Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Block. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator.
• Madam Chair, Senator Block, it's a very good question.
• Senator Block, no, thank you so much and appreciate the leadership.
• Senator Block: No. Senator Villas. Senator López: Yes.
• Senator Block. Aye. This is on the amendment.

Bills: SB211 , SB131 , SB183 , SB222 , SB246 , SB254

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: appropriation, local government, Las Vegas, Rodriguez Park, public facilities, zoning reform, building regulations, residential apartments, commercial use, multigenerational housing, local government authority, healthcare, urgent care, emergency services, feasibility study, medical facilities, physician training, medical residency, New Mexico, massage therapy

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, putting that aside for now, another question is the discretionary block grant.
• I appreciate the student support block grant at $101 million.
• The student support discretionary block grant.
• grant The student support discretionary block grant.
• I wanted to speak in support of the discretionary block grant.

Summary: The committee heard an overview of the May Revision’s Proposition 98 changes for K-12 and community colleges. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with higher guarantees in each year, full payment of the prior settle-up, and larger deposits into the school rainy-day fund. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF updates were reasonable, but urged caution about the settle-up approach and recommended using more of the available funding to protect ongoing programs and build budget resilience. Members focused heavily on the size of the proposed $3.9 billion settle-up, the $10.3 billion reserve deposit, declining K-12 enrollment, and how much of the new funding should be ongoing versus one-time. The committee then reviewed the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described the May Revision’s higher SCFF COLA, additional funding for enrollment growth, a student support block grant, apprenticeship adjustments, and continued funding for deferred maintenance, Calbright, Common Cloud, and credit for prior learning. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended prioritizing the statutory COLA increase, noted that more than half of districts are already above current-year growth targets, and said the new adult learner demonstration project should be rejected because districts already have tools to support similar services. Members also discussed a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall, which Finance said was discovered too late for the May Revision and would need to be addressed later. Finally, the committee took up the proposed implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the California Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career to build eligibility and data systems, along with trailer bill changes to set up state approval processes. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, that California lacks the needed infrastructure, and that the state will need emergency regulations, data linkages, and ongoing funding beyond the one-time proposal. The LAO agreed that some initial funding is needed but warned that the amounts and ongoing costs remain uncertain and that the Legislature should carefully draft the trailer bill language. Members asked about timing, other states’ actions, and how the state would ensure the program is ready for students and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to call up in block items 1, 2, and 3. >> Gentleman wishes to call up those first three
• items, all House Concurrent Resolutions, HCR 8, 9, and 11, in a block.
• Gentleman wishes to call up the House resolutions in block, items four through 12.
• </c> may proceed with those items in block. may proceed with those items in block.
• </c> block, as well. block, as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Scott, Block, and Hickey. So we have the J Block, Senator Jay Block.
• The caucus, the Block caucus. The advisory members will be senators.
• And Johnson As well as block our block. Chatfield, supposed to be a joke.
• Jay Block. Boon and pinto.
• Armstrong Lord, And block. Yeah. Am I good? I can't, I can't, I can't read lips.

Committee: House Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• We are geo-blocked. And I understand this may be a little bit... ...geo-blocked.
• So what I mean by geo-blocking is something like what you see in the EU.
• Washington State is geo-blocked from another country.
• You see this occasionally when you go to certain videos on YouTube being geo-blocked.
• I am speaking in support of adding geo-blocking to the bill.

Bills: HB2186 , HB2351 , HB1170

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: economic development, federal funds, state funding, infrastructure, grants, local government, emergency responders, emergency response, disaster response, obstruction of law enforcement, gross misdemeanor, public safety, incident command system, emergency operation zone, emergency management, law enforcement restrictions, warrant requirement, search and seizure, civil liberties, due process

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been said that we have the worst train blocking situations in the nation.
• During the study, the sensors recorded that 11,700... block crossings in Houston.
• Notably, 20 percent of these block crossings lasted longer than expected.
• A longer train, when traveling through the crossing, blocks more roads.
• We've had issues with blocked rail crossings in our area, and it's a tremendous problem.

Bills: HB341 , HB791 , HB1564 , HB1695 , HB1722 , HB1729 , HB1772 , HB2003 , HB2954 , HB2989 , HB3084 , HB3134 , HB3135 , HB3309 , HB3611 , HB3679 , HB3727 , HB3832

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Block.
• Oh, Representative Block, an explanation.
• Representative Block and then Representative Lujan.
• Representative Block. Yes. Madam Vice Chair. Madam Chair.
• Members, Representative Block. Madam Chair, I move a do pass.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, Senator Block, I think that's correct.
• Senator Block, you opened the door for some of that.
• Madam Chair, Senator, Senator Block.
• Madam Chair, Senator Block, Mary Ellen Garcia.
• Senator Block. Thank you. You could call the roll. Senator Block. Senator Charlie.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 130, which would require heart calcium scans for people over 50, allow pharmacists to manage related screening and medication, and eliminate cost-sharing barriers for the testing and treatment. The sponsor argued the bill could prevent coronary artery disease deaths and reduce long-term health costs, while an industry lobbyist questioned whether it would actually save patients money and raised concerns about the substitute language. After questions about costs, rural access, pharmacist training, liability, and the effect of treatment, the committee adopted a due pass recommendation on the committee substitute by a 6-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 31, the EMS personnel licensure interstate compact. Supporters from the Chamber of Commerce, Think New Mexico, the Health Care Authority, and an autism advocacy group said the compact would help address EMS shortages, improve emergency response, and support rural health workforce needs. One opponent warned about out-of-state personnel practicing under unfamiliar standards and possible retention problems. The committee adopted an immunity-related amendment and then gave the bill a 9-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 33, the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact, was also heard and amended with a similar immunity change. Supporters said it would expand telehealth and behavioral health access, while some members questioned data on workforce shortages, standards, and how the compact would affect New Mexico’s oversight. The committee approved the amended bill 8-0. House Bill 43, a cleanup bill for PERA disability and survivor pension provisions, was presented as a technical measure to clarify statutes, update the disability earnings cap to match Social Security, and reduce ambiguity without changing benefits or liabilities. Members asked about double-dipping, survivor provisions, and fiscal impact, and the bill received a 9-0 do pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 22, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to study how CYFD-administered state and federal funds support domestic violence services. Sponsors and advocates said funding has been flat or reduced despite rising need, and that providers need clearer, more transparent data; committee members expressed concern that the state lacks a clear accounting of where the money goes. The memorial passed on a 9-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Block, do you yield? Mr. President, I do, sir. Thank you, Senator Block. Senator Gallegos.
• Thank you, Senator Block.
• Senator Block. Aye. Senator Block votes yes. Senator Boone. Yes. Senator Boone votes yes.
• Senator Block. Well, Mr.
• Senator Block. Aye. Senator Block votes yes. Senator Boone. Yes. Senator Boone votes yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Block to move and explain the amendment.
• And Senator Block, if you could just give us a moment.
• Thank you, Senator Block.
• President, thank you, Senator Block.
• I actually think Senator Block had a really good point.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are out of the block.
• The remaining in-block memorial resolutions are before you, in addition to two that can...
• Does any member desire to remove a resolution from the block?
• We adopted in block listed on pages 5 through 16, with the exceptions of House...
• Does any member desire to remove a resolution from the block?

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, sorry, you moved a second, and we'll continue with the block.
• Okay, sorry, you moved a second, and we'll continue with the block.
• So in the block, which is easier to say what's in the block? Senate Bill 124 and Senate Bill 455.
• So we're going to move forward with those in a block, and then... Amendments. Okay.
• All right, so we're going to move forward with those in a block, and then...

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Block. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. Any other questions? Senator Block.
• Madam Chair and Senator Block, no, and I'm looking at her. Madam Chair and Senator Block, no.
• Madam Chair and Senator Block, there is a law enforcement exemption.
• As Senator Block said, we still have to deal with...
• A second, Senator Block. If you could call the roll, please. Senator Block: Aye.

Bills: SB20 , SB111 , SB211 , SB218 , SB14

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, there's two Blocks, yeah. I'm the good one. There's two Blocks, yeah. I'm the good one.
• Senator Block, I will not editorialize there.
• Senator Block. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Block. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator Block. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Block. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: HB10 , HB12 , HB34 , SB130 , SM21

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: physician assistants, interstate compact, medical services, licensure, cross-state practice, military families, regulatory authority, physical therapy, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare, military spouses, criminal background check, HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Block: Aye.
• And thanks to Senator Block and Dr.
• And thanks to Senator Block and Dr.
• So, Madam Chair and Senator Block, no.
• Senator Block. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: SB4 , SB7 , SB9 , SB17

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, medical education, salaries, graduate education, clinician pay, health sciences, education funding, faculty salary, University of New Mexico, healthcare funding, general fund, state budget, New Mexico legislation, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Block. Senator Bergman. Senator Block. Senator Boone. Senator Boone. Senator Brantley.
• But will Senator Block please yield? Senator Block, do you yield?
• But will Senator Block please yield? Senator Block, do you yield? Mr. President, I do. Mr.
• Thank you, Senator Block. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Thank you, Senator Block.

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and then spent much of the session on ceremonial recognitions and guest introductions. Certificates and remarks highlighted the 30th anniversary of 529 education savings plans and 4-H Day, with senators praising 529 plans as a family education-savings tool and 4-H as a major youth leadership program in all 33 counties. Members also recognized Scouts in America, including Michaela Kern as the first female Eagle Scout from Eddy County, and heard additional presentations tied to New Mexico State University, the College Assistance Migrant Program, and regional councils of government. Several senators used the floor to introduce students and community members from across the state, especially 4-H participants, NMSU CAMP students, and local youth leadership groups. Comments emphasized agriculture, leadership development, public service, and the importance of volunteer support. One senator also raised concerns about a prior Indian Day incident involving the Navajo Nation being placed at the back for the pledge, urging better decorum and respect in the chamber. The Senate then processed a governor’s message authorizing Senate Bill 149 for consideration and adopted multiple committee reports moving bills and memorials through the process, including measures referred to education, health and public affairs, tax/business/transportation, rules, finance, and judiciary committees. The body also introduced Senate Memorials 24 and 25 and Senate Joint Memorial 4. A call of the Senate was ordered after objection to moving to third reading, and the sergeant-at-arms reported Senators Sanchez and Tobiassen missing; the chamber remained under call while other business continued. The session ended with committee schedule announcements and a recess until noon the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up in the block is Senate Bill 402.
• I'd like to take those amendments in a block. They'll be considered a block.
• I'd like to take those amendments in a block. They'll be considered a block.
• I'd like to take those amendments in a block. They'll be considered a block.
• I'd like to take those amendments in a block. They'll be considered a block.

Transcript Highlights:

• So take it with a grain of salt. Vice Chairman Dressler. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr.

Committee: Joint Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So take it with a grain of salt. Vice Chairman Dressler. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: Joint Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee

Summary: The committee met to receive updates from the Tax Commissioner’s office on property tax relief programs and related compliance work. Commissioner Brian Croshys reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting that the Homestead program expanded significantly after HB 1158, that some households are “adjusting out” of eligibility as incomes rise, and that the committee may want to consider indexing income thresholds. Members asked for additional data on bracket breakdowns, possible costs of eliminating income limits for seniors, and how many households are zeroed out by the combined programs. Croshys also discussed the simpler administration of the disabled veteran credit, the growth in participation, and the heavy workload and auditing safeguards built into the new primary residence credit system. He said the department found no material compliance findings and that the program is designed to be digital-first, with county auditors and the Tax Commissioner’s office both involved in review and notification. The committee recessed for lunch and later reconvened, with the chair noting that more detailed PRC information would likely be available at a September meeting. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase, or “zero growth,” report and the 2025 statistical report. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and which jurisdictions showed the largest percentage changes in countywide, citywide, school district, and park district levies. In the statistical report, she summarized recent trends in assessed values: agricultural values remained relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed property values increased over the past five years. She also reviewed statewide tax levies by property class and clarified that centrally assessed growth figures were annual averages. Members discussed how shifts in land use and annexation can make it appear that tax burdens are moving from ag to residential/commercial property. Myers then summarized the interim study on the 3% levy limitation under HB 1176, saying most counties complied without budget changes, while some used hiring freezes, deferred purchases, or reserve funds; 23% of counties had to reduce levies, and the affected funds were mainly general, road and bridge, and weed control. She said 12 counties reported zero new growth in the data and that 35 counties reported not using all of their cap. The committee also received an oil tax presentation from Croshys on the stripper well extraction tax exemption. He outlined the number of active stripper wells, the production and revenue implications of the exemption, and projections for future biennia under different tax scenarios. He said the exemption represents substantial savings to operators but also corresponds to production tax revenue that would otherwise be collected, and he emphasized that future outcomes depend on oil prices, well counts, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly answered a question about why Red River wells have a different production threshold than Bakken wells, explaining it was tied to completion costs and lateral length. The committee then heard from Charlie Gorecki of the EERC, who presented an analysis of typical Bakken well decline curves and argued that most oil is produced before a well reaches stripper status, but that keeping wells open and investing in refracturing or other interventions can recover additional production. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; the main actions were receiving reports, asking for follow-up data, and scheduling further discussion for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So take it with a grain of salt. Vice Chairman Dressler. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and heard a lengthy update from Tax Commissioner Brian Croshys on property tax relief programs. He reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting increased relief after House Bill 1158 and House Bill 1176, but also discussing how some households “income adjust out” of eligibility over time. Members asked about indexing income thresholds, expanding eligibility by age alone, simplifying administration, county-level notices, and whether the county and state systems could be streamlined. Croshys said the programs are heavily used, largely administered at the county level, and that the department is still refining compliance and reporting; he also said there were no material findings or overarching concerns in the latest review. The committee agreed more detailed PRC information would likely come back in a September meeting, and the chair announced an afternoon recess for lunch before later reconvening. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase report, the zero-growth report, and a statistical report on property values and tax levies by class. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and identified counties and cities with the largest percentage changes in growth or decline. She also summarized recent trends: agricultural values remain relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed values have risen over the last five years; in 2025, residential property accounted for the largest share of statewide property tax levies, followed by commercial, agriculture, and centrally assessed property. Committee members asked about unusual zero-growth figures, the effect of annexation and land-use changes, and whether the 3% levy cap was forcing political subdivisions to use reserves or defer spending. Myers said many counties complied by using reserves, delaying capital projects, or limiting increases, and that some counties had not used their full cap. The committee then moved to the stripper oil extraction tax exemption. Commissioner Croshys reviewed the state’s oil tax structure and estimated the revenue impact of keeping stripper wells exempt from extraction tax while still paying production tax. He said the exemption saves operators hundreds of millions of dollars over a biennium, while the state still collects production tax on those wells. He also discussed projected impacts if the exemption were changed for future wells and noted that future outcomes depend on oil prices, production declines, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly explained the historical difference between the 35-barrel and 30-barrel thresholds for certain wells, citing differences in completion costs and lateral lengths. The committee then heard from EERC CEO Charles Gorecki, who presented an analysis of oil well life cycles and said most oil is produced before wells reach stripper status, but that refracturing or other reinvestment can significantly extend production and keep wells above the threshold for years.