Transcript Highlights:

• And actually, there’s very little administrative responsibility that falls on the agency.
• We work very collaboratively with industry and with the agency in the development of that bill.
• Actually, there’s very little administrative responsibility that falls on the agency.
• We work very collaboratively with industry and with the agency in the development of that bill.
• agencies across the country<00:44:39.079><c> um</c><00:44:39.359><c> environmental</c><00:44:40.040>

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 451, which would create a postconsumer paint stewardship program in New Hampshire. Prime sponsor Representative Karen Ebel described the bill as a bipartisan, broadly supported model based on PaintCare programs used in other states. She said consumers and businesses could drop off leftover paint at participating retailers or municipal household hazardous waste sites, with the paint then collected and recycled by the stewardship organization. She emphasized that the program is intended to reduce landfill disposal, improper dumping, and contamination of groundwater and soil, while also helping municipalities save on hazardous waste handling costs. Members asked several questions about how the program would work and how it would be funded. Ebel explained that the program would be financed by a small fee charged at the point of sale on paint products, not a general sales tax, and that retailers could either list it separately or roll it into the price. She said the fee would cover the Department of Environmental Services’ administrative costs, which were described as minimal, and that the program’s structure was developed with DES and industry input. Questions also addressed whether cans would be recycled and how collected paint would be processed; Ebel said the ACA and PaintCare representatives could provide more detail, but that the paint and containers would be handled through recycling or other approved disposal methods rather than landfilled. Representative Judy Aron, a co-sponsor and chair of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee, testified in support, saying the bill had been developed over several years with stakeholders and would keep toxic paint out of landfills while saving municipalities and taxpayers money. Representative Peter Bixby, the ranking member of Environment and Agriculture, also supported the bill, saying his committee had heard it many times and that it had strong bipartisan enthusiasm. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• that happen here, the condemned always retains their rights to Eighth Amendment or due process challenges
• This is consistent with a recent Idaho district court ruling dismissing a challenge.
• The court is still able to review these procedures under any kind of Eighth Amendment challenge or claim
• And so it also gives the clear rules for the schools and agencies or the hospitals that gives them 14
• For a pro se litigant, hitting that burden of proof is going to be very challenging.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Although data centers have more prominently brought these challenges to the forefront, we're facing an
• influx of our challenges.
• That is, co-located with generation, don't they net out to be the same challenge?
• Federal agencies, databases as well, national security-related.
• Challenges.

Bills: SB6 , SB11 , SB33

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we will hear from several rules school district superintendents about some of the unique challenges
• So those career paths and then the real economic development agencies, we sit on their boards.
• You know, that was a big challenge for our rural districts.
• They enjoy being challenged on their professional learning.
• But when you're sitting in front of us, you got to let us know the challenges as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• We decide almost all appeals statewide, including those from state agencies.
• We decide almost all appeals statewide, including those from state agencies.
• And my life experience, I believe, has prepared me for the challenges and tremendous responsibility of
• I've worked with community leaders, agency heads, and law enforcement.
• are</c><01:50:00.480><c> well</c> agencies and justice agencies are well agencies and justice agencies

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill will create a couple of new sections within the agency law, and one of those sections will give
• Contact the Washington State Pollution Liability Insurance Agency for more information.”
• The folks from the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency are also here if you have questions, but as the
• We should not allow brokerages to exacerbate these challenges by restricting access to available homes
• and sale agreement, and it also states that an agency shall make an offer for the full market value

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee heard public hearings on several bills related to real estate, self-storage, and consumer disclosures. House Bill 2477 would shorten the time to bring claims against appraisers arising from appraisal reports to two years from discovery or five years from signing, except fraud claims, and would limit liability to specified clients and intended users. The sponsor and appraiser witnesses said the bill would reduce long-tail liability, lower insurance and recordkeeping burdens, and help attract new appraisers; no opposition testimony was heard in the excerpt. House Bill 2512 would prohibit real estate brokers from marketing residential properties to exclusive groups unless the property is also publicly marketed. Supporters, including Washington Realtors, Zillow, Habitat for Humanity, Windermere, and others, said it would promote transparency, competition, and fair housing; opponents argued it could limit homeowner privacy and autonomy, and the Attorney General’s office said the Washington Law Against Discrimination already covers discrimination concerns and objected to placing enforcement in that statute. House Bill 2240 would modernize self-storage rental agreements by allowing electronic execution, deeming continued use after notice as acceptance, and setting notice and disposal rules after termination or nonrenewal; storage industry witnesses supported the bill as clarifying safety and notice procedures, while an advocacy witness opposed it as harmful to unhoused people and others who rely on storage units. House Bill 2465 would require a water recreation safety guide for short-term rentals with pools or similar facilities; the sponsor and hospitality industry supported it as a low-cost safety measure, while cities raised implementation concerns and asked for an amendment on where the guide would be posted. House Bill 2501 would update a seller disclosure notice to reflect the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency’s shift from a no-cost insurance program to a loan-and-grant remediation program, and it drew support as a technical correction. House Bill 2624 would exempt public entities, tribes, and nonprofit land conservancies from the 2025 “solicited real estate transactions” appraisal and notice requirements; conservation groups and the Department of Natural Resources supported it as necessary to preserve land acquisition and grant funding, and the sponsor described it as a cleanup bill. The committee then moved into executive session and took action on two liquor-related bills. House Bill 2536, allowing wineries to hold a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license or beer/wine restaurant license at one location, was moved out of committee with a due pass recommendation by a 14-1 vote. House Bill 2476, modifying the spirits, beer, and wine theater license, was amended via a proposed substitute that restored the 120-seat-per-screen limit except for theaters admitting only patrons 21 and older; the substitute was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 13-2 vote. Members discussed the balance between business flexibility and concerns about alcohol access in family settings and recovery communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> from</c><00:26:14.880><c> n</c> States face enough challenges from n States face enough challenges
• </c><00:36:41.200><c> to</c> uh throughout the federal challenges to uh throughout the federal challenges
• are already covered by the agency.
• </c> covered by the agency. covered by the agency.
• </c><01:29:46.560><c> in</c><01:29:46.880><c> crisis</c> agencies encounters people at in crisis agencies

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• federal government is making, both through legislative decisions such as HR1, as well as executive agency
• We are watching this closely and communicating with our colleagues at other agencies since it affects
• um agencies around the state. state. state.
• We're still trying to figure out what opportunities or challenges there may be within that proposed rule
• Restitution Account, which we in the AG's office have taken to calling SPRA because a government agency

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• and that's why we're seeking challenges and that's why we're seeking a<00:50:57.559><c> construction
• to get our referendums passed challenges to get our referendums passed and<00:59:49.440><c> so</c><00
• Obviously, I think what we are getting at is we are working through these challenges and trying to fund
• Obviously, I think what we are getting at is we are working through these challenges and trying to fund
• it is also important to challenges it is also important to recognize<01:20:50.520><c> that</c><01:20

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> different nonprofits and state agencies different nonprofits and state agencies so<00:59:46.400>
• We have challenges. Maui has high inflation.
• </c><01:02:34.799><c> challenges</c> Maui we have challenges challenges Maui we have challenges challenges
• I think it would be a challenge to find the workers.
• </c><02:01:45.320><c> to</c> 2026 I think it would be a challenge to 2026 I think it would be a challenge

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:34:44.159><c> can</c><00:34:44.399><c> take</c> agencies and other parties can take agencies and
• ,</c> In other words, no agency, In other words, no agency, not<01:01:38.160><c> ISO,</c> not ISO, not
• ,</c> our nation's cyber security agency, our nation's cyber security agency, SISA.<01:24:50.080><c>
• </c> officers of three three-letter agencies officers of three three-letter agencies of<02:05:44.800>
• Thank you. uh if they went around to other agencies uh if they went around to other agencies besides<

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• establishing a Housing Opportunity and Poverty Elimination, HOPE, Court in partnership with state agencies
• establishing a Housing Opportunity and Poverty Elimination, HOPE, Court in partnership with state agencies
• I am challenged not to face the fire, folks who will find criticism with my vote, and stand in support
• It improves efficiency and reduces paperwork for local governments and state agencies.
• Senator Hawker, and Senator Petty John, an act to amend Title 29 of the Delaware Code relating to agency

Summary: The Senate received a large number of House communications and committee reports, including several nominations and many bills and resolutions returned from House committees or passed by the House. Committee reports covered a wide range of topics, including education, health, judiciary, finance, housing, transportation, emergency management, and business/technology. The Senate also assigned several measures to committees for further consideration and noted upcoming committee meetings. The chamber confirmed three nominations by roll call: Michael T. Scuse to the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, J. Eric Firewold to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees, and Joan F. Coker to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees. The Senate also passed Consent Calendar 66, which included Senate Concurrent Resolution 223 on DIA broadcast access for playoff and championship games and House Concurrent Resolution 149 designating June 12, 2026, as Loving Day in Delaware. Members discussed Loving Day and the importance of recognizing interracial marriage rights, with Senator Huxstable, Senator Buckson, and Senator Townsend offering remarks. On the floor, the Senate passed House Bill 141, requiring a firearm responsibilities notice for gun purchasers, after debate over gun safety and industry burden; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 200, as amended, expanding insurance coverage for HIV prevention medications PrEP and PEP; House Bill 426, modernizing municipal street-aid reporting; and Senate Resolution 21, directing a study of portable solar generation devices and related safety and utility issues. The Senate also passed Consent Agenda O, a large package of bills covering topics such as money transmission and stablecoins, nursing advancement, pilot licenses, commerce and trade, subaqueous lands, driver’s license loss due to medical issues, residential speed limits, electronic bidding, family court jurisdiction, agency regulations, technical corrections to multiple local charters, and other measures. The Senate then recessed until June 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• executive director of Music Unites and also the founder and chief executive officer of Edgar Talent Agency
• Law enforcement agencies bring specialized training to investigations of familial rape, incest, and human
• Communities and schools and health professionals and public agencies all play a vital role in creating
• Communities and schools and health professionals and public agencies all play a vital role in creating
• He was a connector, someone who brought together people, challenged ideas, and pushed everyone to think

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA’s 175th anniversary through floor remarks highlighting its long history of community service, youth programs, child care, and civic engagement. The body then moved through routine messages and appointments, confirming three gubernatorial appointments: former Judge Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. On third reading, senators debated and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California and calls for California to be removed from the plan and for stronger environmental review and public participation. Supporters emphasized coastal protection and climate goals, while opponents argued the state faces energy supply and affordability problems and needs more domestic production. The resolution passed by roll call. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, urging full release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99, declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day and recognizing the state’s agricultural production, farmworkers, and climate-smart practices. The final major item was Senate Resolution 100, designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, support survivors, and expand prevention and mandated reporter training. The author and supporters spoke about the prevalence of abuse, the importance of reporting, and survivor support; the resolution was adopted unanimously. The Senate then lifted the calls and confirmed the earlier appointments, adopted the consent calendar, announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings, and adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman. The session ended with notice that the next floor session would be Monday, April 27, 2026, with Denim Day observed that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• executive director of Music Unites and also the founder and chief executive officer of Edgar Talent Agency
• Law enforcement agencies bring specialized training to investigations of familial rape, incest, and human
• Communities and schools and health professionals and public agencies all play a vital role in creating
• Communities and schools and health professionals and public agencies all play a vital role in creating
• He was a connector, someone who brought people together, challenged ideas, and pushed everyone to think

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and later welcomed officials from the city of Lindsay. The chamber then moved through confirmations for Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission; all three appointments were confirmed after roll calls. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of bills and resolutions without objection. On the floor, senators debated Senate Joint Resolution 12 opposing federal offshore oil and gas leasing off California. Supporters argued offshore drilling would threaten coastal environments and public participation, while opponents said California’s energy shortages and affordability problems require more in-state production. The resolution passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99 declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day, with broad praise for the state’s agricultural industry and concerns raised about water, farmland loss, and farmworker treatment. Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 100 designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to highlight child sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and survivor support. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman, honoring their service and community impact. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and notice that the Senate would reconvene on April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• executive director of Music Unites and also the founder and chief executive officer of Edgar Talent Agency
• Law enforcement agencies bring specialized training to investigations of familial rape, incest, and human
• Communities and schools and health professionals and public agencies all play a vital role in creating
• Communities and schools and health professionals and public agencies all play a vital role in creating
• He was a connector, someone who brought together people, challenged ideas, and pushed everyone to think

Transcript Highlights:

• naturopathy, maintaining distinctive preserves legislative intent, regulatory clarity, and appropriate agency
• Despite generating significant revenue for cities, music festivals face many challenges.
• The Blue Forest program that has been existing and also there's been a number of local agencies that
• So, for example, Yuba Water Agency has, you know, they committed I think $1.5 million to leverage a forest
• This actually is about locally driven investments, so local agencies and that float some of the money

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development heard several sunset and policy bills affecting state boards and professional practice. SB 1302 would extend the Board of Registered Nursing for four years and make operational changes such as streamlining renewals, updating simulation and school-approval standards, and allowing certain out-of-state nurse practitioner experience to count toward California recognition; nursing groups supported it, while the California Medical Association raised a concern about the out-of-state NP provision. SB 1303 would extend the Board of Naturopathic Medicine to 2031 and add a fictitious name permit program, term staggering, and other technical changes; it drew support from the board and naturopathic doctors, but the California Naturopathic Association opposed it unless amended to clarify the board’s jurisdiction. SB 1304 would extend the Respiratory Care Board to 2031 and revise respiratory care rules, including LVN practice in certain settings; it was supported by some providers and respiratory therapists, but hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other groups opposed it unless amended to allow LVNs to perform basic respiratory tasks in more health care settings. SB 1363 would extend the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and update apprenticeship, licensure, and tribal exemption provisions, and SB 1368 would extend the speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board while adding a retired license category and continuing-education oversight changes; both were supported and had no opposition. All of these bills were voted out of committee, generally on a 10-0 basis after the committee later established quorum and took recorded votes. The committee also heard SB 865, which would create a California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program within the Office of Small Business Advocate to support large independent multi-day music festivals. The author and supporters argued that festivals like Aftershock and GoldenSky generate substantial tourism, hotel nights, jobs, and tax revenue, and that state support would help keep events in California rather than other states. Opposition focused on the use of public funds during a deficit year and questioned whether profitable festivals should receive a grant subsidy. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with Senator Choi opposed. Members also heard SB 1297, which would create regional wildfire public-private partnerships and a financing structure using local commitments, a revolving fund, and state-backed revenue bonds coordinated with iBank to fund wildfire mitigation projects. Supporters said the bill would help address the state’s large wildfire mitigation funding gap by leveraging public and private capital for home hardening, vegetation management, and other prevention work; questions centered on where bond repayment funds would come from, and the author said the bill was still a work in progress and not intended to cost the state. The bill passed unanimously. Finally, SB 993, presented on behalf of Senator Ochoa-Bogue, would restore privacy protections for mental health professionals in correctional and state hospital settings by limiting routine disclosure of identifying information while preserving a complaint process; testimony described safety concerns and staffing impacts, and the bill passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL PROMOTES GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES AND EFFICIENCIES BY REQUIRING A REVIEW AND ACTIONABLE AGENCY
• IT REQUIRES AGENCIES TO SUBMIT REGULATORY PLANS SPECIFYING 20 PERCENT OF THE RULES WOULD BE REVIEWED
• REQUIRING AGENCIES AFTER REVIEW IS TO TAKE ACTION MAKING NO CHANGE OR TECHNICAL CHANGE, SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE
• IT INCREASES EFFICIENCIES BY REQUIRING AGENCIES TO PUBLISH A NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE WITHIN 90 DAYS OF
• THESE BILLS OR DEFENDANT UNCONSTITUTIONAL PAY OUTSIDE WHEN WE KNOW VERY WELL WE ARE GOING TO BE CHALLENGED

Transcript Highlights:

• When you look at the budget process, I mean, if you go back to the agency request, the agency request
• </c><00:20:08.880><c> And</c><00:20:09.480><c> um</c> with our with our agency budget.
• And um with our with our agency budget.
• >> All right, this is just an information item. support agency that is not a HIPAA support agency that
• >> Certainly there are a couple agencies on our list for the future.

Summary: The committee first approved the March 20 minutes and then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar, after removing two items for separate discussion. On item 26071, members questioned a $95,000 DoubleTree Manchester contract for a two-day conference. Department staff said the hotel was the only bidder, the conference typically draws more than 500 attendees, most of the cost is food offset by registration fees, and attendees pay their own lodging except for presenters. The committee then approved the item. On item 26068, members asked for clearer reporting on remaining federal funds in continuing items. DHHS said about $10.3 million remained as of February 28, 2026, and agreed to provide the original award amounts and a reconciliation later. The committee approved the item. The committee then took up a DHHS transfer item for the developmental disability system, where officials said projected costs had risen because of delayed pandemic-era billings, new individuals entering the system, and higher individual service budgets. They said the budget was built on older assumptions, that carryforward funds had fallen from about $94 million to $72 million, and that the transfer would not affect lapse because it shifts general funds while federal Medicaid funds are accepted in return. The item was adopted. The committee also approved a hiring request and then a late Corrections item tied to overtime and recruitment. Corrections officials said the department is about 50% staffed for corrections officers, typical overtime is an eight-hour shift, inmate populations are beginning to rise again, and the department is using academy blitzes, out-of-state recruiting, targeted advertising, and a $10,000 sign-on bonus paid after academy completion and one year of service. Senator Gray said the late item was intended to help reduce a larger request expected in June, and the committee adopted the item. Finally, members questioned DHHS item 26074 on the New Hampshire Care Connection system and its interoperability with provider and managed care systems. DHHS said the system already has SMART on FHIR integration, single sign-on, and deeper integration options, and that managed care organizations are working with the contractor on use cases and data exchange. Officials said the project has been multi-phase, including the 988 crisis-response migration, privacy/security work, a provider network of more than 100 organizations, and a searchable resource portal managed by Granite United Way. They said the closed-referral solution is funded largely with Medicaid federal funds and is planned to continue in the base budget, not the rural health grant. The discussion ended without further action noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We challenged the status quo. We had meaningful conversations about complicated topics.
• We challenged the status quo.
• If that agency is dismantled, do we have a plan for how we're going to fill that gap?
• If that agency is dismantled, do we have a plan for how we're going to fill that gap?
• The budget eliminates 1,138 staff positions across human services agencies, where agencies provided sufficient

Summary: The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1. The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7. HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not here asking for resources on behalf of my agency.
• From what we see at the Broadband Summit every year, the challenge isn't vision; it's coordination and
• Every agency from public safety to health services depends on systems that must be reliable, secure,
• Voting yes on Senate Bill 132 means New Mexico will meet today's demand and tomorrow's challenges.
• Chair and Representative, I think you have to ask the agency that.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 152, which would create a low-income telecommunications assistance program and continue support for rural broadband operations and maintenance through the State Rural Universal Service Fund. Senator Padilla and Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Director Jeff Lopez said the bill responds to the loss of federal affordability support and would help low-income households pay for broadband, while also preserving funding for rural carriers and maintenance. Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, tribal telecom representatives, and several rural providers, who said affordability is the main barrier to service and that the bill would help families, students, and rural communities. A few witnesses opposed parts of the bill, arguing that the ARS funding should be redirected entirely to broadband affordability and that legacy POTS-line support should sunset. Committee members asked about ETC requirements, satellite and wireless options, rural density, and the sunset provision; the sponsor said the sunset on ARS would be removed and that stakeholder discussions would continue in the interim. The committee voted due pass on the Senate Finance Committee substitute for SB 152. The committee then took up Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 132, which would add software planning and replacement to the state’s equipment replacement fund. The sponsor and expert said state agencies now rely heavily on software for core services and that planning for software alongside hardware would improve efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability. There was no opposition, and the committee voted due pass on the substitute. The meeting then shifted to a lengthy discussion of Senate changes to House Bill 2, the budget bill. Senate Finance staff described roughly 300 changes, including additional funding for fire response, early childhood, housing, health care, quantum initiatives, public safety, courts, transportation, education, and several social service programs. Members questioned cuts or reallocations affecting state employee pay, public school capital outlay, the state fair redevelopment, CARA, personal care services, the Office of Child Advocate, and other items. The presenters repeatedly defended the Senate’s use of funds as a way to preserve reserves while prioritizing health care, housing, education, and other recurring needs, and said reserves would remain above the target level even with the changes discussed.