Transcript Highlights:

• And they are in support. There's a here? And they are in support.
• We're in total support of STR 30. area. We're in total support of STR 30.
• Bill Ko, Hawaii Coalition for Civil Rights, in support. Carol Hayashino in support.
• Randy Yas in support. Alan Suimori in support. Okay.
• STR196 supporting and Moving on.

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions, beginning with STR 51, which asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to convene a working group to evaluate creating and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Governor’s Recovery and Resiliency Unit supported the measure but suggested changing the working group membership so each county mayor, or designee, could appoint the representative instead of naming county civil defense administrators. Members questioned whether any county had requested that change, and the testifier said it was a recommendation based on their experience, not county consultation. The committee also heard STR 40, urging the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to focus more on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, but there was no one present to testify. STR 65, on finalizing a contract for the new Aloha Stadium and advancing the stadium entertainment district, received support from the Stadium Authority, DAGS, and Aloha Stadium District Partners, all saying they were already working hard on the project. STR 78 SD1, encouraging the East-West Center to expand international engagement, was supported by the East-West Center. STR 30, asking the commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to allow use of restricted vacant land on the Pearl City Peninsula for youth ball programs, drew strong support from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, which described a shortage of ball fields and said the site would be well suited for recreation. The committee then heard STR 24 SD1, urging the U.S. Department of Defense to keep references to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its websites; multiple veterans and advocacy groups testified in support. STR 195 and STR 196, supporting broader relationships with Sweden and Norway, respectively, had limited or no testimony. After recessing briefly for decision-making, the committee voted to adopt all of the measures as introduced, without amendments, with members voting in favor and some members excused on certain votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:03.839><c> any</c> support any support any discussion<00:09:06.680><c> seeing</c><00:09:07.120
• for</c><00:11:21.600><c> our</c> supports and monetary support for our supports and monetary support
• </c> state with mental health supports state with mental health supports training<00:12:24.519><c> of
• He thanked members for bipartisan support and for supporting local firefighters. with providers in 68
• </c><00:14:34.880><c> local</c> support and supporting our uh local support and supporting our uh local

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Appearance forms for the amendment: we have Lisa Hurley, speaking in support. Waving in support.
• there to support that child.
• Dana Maider from Orlando, also waving in support. Lisa Imperial, also waving in support.
• Ruth McLeod, DNP-RN, waving in support. Jerome McLeod, also waving in support.
• Petersburg, waving in support. Justine Elias, also St. Petersburg, waving in support.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and considered five bills. SB 1174, by Senator Jones, would simplify the process for transferring a family foster home license when a foster parent moves within Florida. A friendly amendment clarified that the transfer applies to the same licensed person, not a different individual, and directs DCF to prioritize amended licenses. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 558, by Chair Grall, created a framework for voluntary post-adoption contact agreements between adoptive and biological parents, including contact with siblings, with court filing and enforcement procedures. A strike-all amendment changed the child’s party status age from 14 to 12, required court filing in the adoption case, set a preponderance standard, and moved the effective date to January 1, 2026. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 1626, also by Chair Grall, was substantially revised by a strike-all addressing unaccompanied alien children reporting and custody procedures, military family child protective investigations, domestic violence shelter certification, children’s services councils, criminal-background exemptions, group home rates, subcontractor indemnification, child care licensing extensions, small residential group home fire suppression rules, and missing-child jurisdiction issues. After testimony both supporting and opposing parts of the bill, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 738, by Senator Burton, updated child care and early learning licensing rules, including expedited licensing for compliant providers, faster background screening and provisional licensure, online training/testing, exemptions for certain military and employer-provided child care, and removal of a residential insurance provision from the bill. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 304, by Senator Sharief, known as Patterson’s Law, addressed child abuse investigations involving rare genetic or metabolic conditions that can mimic abuse. The strike-all required more detailed medical analysis in reports, allowed second opinions, and set procedures for experienced physician review and judicial resolution. After extensive testimony from affected families, advocates, and DCF, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. At the end, Senators Harrell and Rouson asked to be recorded as voting favorably on additional bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• support what we opportunity to support support what we feel<01:26:55.199><c> is</c><01:26:55.400><c>
• With your support, I urge you to support House File 2508.
• With your support, I urge you to support House File 2508.
• With your support, I urge you to support House File 2508.
• With your support, I urge you to support House File 2508.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> completion grants that will support completion grants that will support nonprofits<00:01:48.360>
• </c> develop targeted strategies to support develop targeted strategies to support low-income<00:02:03.240
• </c> systems additionally continued support systems additionally continued support for<00:02:23.360><
• </c><00:03:58.879><c> for</c> for increased funding our support for for increased funding our support
• </c><00:15:25.279><c> of</c> $50,000 would be supportive of $50,000 would be supportive of supporting

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis, went on record in support. We're very much in support of the concept.
• Next up in support. Mr.
• Next up in support. Mr.
• We support any opportunity for the state to... ...supportive of this piece of legislation.
• Next up in support. Anybody sneak in opposed to this? Next up in support.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The Commerce Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 3395, sponsored by Representative Christ, which would reauthorize and update the Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA) to spur redevelopment in downtown St. Louis and Kansas City. Christ said the program previously helped create Ballpark Village and Power & Light District through a no-upfront-cost, tax-revenue-sharing model, and he indicated a committee substitute would significantly revise the bill language while keeping the same overall concept. Representative Sides supported the bill in principle but said he wanted the final version to read more like standard Missouri statute. A long line of witnesses testified in support, including representatives of the Cordish Companies, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Greater St. Louis, Inc., St. Louis City SC, the City of St. Louis, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Chamber/Civic Council, the Downtown Council of Kansas City, J.E. Dunn, and the Missouri Chamber. Supporters described MODESA as a proven tool that leveraged private investment, created jobs, increased visitors and tax revenue, and helped revitalize downtown areas. Cordish said the company had invested more than $2 billion in Missouri and would pursue another large mixed-use project, including residential, office, and entertainment components, if the program were renewed. Testimony focused heavily on two proposed St. Louis projects: redevelopment of the Millennium Hotel site and broader riverfront/downtown connectivity around the Arch grounds. Gateway Arch Park Foundation said it had purchased the Millennium site, was demolishing the old tower, and believed the project would connect the Arch grounds to downtown with a high-rise residential and office mixed-use development. Committee members asked about impacts on taxing jurisdictions, property taxes, retail demand, and whether the bill would benefit communities broadly rather than only developers; witnesses said cities would be applicants, property taxes would still be paid, and the projects were intended to bring new residents and activity rather than simply shift existing development. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee took no vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Supporting House Bill 5429 is also a practical decision.
• Chairman, to reiterate, the town is 100% supportive of this.
• The Town Board of Selectmen has supported it, the Finance Committee has supported it, the town manager
• Spinelli deserved our support and deserves our support today.
• Spinelli deserved our support and deserves our support today.

Bills: S3051 , H5380 , H5384 , H5389 , H5420 , H5428 , H5427 , H5429 , H5435

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: retirement benefits, police officer, surviving spouse, pension, public service, police chief, deputy police chief, civil service exemption, local governance, Medford, H5384, Craig Riley, Haverhill, firefighter, fire department, civil service, civil service examination, maximum age requirement, age waiver, age exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• organization, and whether you support or oppose.
• Okay, you're in support. Okay.
• You're in support, okay.
• And just to support one thing that you said, Senator Wahab, the second primary witness was not in support
• Any other in support? Is there anyone in the room who is... Thank you. Any other in support?

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee met initially without quorum and operated as a subcommittee before later obtaining quorum and taking formal votes. The committee first heard SB 1002 by Senator Nilo, which would extend existing telehealth access for eligible out-of-state physicians treating patients with immediately life-threatening diagnoses to continue care after those patients go into remission. Supporters, including a cancer survivor, argued the bill preserves continuity of care for patients who still need specialist monitoring, while the Medical Board of California and the California Medical Association opposed it, citing licensure, consumer protection, and enforcement concerns. Senator Caballero spoke in support, emphasizing access to care, especially for rural patients. The bill was ultimately moved out of committee on a 6-0 vote and later confirmed out on a 9-0 vote after quorum was established. The committee then heard SB 1311, which updates the Dental Practice Act so unlicensed dental assistants can satisfy infection control training requirements either through an approved course or the Dental Assisting National Board infection control exam. The author and the California Dental Association supported the bill as a workforce and access measure, but the California Academy of General Dentistry raised concerns that the exam lacks a hands-on coursework requirement and should not substitute for in-person training unless amended. The committee accepted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 to Senate Appropriations, later confirming it out on a 9-0 vote. Finally, SB 1416 was heard, a bill reducing from 30 days to 21 days the time a physician or dentist has to refund duplicate payments to consumers. The author described it as a modest affordability measure to return patient funds more quickly, and the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons supported it as reasonable given current financial pressures. With no opposition, the bill passed 6-0 to Senate Appropriations and was later confirmed out on a 9-0 vote. The committee also approved consent calendar items SB 1263, SB 1148, SB 1376, and SB 1391.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has bipartisan support.
• This bill has bipartisan support.
• That's why I'm supporting this measure.
• That's why I'm supporting this measure.
• .and in extremely strong support, and I ask everyone to step up and meet this moment by supporting AB

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any more witnesses in support? Okay. Any others who would like to speak in support of SB 983?
• Any more witnesses in support? Okay. Any others who would like me to in support of SB 983?
• Any other key witness in support? Okay. Anyone in support of SB 1256 as a me too? Thank you.
• I will support the bill. I think this bill makes sense. I will support the bill. Thank you.
• Okay, are there any me-too supporters? Okay, are there any me-too supporters? Opposition?

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear a long agenda of local government, housing, labor, and transparency bills. The committee first adopted the consent calendar for SB 1187 and SB 1388, then heard SB 983, which would authorize the Port of San Diego to use job order contracting for repairs and repetitive maintenance work. Supporters said the bill would speed emergency and small repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction definitions and project labor agreement language. The bill was ultimately moved forward on a 2-2 vote after discussion of amendments and labor negotiations, and later the committee’s final roll call showed it passing out on a 5-2 vote. The committee also heard SB 1256, aimed at limiting duplicative litigation over a San Diego County housing project, and SB 992, which would make permanent and expand a small special-district audit flexibility by raising the revenue threshold from $150,000 to $250,000. SB 1256 drew support from the author and project counsel, who argued the project had already been litigated and was delaying needed housing, while opponents said the bill would interfere with wildfire and subdivision-map review. SB 992 had support from county auditors and special districts, with no opposition, and was approved 5-0. SB 1115, addressing governance failures at the Tulare County Public Cemetery District by allowing county supervisors to remove an individual trustee for cause, also passed unanimously after testimony describing serious dysfunction and opposition from the California Special Districts Association. The committee then took up SB 1193, which would impose transparency and approval requirements on Alameda County discretionary funding to nonprofits and other entities. The author and supporters described the bill as a response to grand jury findings and alleged conflicts of interest, while Alameda County argued its current process is already transparent and that the bill would add burdens and could harm services. After amendments and discussion, the bill passed 5-0. SB 1383, a density bonus law bill clarifying that local labor standards cannot be waived through density bonus concessions, was supported by labor groups and moved forward despite no opposition, with the final roll call showing it passing out 5-1. SB 1361, intended to prevent local governments from undermining transit projects because of SB 79 density concerns, also passed after support from L.A. Metro and labor and no formal opposition, with the final vote recorded as 5-2. The committee later resumed to hear SB 1272, the CASH Act, which would limit certain sanctions on homeowners for prior unpermitted work by previous owners; the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full testimony and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I testified in support of 2199.
• We are in support of it.
• We are in support of it.
• I respectfully urge your support for this bill.
• approach, and we strongly support it.

Bills: HB2104 , HB2554 , HB2619

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, tribal rights, fishing rights, salmon management, state-tribal agreements, natural resources, agriculture, regulations, farming, compliance, economic impact, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sean Burnfin, state court system, waiving in support.
• Karina Perez-Illick, Vanguard Attorneys, waves in support.
• So we're in support of it. Thank you very much. Thank you.
• John Bell, Florida Realtors, waving in support.
• The Florida Police Chiefs Association, waives in support.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered a large agenda of bills, mostly in the criminal justice, courts, civil procedure, and family/consumer protection areas. Early measures included CS/HB 1161 on removing altered sexual depictions posted without consent, HB 403 modernizing LLC law to allow protected series LLCs, CS/HB 97 on service of process in protection proceedings for vulnerable adults, and HB 813 as the state courts package addressing duty judges, arbitrator compensation, and notarization by judges. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 403 and HB 813 amended. The committee also heard and advanced CS/HB 947 on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, which drew substantial opposition from insurers, business groups, and defense-oriented witnesses, while the sponsor argued it would let juries hear all relevant evidence; it passed 19-3. Members also approved CS/CS/HB 615 allowing electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email, after an amendment requiring opt-in language and written notice to update an email address; tenant advocates still raised concerns about eviction-related notices and receipt verification. HB 663 increased penalties for using tracking devices or apps to commit dangerous crimes and passed unanimously. CS/HB 385 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code and passed unanimously after a conforming amendment. CS/HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, increased penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and was supported by law enforcement and animal welfare groups; it passed unanimously. Later in the meeting, the committee approved HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders after the sponsor withdrew an amendment that would have changed the deadline from six hours to six business hours, following concerns that the delay could be too long for urgent orders. CS/HB 1099 gave law enforcement discretion in arrests involving individuals with significant medical conditions in facilities and passed unanimously. HB 653 added aggravating factors for capital felonies involving assassinations or attempted assassinations of heads of state; it drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and passed 20-2. CS/HB 59 expanded wrongful incarceration compensation by extending the filing deadline, removing the clean-hands bar, and allowing exonerees to choose between civil suit and the state claims process; it passed unanimously. PCS/HB 777 increased penalties for in-person luring or enticing of children and barred certain age-based defenses, passing unanimously. Finally, CS/HB 437 increased penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; two amendments softened the bill by clarifying juvenile treatment and giving judges limited discretion to avoid automatic revocation of pretrial release, and the bill passed 21-1 before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So please support Minnesota women and pass the Supporting Women Act. Thank you.
• So please support Minnesota women and pass the Supporting Women Act. Thank you.
• So please support Minnesota women and pass the Supporting Women Act. Thank you. Thank you.
• I urge you to stand with women and families by supporting the Supporting Women Act.
• I urge you to stand with women and families by supporting the Supporting Women Act.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• you support this bill.
• We do support composting.
• We do support composting.
• Anyone online to support? We have two online to support.
• I support that; it's in my district, and I support the opportunity to maybe have new jobs.

Bills: SB47 , SB110 , SB122 , SB143 , SB168

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, bosque management, Rio Grande, environmental protection, water resources, fiscal appropriation, drinking water, well owners, water testing, water treatment, public health, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for supporting all of that.
• They might be looking for some support for their kids.
• I fully support Senator Wiener's budget proposal, and I respectfully request your support for fair housing
• As a lender for the development of supportive housing, we'd like to express support for streamlining
• As a lender for the development of supportive housing, we'd like to express support for streamlining

Summary: The subcommittee opened with remarks on the Senate’s budget plan for affordable housing and homelessness, including a proposed $2 billion housing investment and full funding for HHAP rounds 7 and 8. The first major item was the administration’s housing reorganization and trailer bill package, which would codify the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC), consolidate multifamily housing finance programs into a one-stop application and award process, and shift some authority over bonds, tax credits, and the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program. Administration officials said the goal was to reduce duplication, speed projects from award to construction, and improve accountability by aligning financing decisions. The LAO generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside and earlier reallocation of unused bond authority, and suggested preserving flexibility for integrated applications and reporting back on the proposed 70/30 split for housing versus sustainable communities funding. Committee members, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the new committee structure could add process and delay, and questioned whether the proposal was effectively repurposing the climate-oriented ASIC program into a housing finance tool without enough direct investment in core housing programs. Administration witnesses responded that the structure was meant to create transparency, public accountability, and simultaneous financing awards, and said the proposal was only a first step in a broader consolidation effort. Members also asked about specific programs such as the Joe Serna Farm Worker Housing Grant Program and the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, and staff said those would remain within the broader streamlined framework or the flexible sustainable communities allocation. The committee then heard from CDLAC and TCAC on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance. Staff explained that H.R. 1 increased the federal 9% LIHTC allocation and, more importantly, lowered the bond-financing threshold for 4% credits from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the change, resulting in 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members asked about the value of the state low-income housing tax credit program and rehabilitation projects; staff said state credits remain important for filling financing gaps and that a portion of bond and credit resources is now set aside for acquisition and rehabilitation. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights rollbacks and on three limited-term or expiring programs: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal closures and funding cuts have increased demand on the department, which now has more than 12,000 open matters, up from 8,700 a year earlier, and a six-month wait for intake interviews despite overtime triage and early case screening. Members urged continued funding for the programs, arguing they are essential as federal protections weaken; department staff said California vs. Hate connects callers quickly to support services, the conflict resolution unit fills a gap left by the shuttered federal counterpart, and the limited-term investigators have helped reduce wait times even as filings continue to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll turn to general support. Anyone come forward at this time? I want to support the bill.
• General support. Anyone come forward at this time? I want to support the bill. Seeing one. Welcome.
• Nicole Cignon is on behalf of CalChamber in support.
• Mercedes with Sierra Club California and strong support.
• Mercedes with Sierra Club California and strong support.

Committee: Senate Emergency Management

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here to testify in support of this bill is Mr. Here to testify in support of this bill is Mr.
• With me today to speak in support is Adam Kinyanez.
• We would ask for your support. Thank you very much.
• Any additional witnesses in support? Folks want to add on in support of the bill. Good morning.
• We strongly support access to abortion care.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a full agenda of bills covering travel consumer protections, cannabis commerce with tribes, medical record integrity, pest control licensing, pawn and gold-buying regulation, pharmacy discipline, land surveying, and expedited licensing for veterans separated under a federal transgender military policy. Members also later heard AB 1973, which would expand the ability of advanced practice clinicians to provide abortion care, with supporters arguing it would improve access and opponents warning about safety and scope-of-practice concerns. Several bills were presented before quorum was reached, and the chair repeatedly urged absent members to arrive so the committee could vote. Testimony on the bills was largely in support. Authors and witnesses said AB 1758 would raise the seller-of-travel assessment cap to keep the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund solvent; AB 2506 would allow state cannabis licensees to sell products from tribal licensees while respecting tribal sovereignty; AB 1637 would prevent non-physicians from altering physician-authored medical notes; AB 2477 would create a short provisional period for pest control workers awaiting licensure; AB 2633 would close a loophole involving remote gold-buying events and stolen property reporting; AB 2141 would let the Board of Pharmacy resolve some cases through stipulated settlements before formal accusations; and AB 1933 would make technical clarifications to land surveying law. AB 1775 drew emotional testimony from transgender service members and advocates describing the impact of federal separation policies and the need for California licensing and support. Once quorum was established, the committee voted out the consent calendar and each of the heard bills, generally on party-line or near-unanimous votes. AB 1637, AB 1758, AB 1775, AB 1933, AB 2141, AB 2477, AB 2506, and AB 2633 all passed out of committee, most to Appropriations or another policy committee as noted. AB 1973 also passed, despite a no vote from some members and an opposition witness from the California Family Council. The committee later took vote changes and additional roll calls for absent members before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge your support for AB 1674. Thank you. Thank you so much.
• This is why I'm here to ask for your support of AB 1731.
• But the funding to support that important work is drying up.
• But the funding to support that important work is drying up.
• That's support. Thank you. Great. Thank you so much.

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:07.920><c> these</c> um and it's we need to support these um and it's we need to support these
• , but let's support them now in the biggest move, which is supporting them with jobs, not just for today
• </c><00:03:19.239><c> workers</c> at here today is let's support workers at here today is let's support
• <00:03:24.280><c> jobs</c> move which is supporting them with jobs move which is supporting them with
• We support miners because mining supports us.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3030 was taken up for discussion and amended with the A1 author’s amendment before moving forward. The bill was presented as an Iron Range package with three parts: a 26-week unemployment insurance extension for workers laid off by Cleveland-Cliffs, and two mining-related provisions dealing with safe storage of reactive mine waste and a site-specific sulfite standard. The authors said the bill was intended both to help laid-off workers immediately and to support the long-term future of mining jobs in the region. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive of the unemployment extension and the broader goal of preserving Iron Range jobs and communities. Representatives of affected workers, union leaders, a county commissioner, a tribal elder, and RAMS all described the layoffs as potentially long-term and warned of broader economic harm to families, local businesses, schools, and the region if mining jobs continue to decline. Several testifiers emphasized that mining is central to the Iron Range economy and argued that the bill would give workers time and hope while also helping keep people in the region. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency testified that it generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the environmental rulemaking language in Article 2, Section 2. MPCA said the provision would amount to a new major rulemaking, would require significant time and resources, and should be reviewed by the Environment, Natural Resources, Finance and Policy Committee. During member questions, one legislator said there was strong support for the UI extension in Article 1 but expressed concern about the environmental issues in Article 2 and asked why those provisions were not being reviewed by the environment committee. The meeting ended with public testimony closed and member questions beginning; no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud to speak in support of this bill.
• I'm proud to speak in support of this bill.
• So I stand in strong support. Thank you. Well, already? Okay, so we've gotten to those in support.
• We stand in support of this measure.
• and encourage your support.

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 82, which would extend the Technology Readiness Gross Receipts Tax Credit for 10 years and increase the annual cap from $1 million per lab to $5 million over time. The sponsor and witnesses from Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories said the program helps New Mexico businesses commercialize deep-tech innovations and is unique in the country. Multiple business and economic development representatives testified in support, describing successful projects and job creation. Committee members asked about specific companies, wages, and the program’s impact, but several members raised concerns about the bill’s fiscal effect and the lack of room in the tax package. The committee adopted a substitute that delayed the credit increase by one year, but then voted to table HB 82 by about 5-3. The committee then heard House Bill 142, which would increase the Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit and expand eligibility to underserved urban areas. Supporters, including Think New Mexico and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, said the credit has not been updated in years and could help recruit more health professionals, especially EMTs. Members questioned whether urban areas should be included, how “underserved” is defined, the size of the current expenditure, and whether the credit actually changes provider behavior. Some members expressed concern that the bill could dilute support for rural areas, while others noted that most New Mexico counties are designated shortage areas. The sponsor moved to table HB 142, and the committee agreed. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 58, as amended, which extends the period for metropolitan redevelopment area property tax abatements from seven years to up to 14 years. The sponsor and MRA representatives said the longer period would help projects in blighted areas become financially feasible, especially for housing and redevelopment projects in Albuquerque and other cities. Support came from housing developers, Realtors, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups. Committee members asked about how MRAs are designated, how the abatements work, and why the bill also changed a separate 10-year reference; concerns were raised about the lack of statewide reporting on MRAs. The committee ultimately voted do pass on SB 58 as amended.