Transcript Highlights:

• And two, how do those words on the page play out in operation or as applied?
• They're symptoms of a system operating in the dark.
• They're symptoms of a system operating in the dark, where Washingtonians are seven times more likely
• Fred Meyer operates grocery stores and pharmacies throughout Washington and neighboring states.
• I would like to briefly share our experience operating under that model.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee first met in executive session and advanced five bills out of committee. SB 5999, as amended by a substitute, would let rural counties under 100,000 population appoint an APRN or physician assistant as an acting local health officer; SB 5185 would create a pathway for international medical graduates to physician licensure through a Washington Medical Commission pilot; SB 5845 would revise timely payment rules for health carriers, including longer acknowledgment and payment timelines and clarifications on scope; SB 6071 would standardize overpayment recovery timelines for carriers; and SB 6258 would create a non-disciplinary pathway for relinquishing Washington Medical Commission licenses. Each bill received a due pass recommendation and was sent to Rules, with the bills passed subject to signatures. The committee then heard SB 6226, which would protect the clinical autonomy of audiologists and ensure hearing-instrument and communication-device rules are applied consistently across care modalities, including telehealth. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, emphasizing access for rural and mobility-limited patients and the importance of teleaudiology, though one association cautioned the bill could affect broader regulatory authority. The hearing closed with 54 pro, zero con, and two other sign-ins. Next, the committee heard SB 6305, the Truth in Mental Health Coverage Act, which would require carriers to submit standardized annual data to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner on mental health and substance use disorder coverage, access, utilization, reimbursement, and network participation, with public posting in raw and dashboard form. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve transparency and accountability without changing benefits, while opponents argued it could duplicate recent parity reforms and add administrative burden. The hearing closed with 396 pro, two con, and zero other sign-ins. Finally, the committee heard SB 5924, a proposed substitute expanding pharmacists’ prescriptive authority for certain limited conditions and products, including some preventive and minor-illness treatments, and allowing limited diagnosis within defined bounds. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural and underserved areas, reduce administrative barriers from collaborative drug therapy agreements, and align with the sunrise review; opponents, including the medical association, said the bill went beyond the review and needed more time, while some testimony raised concerns about psychiatric prescribing. The hearing closed with 279 pro, six con, and four other sign-ins, and the committee adjourned after concluding its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> at the center of medical care. at the center of medical care.
• It travels that that health centers.
• </c><02:33:45.040><c> uh</c> receive at the mental health centers uh receive at the mental health centers
• Um I community mental health centers.
• Um, centers. We cover Stratford County.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's living off his social security.
• Like most is our operating increase.
• </c> state agencies, we have an operating state agencies, we have an operating increase<00:33:00.559>
• </c> IT services, and other operating costs. IT services, and other operating costs.
• Um, as I and equity at the center.

Bills: HF1646 , HF2443

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, somebody with ALS or throat cancer may use AI to safely and securely simulate their own
• So first, the bill establishes operating standards for developers of these systems.
• The bill also fails to ...increases risk operating across multiple states.
• These go far beyond what other states like Colorado require and raise real risk to privacy, security,
• If the operator knows that the user is a minor, then additional steps are required.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three AI-related bills. HB 1170 would require large generative AI providers to offer provenance detection tools and include latent and manifest disclosures in AI-generated or altered content; supporters said it is needed to combat deepfakes and disinformation, while opponents raised First Amendment, technical feasibility, and compliance concerns, and the Attorney General’s Office said the bill needs clearer provider definitions and enforcement language. HB 2157 would regulate high-risk AI systems used in consequential decisions such as employment, housing, health care, and parole by requiring risk management, impact assessments, disclosures, and a private right of action; the sponsor said it is needed to address algorithmic discrimination and consumer protection, while industry and civil liberties groups warned it is overbroad, burdensome, and constitutionally problematic, and the AG’s Office supported the concept but asked for changes to enforcement and the right-to-cure provisions. HB 2225 would regulate AI companion chatbots by requiring disclosures, limits on manipulative engagement, and safeguards for minors and self-harm; the sponsor, governor’s office, AG’s Office, researchers, and several families testified in support, citing harms to youth and real-world suicides, while industry groups supported narrower protections but objected to the private right of action and scope. No votes were taken during the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> &gt;&gt; If you don't I'm getting security. &gt;&gt; If you don't I'm getting security.
• , operators, operators, &gt;&gt; dude.<01:23:18.159><c> The</c><01:23:18.400><c> small.
• </c> It's a It's a baseline for any operator It's a It's a baseline for any operator in<02:10:41.599>
• </c> in the state to have to operate by. in the state to have to operate by. &gt;&gt; Exactly.
• </c> directors from the different regions directors from the different regions that<04:14:03.040><c>

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases. A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state. The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Elizabeth New at the Washington Policy Center. I direct our Center for Worker Rights.
• I have three stores across the region, and I'm here today to urge you to support SB 6195.
• As an active operator, I've personally experienced the impact of oversupply, even while operating compliantly
• As an active operator, I've personally experienced the impact of oversupply, even while operating compliantly
• a small operation like mine.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 5882 would extend workers’ compensation PTSD presumptions to local correctional facility workers after 90 days of employment, with staff explaining the bill’s scope, fiscal note, and how claims would affect employers’ experience ratings. The sponsor and labor representatives supported the measure as a response to correctional officer trauma, while cities, retailers, and self-insurers opposed it over cost, system sustainability, and the need for more study. Labor and Industries said the estimated five-year state-fund claim cost ranges from $6.7 million to $15.3 million, and the hearing closed after testimony from both sides. The committee then heard SB 6196, which would impose a 95% excise tax on kratom products starting in 2027, create licensing and labeling requirements, and direct revenue to youth harmful substance prevention. Supporters argued kratom is unregulated and increasingly available to youth, and some urged age-gating and stronger restrictions on synthetic concentrated products. Opponents, including retailers and the American Kratom Association, said the bill is too punitive, would hurt legitimate businesses, and should be revised into a consumer protection framework rather than treated like a controlled substance. No vote was taken. SB 6204, allowing adults to grow up to six cannabis plants at home with a 15-plant household cap, drew strong support from cannabis advocates and some medical users, who said home grow should have been part of legalization and would help consumers understand the plant. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and public health warned about youth access, enforcement problems, fire and chemical risks, and possible impacts on cannabis tax revenue. The committee also heard SB 6134, requiring notice to striking workers about possible UI overpayments if they later receive retroactive wages, which the sponsor said would prevent surprise repayment obligations; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Finally, SB 6195, aimed at reducing cannabis oversupply by tying producer canopy size to reported sales, drew broad support from cannabis businesses and trade groups, who said it would stabilize the market and address JLARC’s findings, with some stakeholders asking for implementation fixes and clearer language.

Transcript Highlights:

• petitioned, the officer goes and picks them up from the community, takes them to a behavioral health center
• bill by requiring DCS rather than the Arizona Department of Health Services to establish minimum security
• bill by requiring DCS rather than the Arizona Department of Health Services to establish minimum security
• Additionally, it removes the requirement for a business that commences operations during the area's term
• Because of the way the bill operates, it classifies as domestic violence any monitoring or control of

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are some tourboat operators that operate out of commercial harbors, and whether it's gross tonnage
• tourboat operators there are some<00:22:09.840><c> tourboat</c><00:22:10.799><c> operators</c><00:22
• :11.799><c> that</c><00:22:11.960><c> operate</c><00:22:12.400><c> out</c> some tourboat operators that
• operate out some tourboat operators that operate out of<00:22:12.720><c> commercial</c><00:22:13.240
• </c><00:41:06.520><c> defines</c> electric bicycle operation defines electric bicycle operation defines

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several bills on March 11, including measures on harbor vessel requirements, transportation funding, clean fuels, water carriers, parking enforcement, and electric mobility. For SB 1402 SD1 on vessels in state commercial harbors, testimony was split: the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Longline Association supported it, while Hol Holo Charters and one individual opposed it, saying the bill should be more specific about tourboat operators. For SB 1473 on central services assessments, SB 321 on privately owned roads, and SB 419 on insurance coverage for child passenger restraint systems, the committee heard brief testimony with no noted objections or actions beyond moving through the agenda. For SB 1009 SD2 on parking, the bill would create fines for misuse of disability and EV parking spaces and direct the revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund. Support came from Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, the Disability Communication Access Board, and others, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported the bill’s intent but questioned using the fines for Safe Routes to School, and Hawaiian Electric suggested directing EV-related fines to the EV charging system subaccount instead. Hawaii Appleseed supported the measure but raised concerns about the size of the fines and possible impacts on low-income residents. The committee asked questions about enforcement when EV chargers are inoperable; DAGS indicated the stalls could be used and would not be enforced in that situation. For SB 1120 on a clean fuel standard, the Department of Transportation supported the measure but asked for the implementation date to be delayed by one year and requested an independent Hawaii-specific economic impact study due before the next session. Support also came from several transportation, airline, and industry groups, while Tim Rhymer and Frank Schultz opposed it. The committee then heard SB 21 on water carriers, which would authorize a PUC inflationary cost index adjustment mechanism and exemptions; DOT, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group supported it, while Frank Schultz opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 117 on electric mobility, which would expand and rename the rebate program, set age limits and operating rules for e-bikes and electric motorcycles, require insurance for electric motorcycle operators, and make conforming changes. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DOT, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Queen’s pediatric trauma center, and Ulupono Initiative, though one testifier warned that the bill’s wattage definition could unintentionally capture some pedal-assist e-bikes. No votes were taken on the individual bills in the portions shown, and the transcript ended with the committee continuing its hearing agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:15:14.880><c> Harbor,</c> like Alton, Guilford, Center Harbor, like Alton, Guilford, Center Harbor
• And again, to prep that road for a logging operation or a forestry operation, that's what you're going
• Over 30% of glaciers have disappeared in certain regions.
• </c> certain regions. certain regions.
• The deal being is that the operation.

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this commission was created in order for us to be able to establish a cultural center in the city
• It’s a prioritized Boston affiliation, and having regional and gender diversity.
• Representative Kip Diggs to serve as chairs of the Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission.
• We can go to Providence that's made... ...Center, but we can go to Pawtucket.
• Center, but we can go to Patucket. We can go to Providence that's made.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting focused on organizing the Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Commission, including confirming quorum, approving prior minutes, electing leadership, and planning next steps. Once quorum was reached, members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and unanimously elected Senator Liz Miranda and Representative Kip Diggs as co-chairs. There was also discussion of whether vice chairs should be added later, with several members favoring a mix of legislative and appointed/community representation. A major portion of the discussion centered on expanding the commission membership and identifying candidates who reflect regional, gender, and professional diversity, with emphasis on arts, culture, history, philanthropy, development, and construction. Members suggested numerous names from Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River, Cape Cod, Taunton, and other communities, and there was broad interest in including people connected to cultural organizations, universities, and the business/development community. Members also discussed whether designees could count toward quorum, but no rule change was adopted during the meeting. The commission also discussed its operating structure and public process. Members agreed to submit two or three recommended names by November 13, and to reconvene on November 25 at 4 p.m. to finalize recommendations and continue building the commission. They also discussed meeting cadence, with support for alternating formal meetings and site visits or listening sessions every other month, plus possible subcommittees to handle research between meetings. The chair noted that the commission is public-facing, will keep records and minutes, and will need to consider the organizational vehicle or advisory structure that will support Cape Verdean clubs and associations in the broader project. The meeting adjourned after these next steps were outlined.

Transcript Highlights:

• report contains the names of 52 appointees who have been appointed by the Governor to various state, regional
• On November 3, 2025, ACA submitted the application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• Performance requirements and require them to establish user-friendly operating procedures.
• bill that deals specifically with the requirements for how a scholarship funding organization will operate
• I'll be very brief in saying, especially to those watching, all the operators that are out there, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day, a visiting debate student, and later Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol. The chamber then took up committee reports and confirmed a slate of 52 executive appointments by a 39-0 vote. On special order, senators considered SB 250 on rural communities. The bill, described as a “Rural Renaissance” package, would create an Office of Rural Prosperity, establish a Renaissance Grant Program, increase housing and transportation support, and direct new funding to rural education and health care. Two amendments were adopted to update rural health funding and hospital estimates. Members from both parties spoke in support, while raising questions about eligibility and access to grants for certain rural areas. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then debated CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. The bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, tightening payment and audit procedures, and creating a stabilization fund for scholarships. Three amendments were adopted to remove a district declining-enrollment provision from the bill, adjust private-school documentation timing, and clarify withdrawal form and parent-attestation procedures. Senators from both parties supported the measure while noting concerns about oversight, school quality, and future conforming legislation. The bill passed 38-0, and both SB 250 and CS/SB 318 were certified to the House before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the director of the Scenic Regional Library, which serves Warren, Franklin, and Gasconade counties
• And they have operated with sales tax since... If the sales tax passed, which it did.
• And they have operated with sales tax since that point.
• So they operate entirely on sales tax. I don't know what my library would do.
• So they operate entirely on sales tax. I don't know what my library would do.

Committee: House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Summary: The Committee on Local Government held a public hearing on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023, sponsored by Senator Justin Brown. The bill would expand the existing authority for certain public library districts to ask voters for a sales tax, with provisions to reduce or eliminate property tax levies in some cases. Brown explained that the bill includes special carve-outs for St. Charles County, where any sales tax would be paired with a dollar-for-dollar property tax rollback over a three-year phase-out, and for Cass and Johnson counties, where the sales tax cap would be 0.33% and property tax levies would be eliminated. The bill also allows circuit courts to collect a civil case filing surcharge of up to $15 for law library maintenance. Supporters testified that the measure would give libraries more flexible and diversified funding options, similar to other local taxing entities. Library officials from Scenic Regional, St. Charles City-County, Marshall Public Library, and Kansas City Public Library said most library revenue still comes from property taxes and argued that the bill would let local voters decide whether to shift some or all funding to sales tax. They described needs such as expanding services, building new branches, renovating facilities, and protecting voter-approved taxes from uncertainty tied to county reclassification litigation. The Missouri Library Association said the bill serves as a safeguard amid broader discussions about property tax reform. There was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised questions about the fairness of shifting library funding to sales tax, especially for nonresidents who may not use the services, and about how the St. Charles amendment would work. Several members spoke in support of libraries and the bill, while one member criticized the tone of the sponsor’s response to questioning. At the close of the hearing, the chair announced the committee would executive the bill on Monday and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , her own Social Security, because he was a postal worker and he didn't get Social Security.
• He didn't pay into Social Security.
• At, you know, retirement, Social Security, very simple.
• I got another strong takeaway from that hearing... ...this body currently operates.
• Data centers are here. We need more energy.

Bills: HB2311 , HB2371 , HB2409 , HB2410 , HB2456 , HB2457 , HB4005

Committee: House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Keywords: artificial intelligence, disclosure requirements, data privacy, minor protection, online safety, HB2371, Arizona divorce, family law, dissolution of marriage, AI arbitration, AI-assisted arbitration, automated dispute resolution, online arbitration, binding determination, recommendation, superior court appeal, de novo review, marital dissolution, spousal consent, minor children

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good morning, and thank you for being here for the Senate operating budget rollout.
• joined here by Senator Noel Frame, Vice Chair for Finance, and Senator Derek Stanford, Vice Chair for Operating
• Federal dollars make up roughly one-third of our state operating budget, so we have to be... ...in partnership
• assistance, the basics, long-term care, but we know that our rural hospitals, our community health centers
• I would say particularly those of us that live in the Puget Sound region that have a much higher cost

Summary: Senate budget writers, led by Chair June Robinson with Senators Noel Frame and Derek Stanford, rolled out the Senate operating budget and described it as a difficult supplemental budget shaped by flat revenue growth, rising maintenance costs, and uncertainty from federal actions, including H.R. 1 and tariffs. They said the proposal aims to preserve core services such as K-12 education, health care, food assistance, housing stability, and long-term care while making targeted reductions and avoiding broad-based tax increases like sales, property, or B&O tax hikes. A major focus of the discussion was how to pay for the Working Families Tax Credit and how to handle cuts in the Working Connections child care program. Robinson said the Senate budget uses policy changes, especially an attendance-based payment adjustment, rather than the governor’s proposed enrollment cap and waitlist, because lawmakers wanted to avoid destabilizing the child care workforce and reduce harm to families. She also said the Senate is open to negotiating with the House on the Climate Commitment Act use of funds for the tax credit, noting that the statute allows it, though some advocates oppose that approach. The senators defended using $750 million from the rainy day fund, saying it was preferable to deeper cuts and still leaves reserves above $1 billion in the near term. They also argued that Washington’s revenue system is too dependent on property and sales taxes and that a future “millionaires tax” could help stabilize funding, especially for education and other core services. In response to criticism from educators and Republicans, they said the state has made progress on school funding and that rising program costs reflect increased need and utilization rather than waste. No votes were taken in the transcript, and the event was a budget rollout and press Q&A rather than a formal committee action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The convention center is another one.
• The convention center is another one.
• </c> OOT trip, and even the convention center OOT trip, and even the convention center as<00:08:14.479
• </c><01:02:46.960><c> operator</c><01:02:47.839><c> operators</c> hoisting machine operator operators
• Yeah, those are crane operators. So they are crane operators.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1058 by Parker, relating to the exclusion of certain securities transaction payments from
• the issuance of revenue bonds for certain capital projects at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Senate Bill 1135 by Hagenbuch, relating to civil liability of a commercial motor vehicle owner or operator
• Senate Bill 1139 by Miles, relating to the operability of elevators and related equipment following a
• Senate Bill 1139 by Miles relating to the operability of elevators and related equipment following a

Summary: The Senate met briefly and referred a large number of first-reading bills and resolutions to standing committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including hemp regulation, dementia research funding, parental rights and public education, municipal library funding, tax and local government issues, criminal justice, health care, education, transportation, natural resources, and election law. Several constitutional resolutions were also referred, including proposals related to the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a severance tax revenue fund. Most of the transcript consists of the reading of bill captions and committee referrals, with no substantive debate or testimony recorded. The listed measures included proposals on school uniforms, charter schools, Medicaid fraud remedies, insurance practices, occupational licensing for people with criminal convictions, water and sewer utility cybersecurity, agricultural protections, public meeting broadcasting, and various local and state governance matters. No votes were taken on the bills in this segment. The only formal action reflected was referral of the bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, followed by adjournment of the Senate until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an area that both the regulations and the historical operations of skilled nursing facilities and
• Outside of that one facility, the state no longer operates any long-term care facilities.
• In order to operate and maintain the care needed within a skilled nursing facility, by far the largest
• A lot of it's twofold: one, most skilled nursing facilities will operate their own training session.
• Our schools become like day centers for some of these children.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from Marty Wright, CEO of the West Virginia Healthcare Association, on the state’s long-term care system. He described the continuum from home care to assisted living to skilled nursing facilities, emphasizing that these settings increasingly serve short-term rehab-to-home patients as well as older adults needing round-the-clock care. He also outlined the number of facilities in West Virginia, the predominance of Medicaid as the payer for long-term nursing home care, the private-pay nature of assisted living, and the role of OFAC/CMS in regulation. A major focus of the presentation was workforce shortages and turnover, especially for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs, along with declining interest in nursing careers and the impact of regulatory burden and burnout. Wright said the system is also struggling to serve younger patients with substance use disorder, mental illness, or other behavioral needs, who are often not well suited for traditional nursing home placement but have limited alternatives. Senators raised concerns about where such patients are being housed, the long-term effects of opioid and behavioral health issues, and the gap between school-age special needs populations and adult care needs. Wright said Medicaid can cover long-term nursing home care for those who meet financial and medical eligibility requirements, but affordability and spend-down requirements remain major barriers. He also warned that Medicare Advantage can create confusion and shorter covered stays for rehab patients, and he urged early planning around long-term care insurance and estate planning. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Catherine McGill, New Mexico Black Leadership Council, Abraham Sanchez, Center of Civic Policy, and
• The support spanned across demographics, political parties, and regions.
• I'm the Inclusive Democracy Project Director with the Center for Civic Policy.
• I'm fortunate to work for the Center for Civic Policy.
• Thank you for your comments, and we have Hung of the Asian Family Center who's also joining via Zoom.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• This is really just removing the distinction, again, between the term regionally and non-regionally accredited
• It's just removing that regional and non-regional distinction, and they are paying the annual fee of
• And yes, data centers. And I would ask members of this body, Mr.
• Yes, these data centers, the size of your desk, do use water.
• President, I want to be clear, I am not opposed to data centers.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum on Valentine’s Day and spent much of the opening portion on ceremonial remarks, guest introductions, and announcements tied to Early Childhood Day, the New Mexico State Bar’s anniversary, and other Valentine’s-themed recognitions. Senators also approved several unanimous-consent requests excusing members from the chamber. The body then received House messages announcing passage of House Joint Resolution 6, House Bill 166, House Bill 295 as amended, House Joint Memorials 2 and 3, and House Joint Resolution 5 as amended. Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including Senate Memorial 27, Senate Memorial 21, House bills 10, 12, 34, and 63, Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 261, Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 151, and Senate Memorials 3 and 16, which were reported as duly enrolled and signed in open session. The Senate also introduced and referred House Bill 166 to Judiciary, House Bill 295 to Finance, House Joint Resolution 6 and House Joint Memorials 2 and 3 to Rules. The main floor action was final passage of Senate Bill 306, which updates New Mexico’s private post-secondary authorization framework to align with federal accreditation terminology and standards; it passed 42-0 after brief questions about tribal colleges and online institutions. The Senate then debated Senate Conservation Committee substitute for Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, which would require large microgrids over 20 megawatts to meet renewable-energy standards, file annual energy and water reports with the PRC, and address utility cost-shifting concerns. Supporters said it would add oversight and protect air, water, and consumers, while opponents argued it would create uncertainty, discourage major economic development, and undercut a recent policy change allowing microgrids. The debate was ongoing in the excerpt, with no final vote shown for SB 235.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many churches have paying security on site, but many can't afford to provide these services.
• to be on safety and security, not on legal liabilities.
• These volunteers operate in that legal gray area under chapter 4.93.
• Now we also have a contract with 3 armed security guards.
• operations and it is no joke.