Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :

Page 481 of 500
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I think Oklahomans across the board have seen a dramatic increase in their property tax evaluations in
  • in the redbud for three years in a row in 2022, 2023, culminating in 2024.
  • The property tax structure we have in Oklahoma has been in place for generations.
  • that has taken us in the direction that has brought us to forty-fifth in poverty rankings.
  • Senate Bill 227 sports fair taxations and encourages continued investment in Oklahoma without duplicative
Committee: House Rules
Keywords: 914, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jan 21st, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was born and raised in Ammon, Idaho.
  • And while I was in law school, well, let me back up.
  • I think the idea is just to have more, just to be fair and to be non-biased in the situation.
  • We have a process in a streamlined fashion that is probably the most efficient that I've seen in the
  • have for public land here in Idaho.
Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony from Layton Lenning on his gubernatorial appointment to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights. Lenning described his background as a prosecutor and attorney with experience in employment and entertainment law, and said he would approach the quasi-judicial role by being fair, impartial, and efficient. Committee members asked about his goals for the commission, and he said he had no policy agenda beyond careful, unbiased decision-making. The committee said it would vote on his appointment at a later meeting. The committee also heard from Brian Skagliano, a long-serving member of the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, on his reappointment. Skagliano said he has served nearly 20 years and described the commission’s work as reviewing investigations to determine cause or probable cause in discrimination cases. In response to questions, he said the commission is working through a backlog, expects to be caught up soon, and that roughly 6 to 9 percent of cases result in probable cause findings. He emphasized that many complainants simply want to be heard and receive an explanation, even when a case does not result in a finding of violation. The committee then approved several appointments: Megan Ronk to the Commission on Human Rights and Salvador Cruz to the Treasurer’s Advisory Committee, both with recommendations for confirmation. Finally, the committee introduced RS 32980, a proposed constitutional amendment related to public lands, sponsored by Senator Adams. Supporters said the measure was developed after broad public outreach, while Senator Ruchti noted interest in hearing from tribes, conservation groups, Farm Bureau, and others, as well as in understanding potential fiscal impacts if the state were to manage lands acquired from the federal government. The motion to send the RS to print passed, and the committee adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 28th, 2025

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • In large numbers, trainers like Mr.
  • I've been involved in the industry since parameter was passed in '89, as Brian mentioned.
  • In the state of Texas, it happened specifically to the town of Prosper in 2022.
  • In 2022, Prosper experienced a sudden and significant... ...drop in our monthly sales tax collections
  • In closing, this bill is not about limiting growth or local control; it's about restoring fairness and
Committee: House Ways & Means
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Mar 13th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for our
  • of her husband of 60 years in 2014 and her son. from Kevin to cancer in 2021.
  • She knew what it was to live in.
  • I rise in strong support.
  • In California, land surveyors have uniquely important role in the development of our state.
Keywords: 988, house, all
WI

Wisconsin 2026 1st Special Session

Senate Special Committee on Oversight of the Department of Justice Mar 31st, 2026

Senate Special Committee on Oversight of the Department of Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Oversight must be grounded in facts. It must be fair.
  • And it must be conducted with a genuine commitment... ...be grounded in facts. It must be fair.
  • It matters to every single person in our state.
  • I appreciate the value of oversight in the legislature, and I certainly was prepared to participate in
  • What category he's putting these people in.
Keywords: 970, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty One - Wednesday, March 25 - Morning Session

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • said in 2012.
  • When both, this has been dealt with twice before, once in SB 190 in 2023, again in SB 756 in the following
  • year in... in SB 190 in 2023, again in SB 756 in the following year in 2024, where we define the eligible
  • in 2024.
  • All of this stuff is in line with what we voted for unanimously in 756.
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 40th day by roll call vote, 122-1. Members used points of personal privilege to recognize the departure of Scott Bell and to honor the life of Ernie Dempsey of St. Charles, and the chamber welcomed numerous special guests, including Child Advocacy Day participants, school groups, local civic leaders, and visitors from across the state. The main floor business centered on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MOCAP framework with a $4 million annual cap and pay-for-performance funding. Supporters said the program has helped about 1,200 adults earn diplomas, especially women and parents needing flexible online access, while opponents argued it would divert foundation formula money from K-12 students and duplicate existing adult education options. An amendment adding a college admissions and financial aid task force was offered but failed, 55-82; the previous question was then ordered, and HB 3239 was perfected and printed. The House also perfected and printed House Bill 1786, which would prevent county assessors from reclassifying single-family homes used as short-term rentals from residential to commercial for tax purposes. Supporters framed it as a property-rights and tax-relief measure for homeowners and small LLCs, while opponents raised concerns about local control and the line between mom-and-pop rentals and larger business operations. House Bill 2944, dealing with the senior property tax freeze, was amended to clarify that the freeze applies across taxing districts and to simplify annual filing and notification requirements; a later amendment was ruled out of order, and the bill was perfected and printed as amended. The House then moved to announcements and recessed until 2 p.m.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Nov 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are a coaches advocacy organization here in the state, really just advocating for fair compensation
  • We are a coaches advocacy organization here in the state, really just advocating for fair compensation
  • We are a Coaches Advocacy Organization here in the state, really just advocating for fair compensation
  • The supplement system in the state of Florida was built for a world that we no longer live in, in a world
  • in.
Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football. The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

HOUSE RULES Apr 15th, 2026

HOUSE RULES

Transcript Highlights:
  • He added that what can happen in Texas can happen in Arkansas, and that Arkansas already has laws in
  • In Act 980, we specifically said, and it passed and is in law.
  • We can't do that in the financial state we're in.
  • We need to return it back to local people because these things come in as representative in it in her
  • So in my discussions with constituents in that...
Committee: All HOUSE RULES
Keywords: 1204, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Special Committee on Redistricting Feb 25th, 2026

Special Committee on Redistricting

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, so I feel like we came in together in 2020, right, in the 2020 election, and we started in
  • Or there's a couple in 2025 that lived in, they tried to run in Riverbend, but they didn't live in Riverbend
  • So, working heavily in the immigrant community in St.
  • in time.
  • How is it fair? How is it fair to people in rural areas?
Keywords: 959, house, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Special Committee on Redistricting Feb 25th, 2026

Special Committee on Redistricting

Transcript Highlights:
  • All right, so I feel like we came in together in 2020, right, in the 2020 election, and we started in
  • Or there’s a couple in 2025 that lived in— they tried to run in Riverbend, but they didn’t live in Riverbend
  • in time.
  • in time.
  • How is it fair? How is it fair to people in the rural area?
Summary: The Special Committee on Redistricting held a public hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 48, which urges support for the federal SAVE Act. Representative Michael Davis presented the resolution, explaining that the bill would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections, photo identification to vote, and additional procedures for absentee voting and name-change issues. He argued the measure would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizens from voting, while noting that the resolution simply expresses support for the federal legislation already passed by the U.S. House. Committee members from both parties questioned Davis extensively. Supporters said the proposal would add a needed citizenship verification layer and cited examples of non-citizen voting or mistaken registration. Opponents argued that Missouri already requires voter ID, that non-citizen voting is rare, and that the SAVE Act would create burdens, costs, and potential disenfranchisement for married women, students, rural residents, elderly voters, disabled voters, military families, and others who may lack easy access to birth certificates, passports, or other documents. Several members also raised concerns about federalism, the cost to election officials, and whether the resolution belonged in a redistricting committee. The committee then heard public testimony. Witnesses opposed to HCR 48, including representatives of the League of Women Voters and several individual voters, said the measure would make voting harder and could require duplicate or repeated documentation, affidavits, or separate systems for different election types. One witness testified in favor, saying proof of citizenship is easy to provide and would help ensure fair and honest elections. After all testimony and questions, the chair closed the hearing; no vote or other action was taken in the transcript.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • So how does that expense that you've made in the system in the last several years relate to... ...in
  • in 2019.
  • Is that a fair assessment? Could you address that in some way? Yes.
  • , would invest in a new store, would invest in something new, only if... ...invest in infrastructure,
  • opposed to others, or in addition to in other states.
Bills: SB287
Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and considered three Senate bills. SB 287 with Senate Amendment 2, a DNREC cleanup bill on recycling, would tighten recycling collection rules for haulers and commercial generators, require multifamily recycling education, repurpose the Delaware Recycling Fund, and add annual reporting; after brief questions and no public comment, the committee motion to release did not initially receive enough votes, so the bill was circulated for signatures. SB 346, which would speed Environmental Appeals Board hearing and decision timelines so DNREC secretary decisions become final if deadlines are missed, drew support from the Nature Conservancy and also failed to get enough votes at the meeting, so it too was circulated for signatures. The committee then took up SB 326, a major utility-regulation bill sponsored by Senator Hanson and Representative Heffernan that would cap certain non-mandatory utility spending, limit interim rates, increase oversight and transparency, and streamline rate-setting. SB 326 generated extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the Public Advocate, Sierra Club, PSC staff, and some legislators, argued that Delmarva Power’s spending on non-mandatory infrastructure has risen far faster than inflation, that the company is a regulated monopoly, and that the bill would help restrain future delivery-rate increases without harming reliability because mandatory reliability, storm response, and vegetation management spending would remain allowed. Opponents, including Delmarva Power, business groups, contractors, labor representatives, and the Delaware Contractors Association, argued the cap would delay needed reliability and capacity projects, hurt economic development, reduce jobs, and interfere with utility planning; they also said supply costs, not distribution spending, are the main driver of recent bill increases. After public comment and additional questioning, the committee voted to release SB 326 on a split roll call, but because several members were absent the bill was also walked for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Economic Development Feb 24th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • in contractual terms.
  • Would you be averse to putting... ...in North America bisecting our fair state, would you be averse to
  • in the state.
  • My father-in-law founded the building trades program in Hannibal in 1969, so a lot of really good folks
  • Next person in favor of this bill. Next person in favor of this bill.
Keywords: 959, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • In L.A.
  • I think we have that I'm hoping are in here and I'm not being in here.
  • , you know, in every occupation, in every state of the country.
  • All of us users paying in.
  • All of us users paying in.
Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1. The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 4th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Dear God, we ask this in your name. Amen. Please join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • California, its leadership in convening Delta Days in Sacramento, and its continued investment in the
  • In the Bay Area, Mrs.
  • And one family in particular was changed in my community.
  • This has already turned out to be a problem in two public agencies in California as well as in the U.K
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 4th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Dear God, we ask this in your name. Amen. Please join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • California, its leadership in convening Delta Days in Sacramento, and its continued investment in the
  • Parole Division in 2006.
  • In the Bay Area, Mrs.
  • This has already turned out to be a problem in two public agencies in California as well as in the UK
Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on recognitions and resolutions honoring community groups and observances. Members welcomed the Far West region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Los Angeles South Bay alumni chapter, and later recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees after adopting SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino resilience, and shared struggles for justice. The Latino Spirit honorees included leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and music, along with a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte. The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 honoring California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 designating Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and floor remarks focused on health disparities, mental health, veteran suicide, and the sacrifices of peace officers, with several caucuses speaking in support of the health equity resolution. Each of these resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up several appointments from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, confirming Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, despite some protest votes from Senator Grove over the lack of action on another appointment. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on AI and public participation, SB 1416 on faster refunds for duplicate medical payments, SB 1273 on winery video advertising at instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 990 on a highway information sign near Ridgecrest, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran-artist Vittaliano Victor Villar, and the Senate adjourned until May 7, 2026.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm in our Health Care Division, but it includes a phone number for the folks in our Civil Rights Division
  • the area were addressed in the guidance.
  • Fair enough.
  • Did you have a structure in terms of the format of the event that you had in mind? Yeah.
  • of you are able to join either in person or on Zoom.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met to discuss workforce issues affecting people who provide services to individuals with disabilities, with a focus on immigration enforcement concerns and an upcoming employment event. Ethan Marks, Deputy Chief of the Health Care Division at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, presented the AGO’s late-January guidance for health care providers and patients on how to respond to ICE activity at health care facilities, what information and access ICE may request, and what protections and access-to-care issues apply. He said the guidance is broad, includes contact information for the Civil Rights Division, and will be updated if federal policy changes. Committee members asked whether residential programs, day programs, DDS/DMH facilities, and similar settings would fall under the guidance; Marks said the guidance is intended to be broad but that specific scenarios may require follow-up with the Civil Rights Division. He also said he was not aware of significant ICE activity at health care facilities so far, though there is fear and some rumors, and members discussed sharing the guidance with hospitals, academic medical institutions, the Health Equity Compact, and other stakeholders. The subcommittee then reviewed plans for a June 23 State House event titled Strength and Support: Networking and Resource Sharing Event for Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities, Personal Care Assistance, Job Coaches, and Inclusive Workplaces. The event will feature a panel-style conversation with prepared questions, success stories, challenges to employment, and strategies to improve outcomes, while also highlighting the shortage of direct support and human services workers. Confirmed or potential participants and partners mentioned included Partners for Youth with Disabilities, MassAbility, NextGen, JVS, the Federation for Children with Special Needs, the PCA Council, and the Arc of Massachusetts, which has launched a PSA campaign for direct support worker hiring. The PCA Council’s resume directory for people interested in becoming PCAs was also noted as a recruitment resource. Members suggested inviting employers and other stakeholders to the June event, including Eastern Bank, Mass General Brigham, and possibly representatives connected to apprenticeship programs. The group also discussed reaching out to contacts at the Federation and NextGen, and one member suggested Kathy Pitkowskis as a possible connection. The subcommittee said it would continue outreach and finalize the event details, and noted that the next regular meeting will be August 28, with Patricia Wu from EHS scheduled to provide statewide updates.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • No, unless they have come in and desire to speak. I don't have anyone signed in.
  • All those in favor of the amendment in Chairman's name say aye; all those opposed say nay.
  • office in that position, is supposed to do.
  • You're up, I guess, if you weren't signed in.
  • Depending on other things that might have been going on in your life—if you smoked in your life, if you
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement met and first announced that HB 2691 would be held and not heard further that day. The chair also limited testimony to three speakers for and three against, with two minutes each unless extended by a minority leader. The committee then took up HB 2993, which would allow the Department of Public Safety to spend on legal services independent of the Attorney General and, as amended, redirect $5 million from the Consumer Protection Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Supporters argued the bill would give DPS outside counsel and shift money toward front-line public safety work; opponents said it was political retaliation that would weaken consumer protection enforcement and divert funds from Arizonans who benefit from AG actions. The committee adopted the chairman’s amendment and then approved HB 2993 on an 8-6 vote, with one absent. The committee next heard HB 2231, a clarifying bill updating the list of cancers covered under the occupational disease presumption for firefighters, peace officers, and fire investigators. The sponsor and firefighter testimony said the bill does not expand benefits but fixes a drafting problem, including a disputed comma that had been used by insurers to challenge claims; the Industrial Commission was listed as neutral if needed. Members discussed whether the presumption is rebuttable and how punctuation affected the statute’s meaning. During roll call, several members explained their votes in favor as a matter of grammar and statutory clarity, and the committee passed HB 2231 by a 14-0 vote with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • seen in that terrible attack on our mosque in San Diego.
  • In Russia.
  • to attacks, one in Los Angeles at a synagogue and another one in a mosque in San Diego.
  • elimination of federal civil rights protections in employment, fair housing, and education equity.
  • In Childs v.
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Bitcoin was introduced in 2009. Bitcoin was introduced in 2009, and Ethereum followed in 2015.
  • In fact, I've participated in these types of conversations.
  • They can't invest it in any other way other than put it in U.S.
  • Risk is a fair question. It's a fair problem.
  • Risk is a fair question. It's a fair problem.
Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee held an informational hearing on digital asset innovation, with opening remarks framing cryptocurrencies, blockchain, stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance as a growing part of the financial system. Dennis Porter of Satoshi Action Fund presented on the market size, institutional adoption, use cases such as remittances and small-business payments, and policy developments at the federal and state levels. He also discussed risks including volatility, cybersecurity, and illicit use, while arguing that clear regulation can support innovation and consumer protection. State Controller Malia Cohen then updated the committee on implementation of SB 822, California’s unclaimed digital asset law. She explained that the law applies to custodial accounts, not self-custodied wallets, and requires holders to conduct outreach before dormant digital assets are transferred to the state in native form. Committee discussion focused on how abandonment is determined, what counts as account activity, the expected timeline for notices and custodian procurement, and the administrative costs and staffing needed to run the program. Controller staff said the state is still building procedures, working with Oregon, and expects a significant increase in claims once the program is operational. Porter returned with a proposal for a California digital asset reserve fund built on unclaimed digital assets under SB 822. He argued the fund could be cost-neutral, use only high-quality digital assets, and include guardrails such as an advisory board, audits, and public reporting. Committee members expressed interest in diversification and consumer protection, but also raised concerns about volatility, documentation, and market downturns. The hearing ended after public comment from industry and advocacy representatives, including support from the California Blockchain Advocacy Coalition, the Crypto Council for Innovation, and Coinbase, all urging clear, technology-neutral policy to keep innovation and jobs in California.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Rules Feb 15th, 2026

House Rules & Order Of Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm working in the public schools of Santa Fe in transportation in the area of mechanics.
  • And you, in particular, in the process of reintegration of people in society, how long have you been
  • in a job that they also could work in.
  • In 2016, New Mexico voters approved changes meant to make bail more fair and focused on risk.
  • But otherwise, Rules is in recess. Rules is in recess.
Summary: The committee first heard HB 124, which would codify the Office of New Americans within the Workforce Solutions Department. The sponsor and Workforce Solutions officials said the office has already been operating on a grant and has become a key resource for businesses and immigrant workers, especially for workforce development, credential recognition, language access, and referrals. Supporters from immigrant advocacy, child care, conservation, and civic groups argued the office would help address labor shortages, improve integration, and strengthen economic growth. Several members questioned whether the office would serve people without legal status, what services would be provided, and whether it would create taxpayer costs; sponsors said eligibility would depend on specific programs, the office would mainly provide referrals and workforce support, and it is currently philanthropic grant-funded. The bill was ultimately passed on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee then considered SJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to change New Mexico’s pretrial detention standards. The sponsor argued the 2016 bail reform language has contributed to a “revolving door” for repeat offenders and that the current standard is too restrictive and inconsistently applied across judicial districts. Supporters from State Police said the resolution would give clearer direction and let voters revisit the issue. Opponents from the ACLU and the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association warned it would expand pretrial detention, weaken the requirement that the state prove no release conditions are adequate, and disproportionately affect poor people and people of color. After extended debate over public safety, judicial discretion, and whether the proposal should include a clearer standard, the committee approved the resolution on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee also passed SJR 7, a land swap between the state and the City of Santa Fe involving the DPS site and part of the Midtown campus. The sponsor, the Department of Public Safety, and the Santa Fe mayor said the exchange had been discussed for years, would allow the state to own the land under its DPS facilities, and would help the city advance its Midtown redevelopment plan, including housing and public amenities. Members asked about the parcels involved, whether both sides agreed, and whether any member had a financial interest; the sponsor said the swap was non-monetary and fully agreed to by both parties. The resolution passed without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SM 31, which creates a workgroup with LFC, DFA, and PERA to study the loss of COLAs for PERA retirees and recommend solutions. Retiree advocates said the reduced COLA has significantly eroded pension value and that retirees relied on the statutory promise of a 2% COLA. Other speakers emphasized the need to protect long-term fund solvency while addressing retiree losses. The memorial passed unanimously by roll call. The meeting then recessed, with the chair noting the next day’s agenda would be posted later.