Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 5th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 5th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , and in boardrooms.
- Let that sink in.
- But ultimately, investing in women is also investing in California's future.
- pay gaps in America.
- Colleagues in the gallery, I'd like to introduce women in construction.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then handled routine procedural business, including dispensing with the journal reading, re-referring AB 2022, and rescinding prior action on SCR 112. Several bills on the second reading file and concurrence file were passed and retained, while reconsideration items were continued. The chamber then moved to third reading items and consent calendar business.
The main substantive item was ACR 145, by Assemblymember Koloza, declaring March 1-7, 2026 as National Women in Construction Week. Koloza, Davies, Bauer-Kahan, and Arambula spoke in support, emphasizing the need to expand opportunities for women in the trades, improve apprenticeship pipelines, address barriers such as childcare, transportation, safety, and restroom access, and support women-owned construction businesses. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added.
On the second-day consent calendar, ACR 135 on School Breakfast Week was also taken up for co-authors, with 66 added, and the consent calendar passed 65-0, including ACR 135, ACR 144, and SCR 122. The Assembly also observed an adjournment in memory for Eileen Hubb, and the house adjourned until Monday, March 9 at 1 p.m.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Agriculture Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WAIVING IN SUPPORT. THANK YOU. FOLKS, WE ARE IN DEBATE. ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL?
- I STAND IN OPPOSITION REGARDING THE REMOVAL OF THE FLUORIDE IN THE WATER.
- UNFORTUNATELY THIS BILL IN THE CURRENT POSTURE IT HURTS COMPETITION AND FAIRNESS IN THE ECONOMY WHEN
- IT HURTS COMPETITION AND FAIRNESS IN THE ECONOMY WHEN IT COMES TO AGRICULTURE.
- WAIVING IN SUPPORT. THAT IS ALL OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT CARDS. WE ARE NOW IN DEBATE.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- and signing in July 2022, the program began in fiscal year 2023.
- place in our community.
- The property tax exemption is a key tool in promoting and sustaining Melrose's affordability, in spite
- in its staff.
- In essence, this bill is about economic fairness.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 10 bills covering voluntary contributions, sales tax, property tax, and economic development. Chair Adrian Madaro outlined the process, noted the July 12 reporting deadline for House-filed matters, and explained that written testimony would be accepted through July 7. Testimony was limited to three minutes per speaker, with questions from committee members after each witness.
Several local and statewide measures were presented in support. Melrose Mayor Jennifer Grigoratus supported H. 3979, which would authorize Melrose to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption tied to the state Senior Circuit Breaker credit; she said the program has helped 209 senior households and provides relief of several hundred to about a thousand dollars per household. Michael Memelow of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination supported H. 3109 and S. 2014, which would create a Massachusetts Against Discrimination Fund allowing voluntary donations, including through tax returns, to help offset uncertainty in federal funding that supports about 20% of MCAD’s operations. Tom Hurley of the Massachusetts Airport Management Association supported H. 3125, which would exempt runway and taxiway infrastructure at privately owned public-use airports from property tax, arguing it would address an economic fairness issue for 10 such airports.
Chris Gregory testified in support of H. 3037, a voluntary income tax checkoff for a least developed countries fund administered through Oxfam and the World Bank to support environmental work in the world’s poorest countries. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the number of Melrose households receiving the exemption, the scale and risk of MCAD’s federal funding, dual-filing procedures with the EEOC, the tax burden and local impact of privately owned airports, and the structure and administration of the least developed countries fund. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after testimony concluded.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Gaming Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- AGR in the 26 days of operation.
- During December, the retail sportsbooks accepted $24.7 million in sports wagers, resulting in net proceeds
- of $3.3 million and $328,000 in state taxes.
- The mobile sportsbooks accepted $373 million in sports wagers, resulting in net proceeds of over $57.7
- sports wagers, resulting in net proceeds of over $57.7 million and $12.4 million in taxes paid to the
Summary:
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, and first approved the minutes from its December 18, 2025 meeting. Staff then reported strong December gaming revenues across riverboats, Caesars New Orleans, racetrack slots, video gaming, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports, with several categories showing month-over-month and year-over-year increases. Board members noted the overall growth in the industry and did not raise questions on the revenue report.
The board next approved a temporary certificate of compliance extension for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel. Officials said most life-safety deficiencies from the annual inspection had been corrected, and the remaining issue involved the emergency generator, which had recently been repaired and tested successfully, though a final verification inspection was still pending. The temporary certificate was extended through February 28, 2026.
The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises for late submission of required annual forms and fees. In the final agenda item, the board heard an appeal from Thomas Rasko challenging the revocation of his non-key gaming employee permit. Rasko acknowledged the underlying violation and asked for a shorter penalty, while the Division argued his conduct during an arrest showed he lacked the suitability required for gaming participation. The board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking his permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry, and then adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Follow up, in Oklahoma, these lawsuits are happening right now in Oklahoma.
- That's fair.
- But the reality is in this scenario.
- this room, the oil and gas industry in Oklahoma are the worldwide leaders in technology in reducing
- We are currently, I believe, 4th in the world in iodine production, which is very interesting for such
Committee:
House Energy
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Gaming Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- in the 26 days of operation.
- During December, the retail sports books accepted $24.7 million in sports wagers, resulting in net proceeds
- The mobile sports books accepted $373 million in sports wagers, resulting in net proceeds of over $57.6
- The mobile sports books accepted $373 million in sports wagers, resulting in net proceeds of over $57.7
- All in favor? Say aye. Aye. Is there any opposition? All in favor? Say aye.
Summary:
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and received a revenue report showing continued growth across several gaming sectors. State police reported December riverboat AGR of $167.8 million, Caesars New Orleans revenue of $283,602, racetrack slot AGR of $26.9 million, video gaming net device revenue of $67.1 million, retail and mobile sports wagering totals of $24.7 million and $373 million respectively, and daily fantasy sports gross revenue of about $4.8 million. The board noted increases in year-to-date revenues and fees in multiple categories, including the impact of Bally’s Baton Rouge landside opening and gains in the Shreveport-Bossier and Lake Charles markets.
The board then approved a second temporary certificate of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel through February 28, 2026. AVS and the Attorney General’s office reported that most life-safety deficiencies had been corrected, including repair and successful testing of the emergency generator system, but a final verification blackout drill still needed to be completed. The extension was granted to allow AVS to complete that inspection.
The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises, Inc. for late filing of annual forms and fees required for its Type 6 video draw poker license. In the final item, the board heard Thomas Rasko’s appeal of a revocation decision involving his non-key gaming employee permit. After argument from both Rasko and the Division, the board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking the permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Feb 24th, 2026 at 10:45 am
Labor & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- All in favor say aye. Opposed? All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed?
- discussion, all in favor, say aye.
- It's important to a theater in our district, in our valley, and they are prepared to make some amazing
- You know, I have served on this committee for 34 years, 18 years in the House and 16 years in the Senate
- In the House, I had great staff when I was chairing this committee in the Senate.
Bills:
HB1526
Committee:
Senate Labor & Commerce
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Feb 13th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to be in the back, in the back. Thank you. Go over the end. You can to just call it.
- I'm going to get in front. I'll have a difference. They're in a name. They've got no.
- So we're going to go in it. So now. And so we're going on. And so we're going to go in.
- If not, all those in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Those in favor say aye.
- Is that fair to say?
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Summary:
The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County.
The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs.
The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm going to be in the back, in the back. Thank you. Go over the end. You can just call it.
- I'm going to get in front. I'll have a difference. They're in a name. They've got no.
- So we're going to go in it. So now. And so we're going on. And so we're going to go in.
- Cleburne County in north central Arkansas maintains its county seat in Heber Springs and has a population
- Is that fair to say?
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Summary:
The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes. It then received and adopted reports from the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and the Medicaid Subcommittee. Those reports covered audit follow-up items, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, state agency audit findings, and a Medicaid oversight presentation. Several reports were filed after discussion, and in multiple cases agencies or local officials were present to answer questions about repeat findings or compliance concerns.
Among the notable audit matters, the committee reviewed a Cleburne County library audit that found more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases that appeared personal in nature and improper fuel expenses. The library director had been placed on leave, later charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, and the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General. The committee also heard a special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which found scholarship ineligibility issues and numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, while noting that the program had ended in 2024 and remaining funds were returned to the school districts.
During the state agency report, Legislative Audit described findings at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs, including improper benefit payments, a cashed warrant by someone other than the intended payee, missing receipts, unauthorized fuel card purchases, and payroll and overtime issues. The committee filed that report after agency representatives responded to questions. The meeting ended with the filing of the Cleburne County and Donaldson Scholars Academy reports, and the next committee meeting was announced for March 12-13, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We have had testimony in my committee's previous years where parents come in and say, 'My child was a
- It has to do with the county fair boards.
- First of all, thank you for the very thorough explanation of what's in the bill and slide in here.
- This has been a little while in the making.
- This has been a little while in the making.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Jan 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This helps in two ways.
- So if you have something that's happening in California, in a small jurisdiction, they can look on IC3
- This helps in two ways.
- We have a senior fair every year in our district, and the senior scam workshop is by far the one that
- We have a senior fair every year in our district, and the senior scam workshop is by far the one that
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Banking and Finance met and initially lacked a quorum, so it began as a subcommittee before later obtaining enough members to act. The committee took up a consent calendar containing AB 501, AB 683, and AB 1278, all of which were approved for passage to their next committees, with AB 501 sent to Judiciary and AB 683 and AB 1278 sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 871, which was presented as a measure to strengthen protections against elder financial abuse and scams by improving reporting and training requirements for financial institutions and mandated reporters.
The author described the bill as a response to widespread elder fraud, including a personal family experience, and explained that the bill would add reporting guidance to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Federal Trade Commission. Supporters, including the California Welfare Directors Association and several local government and advocacy representatives, said the bill would help identify patterns, improve coordination, and potentially stop fraudulent transfers more quickly. The California Bankers Association did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about whether IC3 is the right reporting channel in every case, whether a dollar threshold should apply, and how institutions would operationalize customer notification requirements.
Several committee members spoke in support, emphasizing the prevalence and sophistication of scams targeting older adults and the need to avoid imposing civil penalties or undue liability on financial institutions. The author said she was working with stakeholders to address concerns and keep the bill effective. AB 871 was then approved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee, and the roll was left open briefly for absent members before the meeting adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (02/12/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:13:26.639><c> favor</c> right all in favor oh all in favor right all in favor oh all in favor
- </c> in out of the outpatient setting in in out of the outpatient setting in hospitals<00:27:57.279><
- c><01:47:29.840><c> decisions</c><01:47:30.400><c> so</c> in in in making those decisions so in in in
- c> I</c><01:48:40.639><c> don't</c> losing in in appeals because I don't losing in in appeals because
- </c><03:00:12.279><c> the</c> against that in fact in 2020 when the against that in fact in 2020 when
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Article I, IV, V Mar 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- the budget in the financial capacity.
- On page 17 of number 35, I'm sorry, just in particular yesterday or day before we met in all the talk
- This is moving money in accordance with DPS's, uh, request, uh, to have the funding in a different strategy
- Um, this is 122 million, um, for 833.5 FTEs, uh, to focus in for appointments and in office, um, services
- No, it's in the budget.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- We had problems in the past, and that whole process has been reworked.
- We have a new director, and this model is based on what's being done in Arkansas.
- In the past, that whole process has been reworked.
- We have a new director, and this model is based on what's being done in Arkansas.
- In statute, it says shall be charged, shall be charged.
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Medicaid, immigration verification, healthcare access, federal reporting, health care providers, auditing, patient rights, claims, protection from fraud, audit process, error correction, hospice care, physician determination, healthcare standards, symptom management, health information exchange, all-payer claims database, health care transparency, health care costs
Summary:
The committee first announced several bills would be laid over because sponsors were absent, then took up House Bill 4423, which would require Medicaid applicants to be legal U.S. citizens. After adopting a PCS, members asked whether Medicaid already had citizenship limits, and the bill passed 4-1. House Bill 3342 followed, revising the Health Care Authority audit process; the sponsor said it was based on an Arkansas model, had no fiscal impact, and was intended to be fairer after prior problems. It passed 5-0. House Bill 3645, allowing physicians or other independent doctors to authorize hospice referral when a patient lacks next of kin or is not coherent, also passed 5-0. House Bill 3647, creating an all-payer claims database through the state HIE for greater transparency in medical costs, passed 5-0 after a question about which entities would be included or excluded.
House Bill 3887, which removes the requirement for a physician referral every 30 days for continued physical therapy, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said therapists would refer patients back to a physician if treatment was not helping or was outside their scope, while a member raised concerns about delayed diagnosis and suggested adding a timeline; the sponsor said he would be open to further discussion. The bill passed 4-1. House Bill 4430 extended tort claims protection to certain state-employed providers who work for entities such as FQHCs, and House Bill 4431 did the same for nurse practitioners working for state agencies; both passed 5-0.
Later, House Bill 2964 changed medical-record copying language from “shall be charged” to “may be charged,” giving facilities discretion on whether to charge patients for copies of their records; it passed 5-0. Finally, House Bill 3834 was heard for research funding on ibogaine therapy for PTSD and related conditions among veterans, firefighters, and police officers. The sponsor said the goal was to allow Oklahoma research, not to remove the substance from controlled status, and a witness described the treatment as a monitored oral session used in Mexico and supported by some studies. The bill passed 5-0, and the chair adjourned the meeting, noting the laid-over bills would likely be heard the following week.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> in your book 227. in your book 227.
- </c> downs in cuts. downs in cuts.
- </c> in the motion in the in the 311 section, in the motion in the in the 311 section, would<00:54:03.400
- </c> in 2021. in 2021.
- </c> in block? in block?
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM-PSM, WAM-AEN Informational Briefings 01-07-2025
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> placement the in the in the community placement the in the in the community where<00:05:01.199><
- </c><01:29:04.400><c> right</c> 400 sirens in our in our system right 400 sirens in our in our system
- ><01:30:10.920><c> in</c><01:30:11.080><c> L</c> alarm systems in in in on Maui in L alarm systems in
- We just came back, and is it in in in? No.
- We just came back, and is it in in in? No.
Summary:
The committee heard budget testimony first from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Director Tommy Johnson outlined short-term goals to reduce overcrowding, improve living and working conditions, fill vacancies, expand mental health services, and update the correctional master plan. He said the department is still dealing with severe overcrowding at facilities such as OCCC and HCCC, with 947 people at OCCC against a design capacity of 628, and noted 938 inmates are currently housed on the mainland because of temporary repairs at Halawa. He also reported progress on staffing, saying the correctional officer vacancy rate has dropped from 34.3% to 24% through expanded recruitment. The department’s major budget request was $30 million for planning and design for a new Old Triple C project, along with other requests for re-entry services, identification documents, security systems, radios, sink-toilet modules, and trauma-informed care. Members asked about the timing and scope of the OCCC project, courtroom space in new facilities, and the department’s plan to use the funding to improve re-entry and reduce recidivism.
The committee then heard from the Department of Law Enforcement on a wide range of priorities. The department described requests to expand agricultural crime enforcement, traffic enforcement, illegal fireworks enforcement, and facilities such as a police building at the DKI airport, a state training center, and new police facilities in central and Leeward Oahu. It also discussed a major IT request for a statewide law enforcement and critical infrastructure notification platform, plus funding for grants management, the Wahiawa Civic Center and court complex, the prescription monitoring program, narcotics enforcement operations, and the narcotics lab. A significant portion of the discussion focused on a proposed traffic enforcement program for commercial vehicle inspections, speeding, and DUI enforcement, which the department said would be funded with federal dollars and would operate concurrently with county police. Committee members questioned whether the effort duplicated county jurisdiction and how the program would be trained and staffed.
Members also pressed the department on salary disparities for deputy sheriffs and related vacancies, and the department said the administration was working on a supplemental agreement and placeholder funding to address the issue. Additional discussion covered agricultural crime staffing, the Silver Alert program, and expansion of the forensic lab to handle explosives, firearms, and related evidence. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the meeting moved from the corrections presentation to the law enforcement budget review with questions and answers throughout.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Fair point. And the only other thing I’d add is that this isn’t novel in any way legislation.
- In a contrarian view in opposition to... ...to testify today in a contrarian view in opposition to 2025
- In my opinion, I am sitting here in my...
- In my opinion, I am sitting here in my I am sitting here in my apartment, in a wheelchair, in West Haven
- Equitable access to high-quality health care is essential to reduce barriers and promote fairness in
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on bills in three areas: emergency medical services/AED access, athletic training and student safety, and end-of-life options. Committee chairs outlined testimony rules and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Some bills had no live witnesses, while others drew extensive testimony from advocates, professionals, and legislators.
On AED-related bills, the American Heart Association supported requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events and athletic fields, citing sudden cardiac arrest survival rates and urging cardiac emergency response plans as an added safeguard. A parks and recreation professional supported AED access but raised concerns about the cost, staffing, maintenance, and feasibility for municipalities with limited resources. Athletic trainers supported expanding their scope of practice and removing workplace restrictions, arguing it would improve injury prevention, reduce costs, and help retain professionals in Massachusetts.
The committee also took extensive testimony on end-of-life options legislation. Supporters included legislators, physicians, hospice volunteers, clergy, patients’ family members, and advocacy groups, who described the bills as allowing terminally ill, mentally capable adults to choose a peaceful death with strict safeguards and self-administration requirements. They emphasized personal stories of suffering, public support, and the claim that other states have not seen abuse. Opponents, including faith-based, disability-rights, and family policy representatives, argued the bills amount to physician-assisted suicide, could pressure vulnerable people, and may be influenced by prognosis errors, coercion, or financial incentives. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 5th, 2026 at 11:33 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gene and I met in Leadership New Mexico, and Senator Sinda was in our class in Leadership New Mexico,
- Fame in 2016.
- What this substitute does, it puts in what I thought was fair: seven years.
- in 2021.
- President, it is only just and fair to the people of New Mexico that they get to see it in committee,
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Gene and I met in leadership in New Mexico, and Senator Sinda was in our class in Leadership New Mexico
- What this substitute does, it puts in, I thought seven years might be fair.
- My vote is 15 in the affirmative, 22 in the negative.
- in 2021.
- President, it is only just and fair to the people of New Mexico that they get to see it in committee,
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, opened with an invocation, pledges, and a series of announcements recognizing West Side Day, School Board Appreciation Day, Sierra Club Climate Solutions Day, Gallup-McKinley County Day, and New Mexico Athlete Trainer Day. Members also agreed to allow cameras on the floor and a relaxed dress code for guests. Numerous student and community groups were introduced, including West Side Day students, ABC Prep basketball students, Bernalillo High School AP students, MANA del Norte Hermanitas, honorary lieutenant governors, Taos Municipal Schools leaders, Classical Conversations homeschool students, Bloomfield school board members, and others.
A major portion of the session was devoted to honoring Bueno Foods with a Senate certificate recognizing February 5, 2026, as Bueno Foods Day in the Senate and celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary. Senators praised the Baca family’s multigenerational business, its role in New Mexico’s chile industry, its jobs and community support, and its national reach. Several members spoke in support, sharing personal stories about Bueno products and the company’s help during COVID and over decades of family and community life.
The Senate also adopted a condolence certificate for Kayla Reagan Van Landingham, a 19-year-old bicyclist killed in Albuquerque, with remarks emphasizing her life, advocacy, and the need for stronger pedestrian and bicycle safety. Her mother and family were recognized, and members observed a moment of silence. Senators spoke about the importance of traffic safety reforms and the local ordinance changes already pursued in her memory.
On legislation, the chamber received House and governor messages and adopted several committee reports. The main floor debate was on Senate Bill 38, concerning the spay and neuter program funding stream. Senator Block offered a floor substitute to restore a sunset clause for review and transparency; supporters argued the program should be periodically evaluated and that the funding functions like a tax rather than a fee. Opponents argued the program is important and should continue without a sunset. The floor substitute failed by roll call, 15 in favor and 22 against, and the Senate returned to the underlying bill for further debate.