Transcript Highlights:

• And we have, I would just say, an army—or maybe that’s not quite the right size—of the people in this

Summary: The conference committee met on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5167, the state operating budget, and received a detailed staff briefing on the proposed conference report. Staff explained how to read the comparison documents, the four-year balanced-budget outlook, and the main resource assumptions, including use of the March 2025 revenue forecast, exclusion of the statutory 4.5% growth assumption, revenue legislation totaling about $8.7 billion, numerous fund transfers, and reversion assumptions. They also noted the proposal does not include a temporary salary reduction or furloughs. The briefing highlighted major policy areas and their net five-year impacts, including increases for state and higher education employee compensation, K-12 education, long-term care and developmental disabilities, corrections, information technology, and other policy items. It also described net reductions in behavioral health, children/youth/families, higher education, natural resources, other human services, and health care/public health, with many of the changes tied to delayed programs, rate adjustments, fund shifts, and savings options from Governor Ferguson. The committee then heard member comments, with supporters emphasizing K-12 funding and fiscal responsibility, and Senator Gildon opposing the process and the closed-door nature of the budget development. A motion was made and seconded to recommend adoption of the conference report and pass the bill. The roll call showed one member voting do not recommend, one member excused, and the remaining members recommending adoption. By vote of the committee, the conference report was adopted, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, our residents of All in Army recently did a survey.

Bills: HB1835 , HB2561 , HB3630

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: manufactured housing, HUD-code, zoning, local government regulations, installation permits, municipal utility district, board meetings, public access, meeting location, transparency, fire prevention, agriculture, local government, fire safety, regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• We will have a whole other army of assistant attorney generals.

Bills: HB493

Committee: House Children and Senior Advocacy

Keywords: child advocacy centers, certification, funding allocation, Alabama Network, forensic evaluation, children's welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Armed Forces and became an Army instructor in 1944.

Bills: SJR36 , SJR34 , SJR18 , SCR9 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SB929 , SB765 , SB523 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB869 , SB890 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB494 , SB290 , SB766 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB263 , SB412 , SB20 , SB441 , SB442 , SB1621 , SCR13 , SB569 , SB314 , SB25 , SB293 , SB914 , SB260 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SJR34 , SCR9 , SB10 , SB11 , SB19 , SB20 , SB25 , SB62 , SB140 , SB260 , SB262 , SB290 , SB293 , SB314 , SB370 , SB384 , SB412 , SB441 , SB442 , SB480 , SB494 , SB495 , SB616 , SB627 , SB706 , SB707 , SB764 , SB767 , SB869 , SB890 , SB929 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB1621 , SJR34 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB480 , SB627 , SB764 , SB767 , SR224 , SB1626 , SB1627 , SB1628 , SB1629 , SB1630 , SB1631 , SB1632 , SB1633 , SB1634 , SB1635 , SB1636 , SB1637 , SB1638 , SB1639 , SB1640 , SB1641 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1644 , SB1645 , SB1646 , SB1647 , SB1648 , SB1649 , SB1650 , SB1651 , SB1652 , SB1653 , SB1654 , SB1656 , SB1657 , SB1658 , SB1659 , SB1660 , SB1661 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB1664 , SB1665 , SB1666 , SB1667 , SB1668 , SB1669 , SB1670 , SB1671 , SB1672 , SB1673 , SB1674 , SB1675 , SB1676 , SB1677 , SB1678 , SB1679 , SB1680 , SB1681 , SB1682 , SB1683 , SB1684 , SB1685 , SB1686 , SB1687 , SB1688 , SB1689 , SB1690 , SB1691 , SB1692 , SB1693 , SB1694 , SB1695 , SB1696 , SB1697 , SB1698 , SB1699 , SB1700 , SB1626 , SB1627 , SB1628 , SB1629 , SB1630 , SB1631 , SB1632 , SB1633 , SB1634 , SB1635 , SB1636 , SB1637 , SB1638 , SB1639 , SB1640 , SB1641 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1644 , SB1645 , SB1646 , SB1647 , SB1648 , SB1649 , SB1650 , SB1651 , SB1652 , SB1653 , SB1654 , SB1656 , SB1657 , SB1658 , SB1659 , SB1660 , SB1661 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB1664 , SB1665 , SB1666 , SB1667 , SB1668 , SB1669 , SB1670 , SB1671 , SB1672 , SB1673 , SB1674 , SB1675 , SB1676 , SB1677 , SB1678 , SB1679 , SB1680 , SB1681 , SB1682 , SB1683 , SB1684 , SB1685 , SB1686 , SB1687 , SB1688 , SB1689 , SB1690 , SB1691 , SB1692 , SB1693 , SB1694 , SB1695 , SB1696 , SB1697 , SB1698 , SB1699 , SB1700

Transcript Highlights:

• So an Army medic may have more field time as a medic but doesn't have the clinical time where an Air

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and heard House Bill 303 first. Representative Steve Bratcher explained that the bill would let U.S. military members with medical training transition that experience into Kentucky health-care credentials more quickly. Schools and colleges would evaluate military curricula on an individual basis, identify gaps, and allow those gaps to be filled with additional classes or clinical time before the person sits for the required exam. The bill was described as applying broadly across medical fields, not just nursing, and it would not waive testing or standards. Senators asked whether the process would compare credentials across states and whether the bill covered only U.S. military service; Bratcher said evaluations would be individualized and the bill was primarily for those who served in the U.S. military. HB 303 received an 11-0 favorable vote. The committee then took up House Bill 305, presented by Representative Ken Fleming. He said the committee substitute would expand an existing health-care workforce award program to include dietitians and physician assistants, clarify that certain EMS-related services may be owned or operated by a hospital rather than only owned by one, and provide more flexibility around licensing timelines after a certificate of need is issued by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. After a motion and second, the committee voted unanimously to amend and pass HB 305 with favorable expression. A title amendment was also adopted unanimously. Before adjournment, the chair noted that the next regular meeting was scheduled for March 12 and warned that a special-called meeting might be needed the following Monday because of bills arriving from the House. No further business was taken up, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• MISSION BOTH WITH THE SOUTH FLORIDA, WITH THE GOVERNOR AND THE FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH THE ARMY

Transcript Highlights:

• in its contribution. and culture of Texas, including serving alongside General Sam Houston and the Army

Transcript Highlights:

• Are looking at our next phase of streamlining permitting, which is to take over from the US Army Corps
• More pressure on this type of work also, as we take over from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Summary: The hearing reconvened with testimony from several agencies on their capital budget requests. The Department of Environmental Services requested a little over $38 million, with major emphasis on dam repairs and design work for aging state-owned dams, including a $5.25 million match for possible FEMA BRIC funding at Pawtuckaway/Tuckaway and other projects such as Milton Three Ponds, Murphy Dam, and Lakeport Gates. DES also requested funding for state revolving loan fund matches, a Superfund match for the Savage Well site, IT and air-monitoring upgrades, and a new $750,000 cybersecurity request for water and wastewater systems. Committee members asked about FEMA eligibility, the distinction between design and construction money, and the timing and risk of banking funds if federal grants do not materialize. The University System of New Hampshire requested $20 million in state support, primarily $15 million for a major Diamond Library renovation at UNH to create a student support hub and reduce/repurpose collection space, plus $2.5 million each for deferred maintenance at Plymouth State and Keene State. The Community College System requested about $16.6 million across seven projects, led by critical maintenance, campus safety/security upgrades, IT infrastructure, parking and site improvements, HVAC replacement at White Mountains Community College in Littleton, a building management/energy system, and modernization of NHTI’s dental clinic and radiology spaces. The Department of Education requested $29.5 million, including a $4.9 million internal management platform to replace paper-based and siloed systems, plus career and technical education capital projects; Milford’s CTE project was described as being revised after repeated failed bond votes, while ConVal said its revised project would focus on modernizing existing CTE space and adding a security vestibule. Fish and Game requested $1.075 million for three facilities: Sewall Falls in Concord, the Lancaster Armory, and the Bunker Lane Barn in Durham, focusing on structural repairs, security, reconfiguration, and in one case replacement of a failing barn with a new 40-by-60 building. The department also said hatchery work is ongoing but that it is taking a cautious approach because of the planned New Hampton Hatchery and future capital needs. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources requested $9.26 million for eight projects, including campground electrical upgrades at Ellacoya and Lake Francis, White Lake water system replacement, Mount Washington fuel tank and safety work, Odiorne Point visitor center work funded through parks revenue, roofing and parking lot repairs, Fox Forest office safety upgrades, and historic site repairs at White Island and Fort Constitution. Members asked about revenue-based capital, the stability of the parks fund, and flexibility in choosing projects as bids come in. The Department of Transportation began its presentation at the end of the transcript, but its detailed requests were not yet discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• policies and procedures for institution and business and education sectors, and he's also a 10-year Army
• When I was in the Army, I jokingly said all the time that 90% of my time was spent on 10% of my soldiers

Bills: HB1937 , HB2153 , HB3674 , HB2978 , HB3885 , HB3671 , HB3261 , HB3021 , HB3029 , HB4274 , HB3701 , HB3076

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first considered a series of executive nominations, including Brian Bobeck to the State Board of Education, Jonathan Daniels to the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools, Cody Swanee to OETA, Randy Squires to the Western Oklahoma State College Board of Regents, Dwight Spencer to the Carl Albert State College Board of Regents, V. Lee to the Oklahoma Arts Council, Adisha Chapman to the Murray State College Board of Regents, Trevor Pemberton to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Jennifer Carlson and Melissa Yvonne to the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, Kevin Gross to the Tulsa Community College Board of Regents, and Barbara Myers to the Oklahoma Arts Council. Most nominees briefly described their backgrounds and reasons for serving, and the committee approved each nomination, with votes ranging from 8-1 to 10-0, sending them on to the full Senate or floor as applicable. The committee then took up several education bills. House Bill 1937, dealing with the Communications with Students Act, was amended to require corroborated evidence before immediate suspension and to narrow the definition of student; it passed 9-0. House Bill 2153, which would subject OSSAA meetings and hearings to the Open Meetings Act and repeal the statutory one-year sit-out rule for transfers, drew questions about recruitment and FERPA but passed 7-3. House Bill 3674, requiring school resource officer training on sexual assault and violence, annual continuing education, mandatory reporting, and closure of contractor loopholes, passed 9-0. House Bill 3885, setting a graduated discipline framework for third through fifth graders, prompted debate over classroom safety and student rights and passed 9-1. House Bill 3671, allowing a receiving district to accept a transferring teacher’s career status, passed 10-0. House Bill 3261, assigning employee numbers to school support staff such as coaches and bus drivers for tracking across districts, passed 10-0. Several other bills generated more extensive discussion. House Bill 2978, which would impose annual library audits, public online catalogs, a formal challenge process, and funding penalties for noncompliance, faced repeated questions about how it differed from existing policy and who could challenge materials; it failed 4-5. House Bill 3021, revising graduation requirements and preserving flexibility for applied math/science and local course approval while removing some language requirements, passed 8-2. House Bill 3029, requiring the Department of Education to develop a four-year plan, passed 9-1. House Bill 4274, expanding school choice options for military-dependent students living on base, passed 10-0. The committee also began consideration of House Bill 3076, which would clarify alternative teacher certification provider definitions and OEQA oversight, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've learned that it takes an army. It's not just one person.
• Chairman, I think Representative Crane said it doesn't take an army; it takes a bunch of electrical contractors

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• He was in the Army. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd. We have a lot of love and respect for my dad.
• He was in the Army. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd. We have a lot of love and respect for my dad.

Bills: HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB100 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB337 , HB957

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: racketeering, gambling crimes, law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice, temporary restraining orders, abuse prevention, evidence, court procedures, legal protections, felony speeding, traffic laws, penalties, elderly, infirmities, abuse, neglect, crime of violence, criminal liability, caregiver

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, it's important to note both of these waterways, Calaveras River and Rock Creek, have Army Corps
• So the Army Corps is very eager to release that water once it's impounded, and it allows for some flashier

Summary: The hearing focused on oversight of AB 658 and the State Water Resources Control Board’s five-year temporary permits for groundwater recharge. Assembly Member Arambula and committee members discussed how the permits are intended to help capture high flows during wet periods, support SGMA implementation, and store water underground for later use. The State Water Board chair said the five-year permits have become an important tool, with seven five-year permits issued this season and over 43,000 acre-feet authorized, but noted that actual recharge depends on hydrology and that the board is open to improvements. Members and witnesses discussed several possible changes to make the program more effective: allowing a two-year delay before the five-year permit clock starts, codifying CEQA exemptions that have been used through executive order, and shifting from a public objection model to a public comment model to reduce delays. There was also discussion of water availability analyses, with some members asking whether the state could develop a broader statewide assessment to reduce consultant costs and make permitting more predictable. The board said such an effort would be large and costly, but could potentially save applicants money and improve consistency. District representatives described their experiences. Stockton East said the five-year permit was more cost-effective than repeated 180-day permits, but that the 90-20 methodology, consultant costs, and a burrowing owl survey condition made use difficult. Omaha-Hartnell Water District said its recharge work depends on simple, low-cost infrastructure and that five-year permits, CEQA reform, and lower upfront fees would help small districts. A consultant working with Scott Valley and Sierra Valley said five-year permits can work well in different basins, but local infrastructure, stakeholder coordination, streambed alteration agreements, and upstream flow constraints can limit recharge. Members also raised concerns about basin connectivity, downstream water rights, and the need to pair recharge with sustainable groundwater pumping and broader water storage planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, it's important to note both of these waterways, Calaveras River and Rock Creek, have Army Corps
• that was quite easy to meet is that the water you store has to be pumped out in the... 30 days so the Army

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:

• My first seven were active duty Army, and the next 23, I moved eight times, or eight different states
• as a private practice owner and 12 years of service as a commissioned officer in the United States Army

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held public hearings on several House bills and later took executive action on two others. The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2242, which would let the Department of Health issue immunization recommendations and tie preventive-service coverage to federal recommendations as of June 30, 2025, while preserving access to vaccines and other preventive services. Supporters, including the Governor’s office and the Insurance Commissioner, said the bill would protect access, affordability, and stable vaccine purchasing; opponents argued it politicizes vaccine policy and gives too much influence to state agencies and outside groups. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2152, allowing terminally ill patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities to use medical cannabis under facility policies, with supporters emphasizing dignity, symptom relief, and safeguards, and House Bill 2088, joining the dietitian licensure compact, which supporters said would help military spouses, telehealth, and workforce shortages. House Bill 2110, on ambulance inter-facility specialty care transports, drew support from rural hospitals seeking more staffing flexibility and opposition from nurses and EMS personnel concerned about training, accountability, and patient safety. House Bill 2247, on veterinarian-client-patient relationships and telemedicine, drew support from the sponsor and some stakeholders as a workforce and access measure, but also criticism from the state veterinarian and others who said it could conflict with federal VCPR requirements and public health protections. House Bill 2340, expanding substance use disorder monitoring program eligibility to nursing assistants and stipend support, was presented as a way to help low-wage health workers stay in the workforce; there were no in-person testifiers against it. In executive session, the committee considered House Bill 2155, concerning the use of nursing titles, and House Bill 2531, aligning the ambulance transport fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations. Both bills received do-pass recommendations and were sent to the Rules Committee. For the public hearings, no final committee votes were taken on the other bills in this transcript, and testimony concluded on each measure after the committee heard from sponsors, agency officials, advocates, and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• And my expert, Secretary Kerry Armie Hill from Health Care Authority, is welcome to add.
• My expert, Secretary Kerry Armie Hill from Health Care Authority, is welcome to add.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 21, as amended, which would create an annual birthday-based open enrollment period for Medicare supplement policyholders age 65 and older, allowing them to switch to equal or lesser coverage without medical underwriting. The Aging and Long-Term Services Department and the Office of Superintendent of Insurance supported the bill as a consumer protection measure for seniors who are locked into rising premiums, while AHIP opposed it, warning it could raise premiums for existing policyholders. The League of Women Voters and AARP supported the measure. After debate over premium impacts and market stability, the committee voted 6-4 to give SB 21 a due pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 20, dealing with prior authorization for medications used to treat serious mental illness. An amendment to change the bill from limiting prior authorization to once every three years to once every 12 months was debated; insurers supported the annual review, while nursing, disability, and mental health advocates argued that more frequent prior authorization would add burden and delay care. The committee tabled the amendment 5-4, then passed the unamended bill on a do pass vote. Testimony emphasized that the bill would not change how often patients see their doctors, only how often insurers can require prior authorization. Next, Senate Bill 101 was heard, which repeals the delayed sunset of the Health Care Delivery and Access Act so the hospital provider tax can continue. Sponsors and the Health Care Authority said the program has generated substantial federal matching funds and supports hospitals, especially rural facilities. AARP, Health Action New Mexico, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and the New Mexico Hospital Association supported the bill. Committee members asked about how funds are distributed and reported; the agency said distributions are based on Medicaid discharges and hospitals must report on spending. The bill received a do pass. The committee also approved House Memorial 52, which requests a study group on health insurance premium affordability for working families and small employers. Supporters from Blue Cross and Blue Shield and AHIP said the memorial would help identify cost drivers and improve transparency. The committee then passed House Bill 132, as amended, creating a workers’ compensation presumption for certain occupational conditions affecting police officers. Supporters from labor, state police, OSI, and business groups said it would help recruitment, retention, and recovery, while members discussed the removal of back pain from the presumption and the reinstatement of PTSD. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 14, which expands the state’s health professional loan repayment program and creates a broader advisory structure to address workforce shortages. The bill would cover physicians and many other health professions, with a large appropriation and special provisions for part-time service and loan repayment terms. The sponsor described it as a competitive recruitment tool, and numerous health care, labor, and consumer groups testified in support. The sponsor also described a proposed amendment to reallocate physician funds to other eligible health professionals if there are not enough qualified physician applicants, but the committee was preparing to move on when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Army veteran. I served seven years. You know, actually. I'm actually a veteran, U.S. Army veteran.

Bills: SB38 , SB17 , SB41 , SB264

Committee: House House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 38, which would make permanent the New Mexico affordable spay-neuter program funded by fees on registered pet food. The sponsor and supporters said the program helps reduce companion animal overpopulation, shelter intake, and euthanasia, while opponents argued the charge is an unlawful tax, is tied to ongoing litigation, and that required annual reporting has not been done. After public testimony, the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 38 by a 10-1 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 17, a gun-safety measure that would impose new requirements on firearms dealers and prohibit future sale of certain assault-style and high-capacity weapons. Supporters, including sponsors, gun-violence survivors, public safety advocates, and some local officials, argued the bill would address straw purchasing, trafficking, dealer accountability, and mass-casualty weapons. Opponents, including firearms retailers, ranchers, law enforcement, and gun owners, said the bill would burden lawful businesses, raise constitutional concerns, and do little to stop crime. After extensive testimony and questions about the bill’s legal basis, definitions, and dealer regulations, the committee did not vote and instead rolled the bill for further work on amendments. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 41, as amended, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor. Support came from the Chamber of Commerce and sexual assault advocacy groups, who said delayed disclosure is common and justice should not expire before survivors are ready to come forward. Committee members asked detailed questions about the bill’s scope, including why certain offenses remained covered and how the criminal statutes are categorized. The committee adopted an amendment to correct drafting issues and then passed SB 41 as amended on a 10-0 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 264, an elections safety bill that would strengthen penalties for election interference, create emergency polling-place protocols, and clarify when law enforcement may be present at polling places at the request of election officials. Supporters said it was needed to protect voters from intimidation, while an opponent argued it could put law enforcement at risk and restrict their ability to vote. The sponsor and Secretary of State explained that the bill was aimed at preventing ordered deployment of armed personnel to polling places, not barring officers or service members from voting. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Johns Water Management District and the Army Corps of Engineers.
• Then during this time, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida DEP had submitted a permit application

Bills: S0330 , S0474 , S0694 , S1120 , S1216 , S1366 , S1442 , S7018

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: firefighter disability, law enforcement disability, correctional officer disability, correctional probation officer, presumptive disability, workers' compensation, line of duty presumption, heart disease presumption, hypertension presumption, tuberculosis presumption, public safety employees, first responders, physical examination, preemployment exam, medical specialist, Medicare reimbursement, employing agency, Florida Statutes 112.18, Florida Statutes 943.13, occupational disease

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a retired Army Ranger.
• than a decade of serving, including two tours in Iraq and over 2,500 free-fall parachute jumps as an Army

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 66, which would expand and restructure the Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Fund. The sponsor said the substitute narrows the bill to a $25 million fund, with 50% reserved for physicians and the rest for other health professionals, and raises physician awards to at least $75,000 per year for a four-year commitment. Supporters from nursing, physical therapy, health systems, social work, and advocacy groups said the program would help recruit and retain providers in New Mexico. The committee moved the substitute and then passed the bill on a do-pass motion. House Bill 38, dealing with coverage for prosthetics, orthotics, and mobility devices, drew extensive testimony from amputees, Paralympians, clinicians, and disability advocates. The bill would clarify and expand coverage for activity prosthetics, activity wheelchairs, and related complex rehab technology, with limits on the number of devices and replacement tied to physiological changes. Supporters said access to these devices is medically necessary for physical and mental health, independence, and participation in sports and daily life. After questions about provider qualifications, insurance contracting, and replacement for growing children, the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill. House Bill 257 would appropriate funds to increase Medicaid reimbursement for vagus nerve stimulation implants for drug-resistant epilepsy. The sponsor and manufacturer’s representative argued current reimbursement is too low, leaving only UNM Hospital performing the procedures and limiting access statewide; they said better reimbursement could reduce emergency visits and long-term Medicaid costs. Members raised concerns about the bill’s language, including whether it could allow payment above allowable rates or create uncertainty about the reimbursement standard. A motion to table failed, and the committee then passed the bill 5-4, with several members noting they supported the concept but wanted the language tightened before the next committee. The committee also passed House Bill 178, which appropriates $3 million for shade structures in rural parks and outdoor recreation areas, after testimony that the project would reduce sun exposure, heat illness, and skin cancer risk. House Bill 198, which provides $2 million for peer-to-peer mental health training and treatment for first responders, also advanced on a do-pass without recommendation after members said they supported the goal but wanted clearer language on training standards, liability, and administration. Finally, House Bill 202, which would require data-sharing agreements to help the Office of Child Advocate access records from state agencies, drew support from child advocacy groups but concern from IT and family advocates about timelines, system complexity, privacy, and the need for family collaboration; the discussion continued with suggestions to refine the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Belen High School, a first-generation high school graduate, and first generation to enlist in the Army
• Army airborne veteran and a mother to two daughters.

Bills: HB34 , HM7 , HM8 , HM17 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM25 , HM34 , HB95 , HB111 , SB1 , HJR1 , HM4 , HM22

Summary: The House convened with quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of memorials, certificates, guest introductions, and legislative messages. House Memorial 8 honored the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and Dr. King’s legacy; members spoke about the commission’s work in promoting service, liberty, equality, and student leadership. The memorial passed unanimously, 70-0. Later, House Memorial 25 recognized victims of violent crime and their families, with emotional testimony from lawmakers and guests describing the lasting impact of homicide and the importance of survivor voices. That memorial also passed unanimously, 70-0. The chamber then recognized numerous guests, including Kid Frost, several student “shadows” from Belen High School and other schools, Santo Domingo Pueblo leaders, Habitat for Humanity volunteers, CNM board members and students, Southwest Cheese representatives, military installation leaders, and others. Members also highlighted community events and receptions, including Silver Spikes Day and a 100th bill celebration. The House received several executive messages from the governor authorizing bill submissions on virtual power plants, apprenticeship funding for public works, AEDs at school athletic activities, and an energy affordability and grid reliability commission, along with a Senate message transmitting Senate Bill 2. Committee reports were adopted on a number of measures, including House Bills 145, 200, 32, 33, 61, 201, 153, 154, 184, 110, and 109, plus House Memorials 23, 24, and 26, and House Joint Memorial 2. The Appropriations and Finance Committee also reported a substitute for House Bills 2 and 3, which was adopted. On third reading, Senate Bill 1, dealing with a doctor compact for New Mexico, passed the House 64-0 after discussion about its role in physician recruitment and the need for malpractice reform. House Bill 34, a cleanup bill related to nurse licensure and charter school nurses, was also taken up for debate, with questions focused on the three-tier nurse evaluation system and recruitment impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• That has refused to sing the Army song.
• So in order for me to vote yes on the floor, I expect the first line of the Army song.

Bills: HB2010 , HB2192 , HB2199 , HB2279 , HB2310 , HB2459 , HB2501 , HB2555 , HB2690 , HB2693

Committees: House Commerce , House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Keywords: digital goods, advertising, ownership, license, consumer protection, refund policies, streaming services, minors, content creators, online platforms, compensation, trust accounts, child protection, video content, privacy, employment, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, landlord tenant laws, tenant rights