Transcript Highlights:

• The ideas behind this bill are not new.
• Let's bring up the on-deck panel, and then we'll prepare our new on-deck panel.
• Let's bring up the on-deck panel, and then we'll prepare our new on-deck panel.
• I don't know if it's removed in the new version.
• I don't know if it's removed in the new version.

Bills: HB2210, HB2123, HB2206, HB2281, HB2411

Keywords: local representation, fair elections, government accountability, voter rights, transparency, foreign nationals, elections, Washington state, voter participation, government oversight, voting rights, uniform standards, overseas voting, civilian voting, state legislation, tribal relations, government, state policy, sovereignty, federalism

Summary: The committee began with member introductions and then heard House Bill 2123 on foreign national participation in elections. Staff explained that current law requires certifications from candidates, political committees, and political advertising sponsors that foreign nationals were not involved in financing or decision-making. The proposed substitute would raise the threshold for when those certifications are required, and an amendment would raise it further, effectively limiting the requirement mostly to ballot measure activity. Prime sponsor Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon said the existing paperwork burden makes campaigns harder without solving much, and that the bill would reduce unnecessary requirements while preserving protections where federal law does not already bar foreign money, especially in ballot measures. The committee then took up House Bill 2210 on ranked choice voting for local elections. Staff described the bill as allowing local governments to adopt ranked choice voting, changing the top-two primary structure to a top-five process for participating jurisdictions, and setting rules for ballot design, tabulation, and voter education. Rep. Lisa Gregerson framed the bill as a temporary tool to protect fair elections amid federal uncertainty and possible Voting Rights Act changes. Supporters, including Fair Vote Washington, Washington Bus, Sightline Institute, and several advocates, argued ranked choice voting could improve representation, expand voter choice, and help communities of color, young voters, military and overseas voters, and underrepresented groups. Opponents, including Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, several county auditors, and other witnesses, said the system is confusing, costly, and may increase ballot errors or lower turnout, especially for language-minority and disabled voters. The hearing on HB 2210 was paused partway through to move to other bills. House Bill 2411, on expanding the state shared leave program, would allow state employees to use donated leave if they are victims of hate crimes or if they or a family member are affected by immigration enforcement actions. Rep. Osman Salahuddin said the bill fills a gap exposed by a recent ICE detention case involving a state employee and would help workers remain employed during traumatic disruptions. OFM, the Office of Equity, and the Washington Federation of State Employees supported the bill, saying it is a low-cost way to help coworkers support one another. Some witnesses questioned whether the bill would apply to people without legal status, while others argued that state employment already requires legal documentation. Online and in-person opponents criticized the bill as unnecessary or as benefiting undocumented people. The committee also heard House Bill 2281, which would strengthen government-to-government consultation with tribes and add protections for tribal traditional cultural places. Staff said the bill would require timely notice, meaningful consultation, and a higher legal standard before state agencies could burden tribal cultural practices, with a possible superior court claim if the standard is violated. Vice Chair Rep. Chris Stearns said the bill is meant to protect Native identity and sacred sites from destruction and to use a strict-scrutiny-like standard when state actions burden tribal religious practices. Tribal and faith-based supporters backed the bill as a needed safeguard for sacred places and sovereignty, while industry groups warned it could create broad veto power, permitting uncertainty, and significant costs. The hearing on HB 2281 was then closed. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2206, which adopts the Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act to expand and standardize voting access for military and overseas voters in state and local elections. Staff said the bill would broaden the definition of overseas voters and improve ballot access and enforcement. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs strongly supported the measure, and a witness who had lived overseas as a child described herself as one of the small number of people affected and asked for clearer review of UOCAVA status. An opponent argued the bill would allow never-residents to vote in Washington and cited North Carolina court decisions rejecting similar provisions. A Verified Voting representative supported a committee amendment to remove stray electronic portal language. The hearing on HB 2206 was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> those who commit violent crime. those who commit violent crime.
• on Crime.
• 08:27.480><c> Crime.
• </c> Alliance on Crime. Alliance on Crime.
• . crimes. crimes.

Bills: HF1082, HF2099, HF4177, HF2742

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, emergency management, local government, funding, preparedness, Minnesota, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, use of force, police accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the bill explicitly protects news the bill explicitly protects news reporting,<00:15:21.680><c>
• Uh there's also the crime appropriately.
• </c> crime under Minnesota statute. crime under Minnesota statute.
• </c> Disturbing the legislature is a crime. Disturbing the legislature is a crime.
• </c><01:25:30.320><c> have</c> many victims of violent crime have many victims of violent crime have

Bills: HF1567, HF2809, HF3380

Keywords: public safety officer, peace officer, correctional officer, law enforcement, police privacy, officer safety, doxxing, personal information, data privacy, government data practices, private data, internet posting, online disclosure, residential address, phone number, email address, family member protection, child safety, school information, public records

Transcript Highlights:

• This is adding a new FTE. Four of the six FTEs are researchers.
• equipment that came with the new helicopter.
• of the criminal justice system, and assist crime victims.
• A large and focused unit that focuses on financial crimes, traditional financial crimes, insurance fraud
• Our grant programs work to assist crime victims, reduce crime, intervene, prevent crime, support law

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> eight committee meetings we have a new eight committee meetings we have a new website<00:15:47.279
• One was adding a new FTE.
• One was adding a new FTE.
• came with the new helicopter.
• </c> have turned that corner um with our new have turned that corner um with our new new<01:40:50.400

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Whitney Holland, President of AFT New Mexico.
• I'm an early childhood educator from Alamogordo, New Mexico, now serving as the NAE New Mexico president
• There is a fabulous physical science laboratory at New Mexico State University.
• I am an NMSU alum, and I earned my chemistry degree at New Mexico State.
• And I earned my chemistry degree at New Mexico State.

Bills: SB194, SB200, SB203, SB204, SJR3

Keywords: appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University

Summary: The committee first announced that House Bill 161 would be rolled over until Monday so the sponsor could work out unintended errors and bring back a clean amendment. The committee then heard House Memorial 2, which calls for a Legislative Education Study Committee study of screen time in elementary classrooms, including instruction, assessment, and general use. The sponsor and supporters said the memorial is intended to examine the effects of screen use on young children’s learning, attention, literacy, social-emotional development, and physical well-being, and to develop research-based guidance rather than rely on anecdotes. Testimony in support came from educators and school leaders, including AFT New Mexico, NEA New Mexico, and the superintendent of Carlsbad Municipal Schools, who argued that screens are being used too heavily in elementary settings and that hands-on learning and direct interaction are being displaced. Committee members raised questions about whether the study should extend beyond elementary grades to secondary education, online books, and AI-related assessment issues such as voice recording and accessibility. The sponsor and legislative staff said the memorial is currently limited to elementary classrooms but could potentially be expanded; they also noted that assessment-related AI concerns would fall within the study. The committee then approved HM2 on a do-pass motion with no opposition. The committee next heard House Memorial 16, recognizing the New Mexico State University Physical Science Laboratory for 80 years of service and contributions to research, innovation, national security, workforce development, and economic prosperity. Support testimony highlighted the laboratory’s role in southern New Mexico and its status as one of eight FAA test sites for unmanned aerial systems. A member of the public also testified in support as an NMSU alum and STEM advocate. The committee approved HM16 on a do-pass motion with no opposition. The meeting also included introductions from visiting high school students and a reminder that Monday is NMSU Day at the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are 94% Luna students, Luna athletes, are New Mexican. 94% of Luna students, Luna athletes are New
• It supports the authors, composers, and publishers of New Mexico music, as well as the New Mexico music
• We have national news, local news, international news, and regional news.
• —but they weren't here in New Mexico.
• Mandy Torres, with New Mexico, former elementary teacher and 2020 New Mexico Teacher of the Year.

Bills: SB194, SB200, SB203, SB204, SJR3

Keywords: appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University

Summary: The committee began with announcements about an upcoming Friday breakfast and presentation with the School Board Association in El Dorado, then moved through a series of education appropriation and capital-style bills. The first major item was Senate Bill 194 for Luna Community College baseball and softball fields. Senator Campos and Luna officials described the project as part of a larger athletic and community complex, emphasizing the college’s NJCAA compliance turnaround, 100% athlete graduation rate, 3.44 average GPA, and the fact that 94% of athletes are New Mexico residents. Supporters said the fields would improve recruiting, reduce annual rental costs, and add community amenities such as a walking path, soccer pitch, and wildfire resiliency training space. Several senators raised concerns that the project should go through the normal capital outlay process and questioned funding sources, ongoing operating costs, bathrooms, electricity, parking, audits, and whether the $5 million request was sufficient. Despite those concerns, the committee voted 5-3 to give the bill a due pass. The committee then heard a request for KANW educational radio funding. KANW’s general manager and staff said the station is celebrating 75 years, serves much of the state with news, cultural programming, Spanish music, and emergency alert services, and is one of the state’s primary radio stations. Supporters praised its public service and statewide reach. However, several senators objected to the funding mechanism, arguing that the request was being routed through growth funding rather than the usual capital or appropriations process and that other legislators lacked equal access to those funds. After discussion about federal funding cuts, translator opportunities, and the station’s educational mission, the committee voted 3-5 and the bill failed. Senate Bill 203, a duplicate of a previously heard Northern New Mexico State School documentary bill, was quickly tabled on motion. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 3, which would ask voters to replace the current appointed Secretary of Education model with an appointed State Board of Education that would hire a state superintendent. Senator Soles argued the change would create more stability and reduce political whiplash, while supporters from the school board and superintendent associations backed the idea but noted concerns about appointment clarity. Opponents from PED, KIDS CAN, the Chamber of Commerce, charter schools, and others argued the proposal would add bureaucracy, reduce accountability, sideline the governor and voters, and repeat a failed pre-2003 system. Committee members were split along similar lines, with supporters emphasizing continuity and critics stressing accountability and local control; the transcript ends before a final vote on SJR 3 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• distributing, or providing digital access to journals, books, periodicals, newspapers, magazines, news
• this amendment would Number H-3366.1, and this amendment would move the proposed codification of the new
• Okay, next up, 2394, enhancing public safety and enforcement of crimes that impact insurance.
• For enhancing public safety and enforcement of crimes that impact insurance. Peter.
• I don't know if everyone saw our new CPP logo yesterday. It's the MOV. Thumbs up. There it is.

Bills: HB2483, HB2477, HB2274, HB2394, HB2624, HB2240

Keywords: data broker, registry, consumer protection, privacy, data regulation, real estate, appraisal, business operations, regulatory compliance, email regulation, commercial communications, data privacy, electronic mail, public safety, insurance fraud, law enforcement, crime, penalties, real estate transactions, nonprofit

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met in executive session to review amendments on several bills, including House Bill 2483 on a data broker registry, House Bill 2477 on claims arising from appraisal activity, House Bill 2274 on the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act, House Bill 2394 on insurance fraud enforcement, House Bill 2624 on unsolicited real estate transactions, and House Bill 2240 on self-service storage rental agreements. Staff explained the proposed amendments and substitutes, including narrowing and expanding exemptions in HB 2483, clarifying limitations and licensing authority in HB 2477, and competing substitute approaches for HB 2274. After a caucus recess, the committee deferred action on HB 2483, HB 2477, and HB 2394. The committee then voted to advance HB 2274, with the Walen substitute withdrawn and the H-3163.1 substitute adopted; members discussed the bill as a response to issues raised by the Brown v. Old Navy case and as a way to balance consumer protection with clearer rules for retailers. The roll call was 12-3 in favor, and the substitute bill was reported out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also moved HB 2624 forward after debate over its carve-outs for public entities, tribes, and nonprofit nature conservancies; it passed 9-6 and was reported out do pass. Finally, the committee took up HB 2240 and adopted two amendments: one requiring rental agreements to be sent by both email and first-class mail when an email address is provided, and another extending notice of termination or nonrenewal from 15 to 25 days, with an additional five days to remove property. Members discussed whether the timelines were sufficient, but the bill was ultimately reported out of committee with a do pass recommendation by voice vote. The meeting adjourned after the committee noted the approaching policy cutoff and urged members to finish their work before the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• A crime committed in Shelby County by some criminals can affect your area.
• HB224 will eliminate recordings of crime scenes.
• a crime in and of itself.
• This is not nothing to do with law enforcement, but it's not new to law enforcement...
• But it's not new to law enforcement.

Bills: HB403, HB224

Keywords: criminal enterprise, database, law enforcement, data privacy, criminal justice, HB224, Alabama, obstructing governmental operations, first responder, emergency responder, police, firefighter, EMT, paramedic, public safety, harassment, interference with emergency personnel, crime, Class A misdemeanor, emergency scene

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're looking at new alternatives.
• We want New Mexico kids to come to us first.
• and in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• It supports the authors, composers, and publishers of New Mexico music as well as the New Mexico music
• We have national news, local news, and internet news.

Bills: SB194, SB200, SB203, SB204, SJR3

Keywords: appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Whitney Holland, President of AOT New Mexico.
• I'm an early childhood educator from Alamogordo, New Mexico, now serving as the NEA New Mexico president
• NEA New Mexico appreciates the committee's leadership and urges strong support for this memorandum.
• There is a fabulous physical science laboratory at New Mexico State University.
• I am an NMSU alumni, and I earned my chemistry degree at New Mexico State.

Bills: SB194, SB200, SB203, SB204, SJR3

Keywords: appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University

Transcript Highlights:

• There's 4,000 across rural New Mexico, majority rural New Mexico.
• There's a whole list of crimes.
• So I'm a new immigrant, a new American, so Madam Chair and gentlemen.
• New Mexico existed as a name.
• It says New Americans.

Bills: HB111, HB103, HB109, HB128, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB49, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB124, HB145, HB154, HB158, HB164, HB180, HB291, HJR6, HJR7, HR1, HJM1, HM13, HM47

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• There's 4,000 across rural New Mexico, majority rural New Mexico.
• There's 4,000 across rural New Mexico, majority rural New Mexico.
• There's a whole list of crimes.
• So that's what I'm invested in on this new office, a new division, sorry, Madam Chair.
• It says New Americans.

Bills: HB111, HB103, HB109, HB128, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB49, HB60, HB108, HB120, HB124, HB145, HB154, HB158, HB164, HB180, HB291, HJR6, HJR7, HR1, HJM1, HM13, HM47

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Summary: The House opened with a series of ceremonial recognitions, including Bernalillo County Day, Pecos Elementary, Las Vegas, New Mexico Highlands University, the New Mexico International School, and the Sun Country golf organizations. Members and guests offered brief remarks praising county staff, educators, university programs, and local public service, and several caucus and committee announcements were made. The House also received a gubernatorial message authorizing consideration of House Bill 303, which was then removed from Rules, ordered printed, and referred to the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. The chamber then adopted a long slate of committee reports, moving multiple bills and memorials forward, including House Bills 294, 298, 38, 127, 151, 165, 47, 63, 64, 184, 200, 309, 311, 329, 310, and memorials 20 and 51. Most reports were adopted without objection, and several measures were advanced with committee substitutes or amended versions. The House then proceeded to third reading on selected bills. On final passage, House Bill 128 passed 61-1. The bill updates presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for full-time firefighters with occupational cancers and other illnesses, and debate focused on the exclusion of volunteer firefighters, the evidentiary burden for exposure claims, and whether the bill should be expanded later. House Bill 109, dealing with the Water Project Fund and allowing the New Mexico Finance Authority to award funds without legislative authorization through December 2029, passed 61-0. House Bill 158, requiring accountability and evaluation plans for agencies receiving growth funds, passed 63-0. House Bill 49, increasing the penalty for serious violent felons who possess firearms or destructive devices to a second-degree felony, was debated extensively over sentencing discretion and the distinction between serious violent and nonviolent felons; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• They came to take over and make news headlines and verbally assaulted parishioners. It was a crime.
• In protest, when they turn into crimes, they are illegal.
• My first question is gonna be in the new law.
• This is the new.
• What we saw in Minnesota was obviously a violent crime.

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Summary: The Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared present. Senator Darrell Weaver delivered the opening prayer, speaking about unity, humility, and Christian service in public office. The body then approved, by unanimous consent, the standing committees and their members for the second regular session of the 60th Legislature. The chamber also recognized the week one pages, who introduced themselves and described their schools, hometowns, sponsors, and future plans. Several senators then introduced interns and guests on the floor, including students from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, as well as a homeschool student from Blair. During announcements, Senator Hamilton noted the Local and County Government Committee would meet later that day in Room 2.30. Members were also informed that devotions would begin the following Wednesday. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn, and the chamber stood adjourned until Wednesday, February 4th at 1:30 p.m.

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• To DPS, to DPS for their crime lab as part of their staff—two new staffers, the lab techs, to process
• There's a new recognition of the mental health aspects associated with the job.
• And then it also adds crime scene technicians.
• And then forensic technicians that review evidence not at the scene, but photos of crimes, child crimes
• , child sex crimes, that kind of thing, that can lead to traumatic events in them.

Bills: SB1020, SB1107, SB1117, SB1160, SB1216, SB1308

Keywords: special plates, Arizona Space Commission, transportation, funding, space exploration, peace officer certification, police certification, law enforcement licensing, Arizona POST, peace officer standards and training, military police, veterans, honorably discharged, veteran hiring, abbreviated academy, law enforcement recruitment, public safety, community policing, background investigation, psychological fitness

Transcript Highlights:

• enter our correctional system have experienced significant trauma long before they ever committed a crime
• I will ask you to either make a new email regarding the cost and send it to all the members, or for the
• I just want to highlight that many times we have bills before us that are adding new services to Access
• The compensation fund funds efforts in our county attorney's office to provide compensation to crime
• This funding helps Phoenix PD continue to modernize its crime victim notification and law enforcement

Bills: SB1112, SB1517, SB1537, SB1584, SB1673, SB1776

Keywords: mental health, hearings, acquaintance witnesses, patient rights, treatment evaluation, barbering, cosmetology, appropriation, funding, licensing, board operations, peace officer, training, public safety, traffic offenses, judicial system, corrections, recruitment, state budget, crime victims

Transcript Highlights:

• There would be a new replacement of Section 8.
• For example, line 8 would be a new item for $12 million for that purpose.
• And again, the 30% is a new phenomenon in the last couple of years.
• And again, the 30% is a new phenomenon in the last couple of years.
• It's real small, but I just can't find it here, which is a local news fund.

Bills: SB190, HB247, HB8

Keywords: cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, capital outlay, capital projects, appropriations, reversion, encumbrance, reauthorization, reappropriation, general fund, capital development and reserve fund, tribal infrastructure project fund, Department of Finance and Administration, DFA, state board of finance, severance tax bonds, tax-exempt bonds