Transcript Highlights:

• We worked with them to get them in support of this legislation.
• We worked with them to get them in support of this legislation.
• We're in support of Senate Bill 1359.
• Our office isn't here supporting or opposing the bill.
• With that, I'd appreciate your support. Thank you.

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 25 and March 27, then took up Senate Bill 1359 as amended, which would regulate virtual currency kiosks/crypto ATMs. The sponsor and supporters from AARP, law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill was aimed at reducing scams that target older adults by requiring operator registration, money transmitter licensing, fee and exchange-rate disclosures, fraud warnings, transaction records, and cooperation with the Department of Finance. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass recommendation, though one member noted possible Fourth Amendment concerns about blockchain analytics and data retention. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1353 as amended, a housing bill allowing twin homes and duplexes in single-family residential zones in cities over 10,000 people, with limits on local bans, lot-size restrictions, fees, and parking requirements. Supporters argued it would expand affordable “missing middle” housing, help families and older adults stay in their communities, and restore property rights; opponents, including an Eagle city council member, argued it would override local control and worsen density and traffic concerns. After testimony from residents, housing advocates, and local officials, the motion for a due-pass recommendation failed on a 7-7 tie, so the bill was held in committee. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 1254, which would clarify that certain chiropractors with clinical nutrition training may prescribe the limited vitamins, minerals, fluids, epinephrine, needles, and related products they are already authorized to obtain and administer. The sponsor said the change would fix a technical problem that prevents chiropractors from buying these items from pharmacies, while some members raised concerns about scope of practice and noted opposition from the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians. The committee passed the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1313 was heard, expanding Idaho’s dual-licensure naturopathic doctor provisions to include pharmacists who also meet the existing naturopathic licensing requirements. The sponsor said the bill would let pharmacists with the proper additional training practice under dual licensure without violating scope-of-practice or insurance rules, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due-pass recommendation before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It supports our economy, it supports our families, and it's what the school truly wants.
• And so that is why we are supporting this bill.
• So I'm probably supportive of the substitute motion, though I am supportive of exploring this idea of
• I will not support the amended substitute motion.
• We support it. We support it. Thank you. Sure. I'm not so much. I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 12 and 13, then recognized page Ethan Cowell for his service before moving into legislation. House Bill 599 was explained as a technical change to how funding for digital curriculum grants is awarded, shifting from first-come, first-served to a need-based application process using a rubric from the State Department of Education. The committee voted to send HB 599 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then introduced RS 33436, a proposal related to the state endowment fund. The sponsor said the measure would not change the amount of money distributed to schools, but would send endowment dollars directly to schools as a separate line item rather than blending them into the general school funding formula. After a brief question about average daily attendance, the committee voted to introduce the RS. House Bill 710, which would set a statewide public school start date of the Tuesday after Labor Day, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor argued for a uniform start date for predictability and said schools could adjust by shortening breaks, while opponents—including superintendents, the Idaho PTA, and the Idaho School Boards Association—said the bill would override local control, disrupt harvest schedules, and create problems for districts with four-day weeks or calendars built around community needs. The Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association supported the bill, saying later starts would help tourism businesses. After debate, a motion to send the bill to the floor without recommendation failed, and the committee then voted 9-5 to hold HB 710 in committee. Finally, the committee considered RS 33230C1, which would create a performance-based funding flexibility model for charter schools. The sponsor said it would reward strong academic, financial, and governance performance with greater spending flexibility. Members discussed whether similar flexibility should also be available to traditional school districts, but the sponsor did not agree to broaden the RS. An amended motion failed, and the committee then voted to introduce RS 33230C1.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not that I don't support this, and I do.
• We respectfully ask for your support. Thank you.
• Do we have anyone online that would like to speak in support?
• I support this.
• At this point in time, I can't support this.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 287, which would create a permanent Health and Human Services Committee. The sponsor argued the state spends about $14.4 billion annually on health and human services and needs a standing committee to better oversee programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, CYFD, hospitals, pharmacy benefit managers, and related issues. Members discussed staffing, start-up costs, and whether the committee would have subpoena power; staff said interim funding exists in the feed bill and additional funding would likely be needed later. The committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation and changing the effective date, then voted due pass on the amended bill, with several members recorded in opposition. The committee then considered House Bill 371, as substituted, to create land grant and acequia infrastructure funds financed from remaining severance tax bond capacity. The sponsor and acequia/land grant advocates said the measure would provide a short-term funding source for infrastructure needs such as land acquisition, right-of-way access, ditch cleaning, and repairs, with distributions beginning only after the fund reaches a threshold and subject to limits through 2031. Members asked about bond capacity, the relationship to capital outlay, legislative approval of projects, and whether the bill would reduce reliance on repeated capital requests. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill, with one member in opposition. The committee also heard Senate Bill 143, which raises fee caps under the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s inspection and grading programs, including egg grading, nursery stock, pesticide, feed, and related services. The department and industry supporters said the caps had been unchanged for decades and that the bill would help fund inspections and staffing without meaningfully affecting consumer prices. After questions about fee administration, consumer impact, and staffing levels, the committee voted do pass. Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 329, which would create an Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council attached to the Public Regulation Commission. The sponsor said the council would study affordability, reliability, grid modernization, and energy options, drawing on experts from state agencies and utilities. Members raised concerns about the bill’s vagueness, lack of term limits and detailed structure, possible duplication with existing agencies, missing representation for rural co-ops, tribes, and nuclear energy, and the funding source. The sponsor said the governor’s office had requested the bill and that funding would come from governor-controlled GROW money, but the committee ultimately rolled the bill for further work and did not adopt the amendment presented that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we definitely support this bill.
• We stand in support of SB264.
• We stand in support of SB 261 for the same reasons that we support SB 264.
• There's historical support for that.
• And so the Attorney General supports this bill. We ask for your support as well. Thank you.

Bills: HB195 , HB279 , SB30 , HB234 , HB292 , SB100 , SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: medical malpractice, judgments, independent providers, insurance, personal assets, settlements, healthcare, healthcare privacy, electronic medical records, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, data protection, location tracking, confidentiality, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting, vital statistics, public health reporting, medical records

Summary: The committee first heard SB 264, which would create state criminal and civil penalties for election interference, including stationing armed personnel at polling places or drop boxes, changing voter qualifications or election procedures contrary to state law, and obstructing or intimidating voters, poll workers, or election administrators. The sponsor and Secretary of State staff said the bill was a response to concerns about possible federal interference in New Mexico elections and was modeled largely on existing federal law, while also adding emergency-related provisions for counties affected by disasters. Support came from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and the Center for Public Policy; there was no opposition testimony. After questions about enforcement, federal conflict, and the role of local law enforcement, the committee passed SB 264 on a due-pass motion. The committee then took up SB 261, a related bill revising firearm restrictions at polling places. The sponsor said the bill would remove most exemptions that had allowed firearms in or around polling locations, while preserving limited exceptions for election administrators to request law enforcement assistance and for certain rural or co-located law enforcement offices. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and the Center for Public Policy, argued that firearms at polls can intimidate voters and poll workers and that the bill would create clearer, safer rules. Opponents, including representatives of a rifle and pistol club, a county sheriff’s office, and the New Mexico Business Coalition, argued that concealed carry holders and officers should not be treated as threats, that the bill could create confusion or criminalize lawful conduct, and that law enforcement needs to remain armed to respond to emergencies and protect polling sites. Committee members debated constitutional tailoring, rural enforcement issues, and how the bill would interact with the earlier election-interference bill. The committee ultimately passed the Judiciary Committee substitute for SB 261 on a due-pass vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 221, which would add a new crime and racketeering predicate for theft and misappropriation of petroleum products and oil and gas equipment. The sponsor, the Attorney General’s office, and industry and law enforcement witnesses said oilfield theft has become more organized and dangerous, causing environmental damage, safety hazards, lost production, and revenue losses, and that existing laws are not sufficient to address the conduct. An opponent questioned whether the conduct was already illegal and argued that the bill singled out one industry and could overcriminalize conduct already covered by other laws and regulations. After discussion about proportionality and whether the bill was necessary, the committee voted on the Judiciary Committee substitute and the motion failed on a tie vote, so SB 221 did not advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Strong support of Stephanie Weldon's confirmation today.
• And I am here in support of Stephanie Weldon.
• So I support this confirmation. Thank you.
• And so I really support you in your nomination.
• I just want to say I support her confirmation. I'm Stephanie's mother.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules established quorum and approved several routine items on the agenda, including governor’s appointments not required to appear: Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair/member assignments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous votes. The committee noted that some 2026 committee changes would take effect February 1, 2026, and that new committees would depend on adoption of a Senate resolution. The committee then heard from Dr. Hernando Garson, nominated as chief medical officer of the Emergency Medical Services Authority. He described his background in emergency medicine, disaster response, and EMS leadership, and members questioned him about EMSA’s strategic plan, data integration, statewide standards versus local flexibility, ambulance patient offload time regulations, stakeholder engagement, and emergency response coordination. Dr. Garson emphasized data-driven decision-making, technical assistance to local agencies, collaboration with hospitals and EMS stakeholders, and the need for safer alternatives to routine ambulance transport such as community paramedicine, telehealth, and nurse triage. He also discussed disaster preparedness for vulnerable and rural communities and the use of regional and state assets, including ambulance strike teams, during fires and floods. The committee approved his appointment 4-0. The final item was Stephanie Weldon’s nomination as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health. Weldon, who identified as Yurok-Tolowa and Karuk, spoke about her tribal, county, nonprofit, and state experience, her role as the first Native American woman in the position, and her commitment to health equity, rural communities, and culturally responsive public health work. Senators asked about how the office sets priorities, measures outcomes, addresses behavioral health, tribal consultation, youth mental health, and how it responds to political pressure around DEI language; Weldon said the office focuses on community-driven, data-informed work and transparency. Public commenters strongly supported her confirmation, citing her leadership on the California Reducing Disparities Project and related equity efforts. The committee approved her appointment 4-0, sending it to the full Senate for confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the Supportive Housing Coalition for the San Roque Apartments down. In Albuquerque.
• But certainly, there is great capacity to support projects of this size.
• And support for New Mexico school districts and be able to make informed decisions on how to better support
• To better support teacher housing across the state of New Mexico.
• Good infrastructure that supports the learning needs first, right? And where are we at?

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• . more targeted supports.
• I could support that. What I cannot support is a bill that...
• School is supporting the students in that school, but the whole system is designed to support all students
• These ratings are not punitive; they are designed to help support everyone working together to support
• Finally, on what we support, we truly are in favor of House Bill 8.

Bills: HB8

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• We rise in support of HB 999.
• We rise in support of HB 999.
• Waves support. Thank you, sir. We have Chase Mitchell, CFO's office, waving in support.
• Waves support. Thank you, sir. We have Chase Mitchell, CFO's office, waving in support.
• We stand in support of this bill for a couple of reasons.

Summary: The committee met to hear five banking and insurance-related bills. HB 1549, an Office of Financial Regulation agency bill to help more efficiently regulate financial institutions, was amended to match Senate companion language and then passed unanimously. HB 1231 would extend physician payment and prior-authorization protections similar to a prior dental law, including limits on virtual credit card payments as the sole payment method; physicians and medical groups supported it as a way to reduce fees and retroactive denials, while insurers were not heard in opposition, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then heard HB 999, which would make gold and silver legal tender and allow transactions in bullion through electronic debit mechanisms. The sponsor and several proponents framed it as an inflation hedge and economic freedom measure, while questions focused on definitions, transaction costs, and vendor participation. The bill passed on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no. The committee also approved HM 4363, a memorial urging Congress to establish a sovereign wealth fund; the sponsor described it as a way to steward national wealth, and the memorial passed with one dissenting vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 1551, which would create a prevailing-party attorney fee framework in insurance contract disputes. The sponsor argued it would restore balance, deter meritless litigation, and help consumers with valid claims recover fees, while insurers, business groups, and defense attorneys warned it would revive one-way fee shifting, increase litigation, and raise premiums. Consumer advocates and some members supported it as necessary to give policyholders meaningful recourse. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with one member voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm excited to support it.
• I am highly supportive. making CAL FIRE year-round.
• And we have to support that.
• So we thank you for your support.
• We support both of these measures.

Committee: Assembly Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask for your support. Thank you.
• With that, I urge your support. Is there further debate?
• I'll urge your support. And with that, debate is open. I'll urge your support.
• I will be supporting this budget.
• And I, for one, will support this 100%.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> perfect, I'm still going to support it. perfect, I'm still going to support it.
• Thank and I hope everyone supports it.
• </c><00:43:43.280><c> our</c> listening and not supporting our listening and not supporting our veterans
• So I'd urge support.
• So I'd urge support.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are supportive of the batch process.
• We're very supportive of the TSP's position in this.
• Are there schools in which we can help support that?
• We do want to support those in any way we can.
• So we're very supportive of that here in Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what we try to do is support lower cost by having a and what we try to do is support lower cost by
• We have the Support and Innovation Committee, which is led by Dr.
• of a legislature in the state of North Dakota that supports education.
• Our intervention measure is for our most in need of support.
• TSI is targeted support and improvement.

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> packets um there are letters of support packets um there are letters of support from<00:23:27.120
• </c> share our support. Thank you, Miss Her. share our support. Thank you, Miss Her.
• Whether support through public policy.
• </c> but I'm going to support your bill. but I'm going to support your bill.
• Uh I've heard from a does support it.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:24:48.360><c> how</c> outpouring of kindness and support how outpouring of kindness and support
• </c><01:25:34.679><c> from</c> overwhelming outpouring of support from overwhelming outpouring of support
• </c><01:25:40.760><c> been</c><01:25:40.920><c> much</c> support while the support has been much support
• </c><01:26:25.239><c> in</c> colleague we appreciate your support in colleague we appreciate your support
• </c> response from our community to support response from our community to support all<01:27:01.360><

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:12:06.040><c> at</c><03:12:06.200><c> least</c> supports at least supports at least 188,000<03:12
• I support it. I started this speech by saying I support it, but I don't support it blindly.
• I support it. I started this speech by saying I support it, but I don't support it blindly.
• I support it. I started this speech by saying I support it, but I don't support it blindly.
• support it support it blindly I don't support it without<08:11:23.040><c> recognizing</c><08:11:24.040

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, what this bill does: It deals with a concept called supportive decision-making agreements.
• However, when a person with a supportive decision-making agreement is involved in a criminal or civil
• proceeding, they are not allowed to have supportive assistance.
• However, when a person with a supportive decision-making agreement is involved in a criminal or civil
• proceeding, they are not allowed to have a supportive assistance.

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Summary: The committee met at 5:39 p.m. with a quorum present and took up one item, Senate Bill 66. The chair laid out a committee substitute for the bill, which concerns supportive decision-making agreements as an alternative to full guardianship for adults with disabilities who can make their own choices but may need assistance understanding options, accessing information, and making decisions. The substitute would direct the Office of Court Administration to conduct an interim study on the legal and ethical issues involved in allowing a supporter under such an agreement to assist an adult with a disability in criminal or civil legal proceedings. The discussion noted stakeholder concerns about confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, and how the proposal would work in practice. The study is to examine effects on privilege and confidentiality, identify related estate code and other legal provisions that may need amendment, evaluate best practices from other jurisdictions, and recommend statutory changes. No committee members asked questions, and no one registered or appeared to testify. The chair closed the hearing, withdrew the committee substitute and left it pending, then concluded the agenda. The committee adjourned without objection, subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• For these reasons, ESAC strongly supports SB 615. Thank you. Thank you.
• Good afternoon Sean Topekian on behalf of the Ford Motor Company in support.
• And McCarthy on behalf of Redwood Materials in support. Sean Flanagan on behalf of LKQ in support.
• Association of Environmental Health Administrators in support.
• Hello, Kai Klassen on behalf of CalSTAR in a support if amended position.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Max Band and the Leech Lake band are fully supportive of it.
• We also know fully supportive of this.
• </c> Minnesota fishermen is fully supportive. Minnesota fishermen is fully supportive.
• I ask for your support. I agree it's bipartisan. It should be a great thing.
• I ask for your support. I agree it's bipartisan. It should be a great thing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• NEXT WE HAVE CAMERON FINK AND HE IS WITH ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA, WAIVING IN SUPPORT, THANK
• WHICH IS A REALLY BAD PLACE SO WE ARE SUPPORTIVE OF THE BILL AND APPRECIATE MR.
• AND THEN DEREK GREGOR WAIVING IN SUPPORT FROM THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES.
• WE HAVE MICHAEL GOLDSTEIN HERE WHICH IS WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
• FILE WITH BOTH US WAIVING IN SUPPORT, ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL?

Keywords: 999, senate, all