, charter and virtual school enforcement, and whether statewide mandates were necessary; the committee ultimately advanced the bill on a 6-3 vote, with Senators Pope and Soules voting no. The committee then heard Senate Bill 73, which would add a requirement that driver education include instruction on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and others outside vehicles. The sponsor and supporters from APS, NEA-NM, AFT-NM, PED, Albuquerque city officials, cycling and pedestrian advocates, and individuals affected by traffic violence said New Mexico’s high pedestrian and bicyclist fatality rates make the training necessary and that better education could improve safety and awareness. Some testimony connected the bill to broader public health, climate, and Vision Zero efforts, while several speakers shared personal stories of crashes and losses. Committee members asked about the three-hour requirement, whether it would apply to existing drivers, how it would be implemented by DOT and MVD, and whether the bill should also address training for vulnerable road users themselves; concerns were also raised about rural road conditions and the limited behind-the-wheel training currently required. The committee passed SB 73 on a 6-3 vote, with Senator Thornton voting no. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 234, an appropriation of $1.2 million to Albuquerque Public Schools for transportation of students in foster care. The sponsor and an expert witness, a former CYFD caseworker, described serious transportation failures after contracts were terminated, saying caseworkers were forced to drive children themselves and that missed or late rides disrupted schooling and overburdened staff. APS, New Mexico Child First Network, and CYFD all supported the bill, saying it would clarify responsibility, relieve caseworkers, and ensure continuity of transportation for foster youth. Committee questions focused on why the appropriation was limited to APS rather than other districts with transportation shortfalls, whether $1.2 million would be enough, who would provide the rides, and what safety/background-check standards would apply if contractors were used. The bill was still under discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nearly 530 students at Winona State University and Minnesota State College Southeast are receiving support
• Our state colleges, our state universities, and the University of Minnesota, and my question is why?
• What it would do is eliminate from eligibility students going to public colleges and universities in
• A lot of state investment into our state colleges and universities.
• Why don't we do that to students who are going to our public colleges and universities because they also

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, what it would do is eliminate from eligibility students going to public colleges, universities
• And so, what it would do is eliminate from eligibility students going to public colleges, universities
• And why don't we do that to students who are going to our public colleges and universities because they
• and investment into our state colleges and universities<01:08:28.719><c> and</c><01:08:28.960><c> so<
• </c><01:09:08.880><c> and</c> going to our public colleges and going to our public colleges and universities

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• A ful and gracious God, you are slow to anger and abounding in mercy.
• Doctor Douglas Nolan is the Associate Dean of Tribal Health Affairs at Oklahoma State University College
• Leader, and thank you, Mr. President.
• We must do a better job of bringing ideas into companies and jobs and economic growth for the state of
• and sites.

Bills: SB1696, SB1670, SB1687, SB1975

Keywords: SB1696, Oklahoma Talent Attraction and Relocation Program, Oklahoma Talent Attraction and Relocation Revolving Fund, Department of Commerce, economic development, workforce development, community development, relocation incentives, talent recruitment, in-migration, population growth, household relocation, grant program, revolving fund, local government grants, municipalities, counties, nonprofit organizations, economic incentives, residency

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests, would you pray with me? Members and guests, would you pray with me?
• Merciful and gracious God, you are slow to anger and abounding in mercy.
• Bless the Lord and all his angels. Bless the Lord and all his hosts. Bless the Lord...
• Douglas Nolan is an Associate Dean of Tribal Health Affairs at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic
• Nolan is a 2000 graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Bills: SB1696, SB1670, SB1687, SB1975

Keywords: SB1696, Oklahoma Talent Attraction and Relocation Program, Oklahoma Talent Attraction and Relocation Revolving Fund, Department of Commerce, economic development, workforce development, community development, relocation incentives, talent recruitment, in-migration, population growth, household relocation, grant program, revolving fund, local government grants, municipalities, counties, nonprofit organizations, economic incentives, residency

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the invocation, and recognized the Doctor of the Day and several visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, with most of the action focused on third reading, amendments, and final passage votes. Senator Coleman’s motion to reconsider the failed vote on SB 1696 passed, allowing the bill to be taken up again. SB 1696, described by Senator Coleman as a rural economic development measure with no fiscal impact, passed on final passage and then passed again as an emergency measure after several senators changed votes from no to yes. SB 1670, as amended to add defense to the industries covered by its technology-transfer guidance, passed unanimously and was declared an emergency measure. SB 1687, which would strengthen Service Oklahoma’s authority regarding written driver’s tests and extend learner’s permit timing, was amended to delete unclear language and restore the title, then passed unanimously. SB 1975, which reorganizes how schools publicize AP testing dates, locations, and sign-up information, drew questions about compliance and implementation but no opposition; it passed unanimously and was also declared an emergency measure. After the bills were disposed of, members made personal announcements, including congratulations for a new grandchild and upcoming birthdays, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, March 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, Mr.
• And Mr. Chairman and Representative Garrett, that are being identified. And Mr.
• And Mr.
• Chair, and Representative, and John.
• the programs and provide the grants and incentives. the programs and provide the grants and incentives

Bills: HB253, HB153, HB255, HB287, HB371, SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: distance learning, virtual instruction, public education, student enrollment, school funding, education standards, pandemic education response, low-carbon construction, construction materials, rebate, environmental product declaration, EPD, embodied carbon, carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization, industrial incentives, clean manufacturing, cement, concrete

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a little bit of a fray about House Bill 2 and what happened to the 1%.
• And remember, if you're making under $50,000, we're paying 100% of that.
• And so 1% we have to do 80-20 for teachers. And so 1%. We have to do 80-20 for teachers.
• And so 1% just did not make sense with what we had to do with child care and everything else.
• When do you anticipate doing the bill for the university fund? I don't know, we'll see.

Bills: HB253, HB153, HB255, HB287, HB371, SB151, HB8, SB177

Keywords: distance learning, virtual instruction, public education, student enrollment, school funding, education standards, pandemic education response, low-carbon construction, construction materials, rebate, environmental product declaration, EPD, embodied carbon, carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonization, industrial incentives, clean manufacturing, cement, concrete

Summary: The committee first corrected its action on Senate Bill 151, noting that the earlier motion had been made incorrectly after the committee substitute was amended. Members then moved to do not pass the Senate Finance Committee substitute and do pass the same committee substitute so it could be sent to the floor. The only change identified in the substitute was an adjustment to the sunset date. A roll call vote followed, with several members voting yes and a few voting no or being excused, and the motion to report the committee substitute out with a due pass recommendation carried. After the SB 151 vote, the chair said the committee was essentially finished and expected to meet on the floor the next day, likely around noon, with a plan to come in earlier and handle a few more bills. The discussion then shifted to House Bill 2 and the broader issue of state employee compensation. One member argued that over the past several years the state had already provided substantial pay raises and benefits, citing roughly $1.3 billion in raises, about $184 million annually for health care costs, and $116 million annually for employer pension costs, for a total of about $1.6 billion over four years. That member said the state had done enough on employee compensation and that a proposed 1% increase did not make sense given competing priorities such as child care and other needs. The committee then adjourned, and there was a brief question about when the university fund bill would be heard, but no firm timing was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a junior in aerospace engineering at New Mexico State University and part of the CAMP program,
• She is a junior in aerospace engineering at New Mexico State University and part of the CAMP program,
• pursue academic growth that supports long-term opportunities for careers, college, and economic mobility
• I have Montgomery and San Mateo and other streets that are big and huge and dangerous.
• and bring them up to APS and then back and forth.

Bills: SB23, SB73, SB210, SB234, SB243, SB244, SM16

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• And Mr.
• and APS and every other institution.
• And I appreciate Mr. Senna and Mr. Lou's statement about... And I appreciate Mr. Senna and Mr.
• And that's the law and law. Just creates chaos. And that's the low level.
• And thank you for that. And then we voted on... And thank you for that.

Bills: SB23, SB73, SB210, SB234, SB243, SB244, SM16

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention