Transcript Highlights:

• let the court intake system know that those juveniles hadn't missed check-ins or tampered with the equipment
• Gentlemen, I think you know the drill. Introduce yourself for the record and...
• Gentlemen, I think you know the drill. Introduce yourself for the record and... Thank you, Mr.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee met on Senate Bill 123, a proposed constitutional amendment to create a legislative process for removing judges for cause. Senator Morris said the bill was needed because of uncertainty in the current Constitution about whether impeachment applies to judges, given the Judiciary Commission’s role in judicial discipline. He argued the measure would provide a clearer, higher-threshold accountability mechanism, and the committee adopted a technical amendment renumbering provisions and later clarified that the bill uses a majority vote in the House and two-thirds in the Senate, consistent with impeachment-style thresholds. Much of the hearing centered on testimony from Anna Carter and her family, who supported the bill after the murder of Jacob Carter in New Orleans. They described his death and other cases they said showed judges releasing dangerous offenders despite repeated violations, missed electronic-monitoring check-ins, and other warning signs. They argued the bill would create a last-resort accountability tool when judicial decisions or supervision failures lead to preventable harm. Several committee members expressed sympathy and said the testimony highlighted serious problems in the justice system, though some also suggested the bill should address district attorneys, electronic-monitoring oversight, or broader systemic issues. Opposition came from members who warned the proposal was overly broad, could become a political tool, and might conflict with existing constitutional provisions governing impeachment and judicial discipline. They argued the Judiciary Commission and Supreme Court already provide a disciplinary framework and that the bill could chill judicial independence or create due-process concerns. The ACLU’s Sarah Whittington also opposed the bill, noting technical inconsistencies in the draft, questioning why impeachment had not been tried first, and arguing the measure singled out judicial discretion while leaving other elected officials’ discretion untouched. The committee took no final vote on the bill during the hearing, but did adopt the technical amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, and the reason we say 10 feet is that with the equipment we currently have, most of the tractors
• So by the time you straddle a fence line to drill a post hole or do anything like that, Or more.
• So by the time you straddle a fence line to drill a post hole or do anything like that, you need that

Summary: The House first established a quorum after a quorum call, then moved into House Bills for Perfection. House Bill 2297, a fence-law bill, was presented as a way to let livestock owners enter up to 10 feet onto neighboring property to repair fence lines and remove brush or debris on the fence line without being treated as trespassers. Supporters said the current law leaves livestock owners responsible for fences but without a practical way to fix them, creating safety and liability problems; the bill was described as a long-running issue in rural areas. Members discussed property-rights concerns, but the substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bills 2142 and 2058, dealing with the Missouri film tax incentive program, were then taken up. Sponsors said the program has produced strong economic returns, more productions, jobs, and spending in Missouri, and the bill would modernize the program by combining separate film and TV funding buckets while removing the proposed sunset extension. An amendment to keep the original sunset was adopted, and the bill as amended was perfected and printed after debate over tax credits, workforce development, and whether the incentives should be expanded or curtailed. The House also perfected House Bill 3004, a truth-in-labeling measure for wood products. The sponsor said the bill would protect Missouri’s hardwood industry by requiring products sold in the state to be labeled accurately if they are actually laminate, plastic, rubber, or other non-wood materials. Supporters called it a consumer-protection and industry-preservation bill, while one member questioned how it would apply to online and out-of-state sellers and expressed some reservations. The substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bills 3283 and 3306 were taken up together and described as a framework for resolving municipal public-employee contract disputes, especially for firefighters and other public employees under the State Board of Mediation. The bill sets a timeline for bargaining, mediation, and arbitration and defines good faith in negotiations; an amendment clarified that teachers and law enforcement are excluded under existing statutory definitions. Supporters said it would prevent years-long contract stalemates and save taxpayer money, while one member raised concerns about whether it would alter existing authority of public governing boards. The amendment and substitute were adopted, and the combined bill was perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 2536, a restroom and private-space designation bill, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said it would require government-controlled multi-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters to be designated by biological sex, with exceptions for custodial work, emergencies, law enforcement, and adults assisting children or people with disabilities. An amendment was adopted to clarify duties for the Department of Corrections and public safety officers. Supporters framed the bill as a privacy and safety measure for women and girls, citing incidents at schools and Kansas City International Airport; opponents argued it would not prevent crime, could lead to intrusive enforcement, and would harm transgender people and families. The transcript ends with the bill still under discussion, with no final vote shown on the underlying measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a wellness center with cardio and weight equipment, a large space for yoga.
• Just wanted to drill into this topic a little bit more.
• Just wanted to drill into this topic a little bit more.

Bills: SB1 , SB3

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• And so with that, just a reminder to mute cell phones, and you all know the drill.
• Just a reminder to mute cell phones, and you all know the drill.
• makes appropriations to the Department of Public Safety for the replacement of computer hardware, equipment

Bills: AB102 , AB108 , AB117 , AB213 , AB220 , AB221 , AB251 , AB259 , AB331 , AB336 , AB375 , AB379 , AB409 , AB475 , AB476 , AB550 , AB575 , AB594 , SB466

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• .** For example, Grayson College has leveraged additional funding from House Bill 8 to invest in equipment
• Then it seems like it clawed back some of those projections, and we've not been able to drill down and
• So the best way to kind of drill down in this is to actually speak directly with an institution about

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It could be equipment, supplies, resources. It's just what the state recognizes it as, or OMES.
• I just wanted to kind of drill down on this question. So, both schools are obviously schools.
• mental health facility investigation and we need to talk about medication, no one on our staff is equipped
• After that approval, they receive about $30,000 plus from you for training equipment, whatever they think

Committee: House A&B Human Services Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• This is about equipping hospital leadership with tools to run a financially sound operation.
• rural healthcare clinics to apply for grants to modernize IT infrastructure, purchase necessary equipment
• Labor and delivery is a 24-hour service that requires specialized staff, equipment, and space.
• We'll be drilling down.

Bills: HB18 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744 , HB18 , HB37 , HB116

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• realized that the people that we were dealing... that the people that we were dealing with were not equipped
• As you can imagine, the port is unique in that they bought a piece of equipment in 1940, and they're
• still having to account for that $500 piece of equipment even though it's depreciated to nothing.
• against anyone that is either in law enforcement, a first responder, or a state employee, you know the drill

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:37:53.920><c> and</c> granted for exploratory drilling and granted for exploratory drilling and
• They're drilling into the Lance Formation, which, if I understand correctly, they're drilling like 2,700
• So, the fluid is cooled using kind of standard chiller equipment.
• So you're using what you've equipment.
• So, the fluid is cooled using kind of standard chiller equipment.

Committee: Joint Select Water Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Just wanted to remind the body that there is a ballot counting equipment demonstration going on in HHR
• So go see the equipment that is utilized in HHR 2. gentleman from green. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• So go see the equipment that is utilized in U.H.H.R. 2. They'll be there until 2.
• So go see the equipment that is utilized in U. ...are bipartisan.
• So go see the equipment that is utilized in your counties, that your name appears on a ballot.

Summary: The House began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 123-1 roll call vote. Members then spent time introducing guests, including physicians, sheriffs, students, interns, and school groups from several districts. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement recognizing a member’s son’s birthday. On third reading, House Bill 1758, dealing with permanent daylight saving time in Missouri, drew debate over whether ending clock changes would improve convenience or create safety and health problems by leaving more commutes in darkness. Supporters argued it would align with public preference and reduce disruption, while opponents warned of circadian and safety concerns. The bill passed 107-31 with two present. The House then moved to perfection of House Bill 3329, which repeals expired or unused tax credits, and House Bill 3405, which reclassifies SALT/pass-through entity items as deductions rather than tax credits for reporting purposes; both were described as cleanup and efficiency measures and were perfected without opposition. The chamber then took up House Bill 2426, a broad parental rights bill covering medical, educational, privacy, and related decision-making for children, and a major amendment focused on individualized education plans (IEPs). Supporters said the bill and amendment strengthen parental involvement and require stricter judicial review, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, school district administration burdens, transparency requirements, and possible conflicts with existing law on truancy, medical care, and records. House Amendment 1 was adopted 98-25 with six present, and debate continued on the underlying bill with no final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It raises training standards, provides funding for life-saving equipment and medical kits, and allows
• It raises training standards, provides funding for life-saving equipment and medical kits, and allows
• As you know, educators are already equipped to provide basic training to students in terms of, you know
• Educators prioritize, and let's be clear, that students grow into successful human beings equipped with
• Some schools weren't even doing fire drills, okay?

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2763, which would require a joint resolution of the legislature before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission could close a state-run shooting range. The sponsor and several supporters, including a Prescott-area doctor, Arizona Citizens Defense League representatives, and Game and Fish staff, argued that closures can push shooters into unsafe public lands, create trash and safety problems, and that the legislature should have a voice in any closure decision. Game and Fish said its goal is to preserve Ben Avery and emphasized public safety. The bill was moved and received a do pass recommendation on an 8-1 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 2417, allowing courts to order speed-inhibiting devices as an alternative to license suspension or revocation for certain traffic offenses. Supporters said it could help people keep working and reduce recidivism, while opponents and some members raised concerns about scope and implementation. An amendment removed eligibility for people convicted of reckless driving or racing and clarified manufacturers are not required to build compatible vehicles. The bill, as amended, passed 7-2. House Bill 2345 followed, creating a felony for unlawfully present persons who possess a falsified commercial driver’s license and authorizing vehicle forfeiture and penalties for employers who knowingly hire such drivers. The sponsor framed it as a narrow public-safety measure, but the Arizona Trucking Association opposed it, arguing it was preempted by federal law, unworkable, and could jeopardize federal funding. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted an amendment and gave the bill a 5-3-1 do pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2666, increasing penalties for sexual extortion involving victims ages 15 to 17; testimony from prosecutors and anti-trafficking advocates supported the bill, while defense attorneys and some members urged caution about juvenile defendants and mandatory consecutive sentences. It passed 8-0 with members noting possible future amendments. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2175, which adds hate-crime-style sentencing enhancements for bias-motivated offenses and expands protected categories to include political expression and political affiliation. The ADL and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office supported the measure as a needed tool, while the ACLU and defense attorneys warned the political-expression language was too broad and could chill speech or invite selective prosecution. The bill passed 6-2 after adoption of an amendment. House Bill 2186, which lets a passenger satisfy identity requirements during a traffic stop by verbally providing information instead of showing physical ID, also received a do pass recommendation on a 7-0-1 vote after the sponsor said it was meant to fix an unconstitutional vagueness problem. The transcript then began discussion of House Bill 2364, concerning penalties for distribution or receipt of abortion-inducing drugs by courier or delivery service, but the exchange was cut off before testimony or action on that bill was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're drilling holes with improperly sharpened drill bits, and it was causing a lot of product waste
• sharpening so they're improper drill sharpening so they're drilling<04:16:24.159><c> holes</c><04:16
• :25.119><c> with</c><04:16:25.479><c> improperly</c><04:16:26.479><c> sharpened</c> drilling holes with
• improperly sharpened drilling holes with improperly sharpened drill<04:16:27.479><c> bits</c><04:16:
• bits and it's and it was causing a drill bits and it's and it was causing a lot<04:16:30.159><c> of<

Summary: The public hearing focused on HB 290, which would raise cigarette and e-cigarette/vaping taxes and create a committee to study tobacco and nicotine tax policy. Representative Jerry Stringham introduced the bill as both a public health and revenue measure, arguing that nicotine use causes health harms and public costs, and that New Hampshire’s cigarette tax has been unchanged at $1.78 per pack since 2013. He said the bill would raise the cigarette tax by $1 per pack to $2.78, still below most New England states, and would also adjust vaping taxes, which he described as having been set as placeholder rates in 2019. He said the bill would also establish a study committee to review broader tobacco and nicotine taxation, including products such as premium cigars. In response to questions, Stringham said the proposed cigarette tax would be roughly equal in real dollars to the 2008 rate after inflation, and he suggested that a smaller annual increase could be considered, though he believed a larger increase would have a stronger public health effect. He explained that the vaping tax structure differs between closed and open systems because one taxes a fixed hardware product while the other taxes reusable liquid, and he said the proposal would move the rates toward a more uniform approach. He also said New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase, though members raised concerns about cross-border shopping, business impacts, and preserving the state’s competitive advantage. Several members questioned whether the bill’s main purpose was revenue or reducing smoking and vaping. Stringham said he viewed it primarily as a public health bill, but also as a revenue measure, and said he would consider it successful even if consumption fell enough to reduce revenue. Other members emphasized personal freedom and argued the committee should focus on taxation rather than cessation, while some supported the bill as a way to capture revenue from out-of-state buyers and keep New Hampshire’s rates below surrounding states. The hearing consisted of testimony and questions only; no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We understand what you're shooting for in terms of alignment of this effort as it drills into the planning
• of alignment of this this effort<00:04:50.039><c> as</c><00:04:50.199><c> it</c><00:04:50.520><c> drills
• /c><00:04:51.120><c> into</c><00:04:51.759><c> the</c><00:04:52.000><c> planning</c> effort as it drills
• into the planning effort as it drills into the planning and<00:04:52.639><c> budgeting</c><00:04:53.240

Summary: The Investments in IT Improvements and Modernization Projects Oversight Board met for its first meeting, approved the minutes from November 13, 2024, and then discussed BR 355, a bill draft intended to revise and clarify the board’s governing statute based on its first year of experience. The draft would rename the body as the Information Technology Oversight Committee, add or refine definitions for cybersecurity projects/systems and legacy projects/systems, move the annual submission deadline earlier, and require a six-year outline and funding-source information for transition planning. Members and staff said the bill was largely a codification of current practice, with no major controversy. State Budget Director John Hicks and CIO Jim Baird offered technical comments and suggested several drafting changes: using “system” instead of “project” for legacy and cybersecurity references, adjusting the first reporting deadline to give agencies more time if the bill becomes law in March, and clarifying that the statute should ask agencies for estimated expenditures and funding sources rather than implying an electronic link to the budget request. They also suggested that the linkage to the budget process could be handled through budget instructions rather than statute. Members discussed whether the six-year outline should be biennial and agreed that the April timing fit the capital planning process. After the discussion, the board agreed in principle to revise the draft along those lines, including changing the terminology, making the six-year outline biennial, and refining the budget-related language. The board also discussed future meeting dates and agreed to meet on Fridays upon adjournment, with February and March meetings to be scheduled later. The meeting ended with a motion and second to adjourn, which passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This person is not insured by another employer, and this person is an actively drilling member of the
• We'll move— person is an actively drilling member of person is an actively drilling member of the<00:

Transcript Highlights:

• DME is durable medical equipment.
• DME is durable medical equipment. So on. DME is durable medical equipment.
• </c> health care or the actual oil drilling health care or the actual oil drilling or<01:15:22.280><c
• Um, employee benefits, capital, drugs, durable medical equipment, resident education, facility plant,
• , um resident uh education, uh equipment, um resident uh education, uh facility<01:18:05.080><c> plant

Committee: Joint Health Insurance Affordability Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• My four-year-old in preschool does drills.
• A four-year-old doing drills to protect themselves from an armed shooter.
• ><01:03:55.839><c> does</c> My four-year-old in preschool does My four-year-old in preschool does drills
• . drills. drills.
• ><c> to</c><01:04:00.240><c> protect</c> A four-year-old doing drills to protect A four-year-old doing

Transcript Highlights:

• Now it's over a thousand feet deep and cost him over a million dollars to drill a water well.
• We've drilled out a majority of the prime spots.
• Could we maintain conformance and keep it in the drill spacing unit, as an example?
• So our team was out there doing some engineering analysis, drilled a well, pulled core samples, and was
• So our team was out there doing some engineering analysis, drilled a well, pulled core samples, and was

Committee: Joint Energy Development and Transmission Committee

Summary: The committee met in Grand Forks, approved the February 26 minutes by voice vote, and recessed for a tour of the Mincota Power Cooperative headquarters before returning for presentations on large energy consumers, especially data centers. The first presentations focused on how North Dakota should respond to rapid growth in energy-intensive projects, with speakers emphasizing the need for reliable transmission, local decision-making tools, and factual information for county and township officials who are being asked to weigh major projects with limited staff and technical support. The North Dakota Transmission Authority director said local governments are being asked to make high-impact decisions on pipelines, transmission lines, large agriculture, wind, solar, carbon dioxide pipelines, direct-air capture, and data centers, and urged development of simple statewide decision tools and support from the League of Cities and Association of Counties. The Department of Environmental Quality’s air division director said North Dakota’s air remains among the cleanest in the nation, but large data centers can create air-quality concerns because of diesel backup generation; he said the department is requiring air monitors at some facilities and expects grid power and, potentially, cleaner natural gas backup to reduce emissions. Members asked about emissions standards, misinformation, monitoring costs, and staffing succession at DEQ. The Department of Water Resources director said North Dakota’s water law is based on common ownership and prior appropriation, and that data centers generally use relatively small amounts of water, often in closed-loop systems. He said the Missouri River and groundwater supplies are ample for projected needs, that the department’s permitting process protects senior water rights, and that even a worst-case data center scenario would use a very small share of Missouri River flow. Members asked about downstream impacts and compared data center water use with fracking. Later, McLean County State’s Attorney Ladd Erickson urged the committee to study how other states regulate data centers, warned against litigation-driven delays and overly broad local ordinances, argued reclamation bonding should be handled at the state level if at all, and said data centers can bring jobs and tax base but should remain subject to local zoning. The committee ended the morning session for lunch and later heard an EERC update from CEO Charles Gorecki on the center’s 75 years of work in energy and environmental technologies, especially oil and gas development and related research.

Transcript Highlights:

• to Railroad Commission requirements like filing the P-5, providing financial assurance, or paying drilling
• to Railroad Commission requirements like filing the P-5, providing financial assurance, or paying drilling
• This bill ensures that future state-owned parking lots and garages are equipped with charging stations
• This bill ensures that future state-owned parking lots and garages are equipped with charging stations
• refund of diesel fuel tax paid on diesel used in the state by auxiliary power units or power-off equipment

Bills: HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , SB304 , SB608 , SB2312 , SB494 , SB530 , HB45 , HB2520 , HB35 , HB47 , HB318 , HB349 , HB554 , HB1359 , HB1373 , HB2254 , HB2259 , HB2853 , HB3073 , HB3088 , HB353 , HB355 , HB786 , HB762 , HB705 , HB932 , HB849 , HB 1119 , HB3041 , HB713 , HB3104 , HB3970 , HB4042 , HB4490 , HB1731 , HB2607 , HB3689 , HB1788 , HB1612 , HB138 , HB15 , HB1971 , HB1338 , HB2989 , HB267 , HB 1201 , HB2954 , HB5265 , HB1804 , HB5061 , HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB1887 , HB1914 , HB2402 , HB2306 , HB1809 , HB2350 , HB3000 , HB3237 , HB3326 , HB3211 , HB 1056 , HB2081 , HB2187 , HB3092 , HB3308 , HB3526 , HB3750 , HB3527 , HB4219 , HB4230 , HB4290 , HB5238 , HB4804 , HB4749 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR90

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard the invocation and pledges, and then took up a series of memorial resolutions and recognitions. Members adopted memorial resolutions honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Alice Gail Hudgens, with remarks highlighting their public service and community impact, and adopted resolutions recognizing Victoria College’s 100th anniversary and May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The chamber also recognized Texas A&M system interns and later granted permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. The House then moved through a long third-reading calendar, passing a number of bills on wide margins. Measures approved included SB 304 on municipal court jurisdiction over nuisance abatement ordinances, SB 608 on reporting evidence collection kits, SB 2312 creating a Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict, SB 494 creating a petroleum theft task force, SB 530 on postsecondary accreditation, HB 45 giving the Attorney General a role in prosecuting human trafficking cases, HB 35 on peer support for first responders, HB 47 and HB 3073 on sexual assault policy and prosecution, HB 318 and HB 3000 creating rural sheriff and ambulance grant programs, HB 554 on Juneteenth fireworks sales with county opt-in authority restored, HB 705 and HB 932 joining licensure compacts for cosmetology and occupational therapy, HB 849 allowing county park boards to meet by video conference, HB 1119 on mental health bed reporting, HB 3041 on students with nontraditional secondary education, HB 713 on maternal mortality review reporting, HB 3104 on Webb County bailiff appointments, HB 3970 on electricity planning for large loads, HB 4042 on Railroad Commission safety provisions for gas distribution pipelines, HB 4490 protecting next-of-kin information, HB 1731 on the physician assistant compact, HB 2607 on Walker County Hospital District governance, HB 3689 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association funding, HB 1788 on continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists about abuse and trafficking, HB 1612 on hospital direct payments for uninsured patients, and HB 138 on health impact cost and coverage analysis. Several bills drew extended debate or amendments. HB 353, creating a trespass offense near schools and daycares, prompted questions about constitutional concerns and property rights before passing. HB 3211 on optometrists in managed care plans received a perfecting amendment and a Medicaid-related amendment setting a minimum payment level. HB 1056 on gold and silver specie and a state-based currency prompted detailed questioning about its mechanics and fees, followed by a point of order challenging the caption. The House also adopted or postponed a number of items, including postponing HB 2520 and HB 1359 until later in the calendar before later passing both, and laying several bills on the table subject to call. Many measures passed overwhelmingly, while a few, including HB 3326 on loan forgiveness for adjunct professors and HB 3237 on energy consumption goals, passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've been drilled decades ago.
• These are not newly drilled wells that have been abandoned.
• They've been drilled decades ago.
• These are not newly drilled wells that have been abandoned.
• abandoned wells, and through adequate bonding, corporations can responsibly clean up land used for drilling

Bills: SB241 , SB145 , HB2

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• They've been drilled decades ago, so in many cases the companies that originally operated them are no
• These are not newly drilled wells that have been abandoned; they are historic liabilities that require
• They've been drilled decades ago.
• These are not newly drilled wells that have been abandoned.
• abandoned wells, and through adequate bonding, corporations can responsibly clean up land used for drilling

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 7, the Apprenticeship Assistance Act, which would keep apprenticeship trust fund distributions at $2.5 million rather than reducing them and remove a reference to the tobacco settlement permanent fund. Labor, construction, business, and environmental groups testified in support, emphasizing workforce development, retention of workers in New Mexico, and expansion of apprenticeship opportunities. The bill was moved and adopted without opposition. Members then considered House Bill 66, as amended, to increase funding for health professional loan repayment and related workforce supports. The amendment struck an appropriation because the funding was already included in House Bill 2. Testimony from health care providers, chambers of commerce, social workers, and physical therapy advocates supported the bill as a way to address provider shortages and improve recruitment and retention. After questions about eligibility, repayment terms, and overlap with similar Senate bills, the committee voted to do pass the bill as amended. House Bill 96, creating a working group to study a possible New Mexico Space Commission, was also amended to strike an appropriation. Support came from the chamber, Virgin Galactic, and aerospace advocates, who said a commission could help coordinate economic development and workforce efforts in the space sector. Members asked about other states’ commissions, workforce pathways, and the working group’s timeline, and the sponsor agreed to add clearer dissolution language later. The committee then passed the bill as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 80, a committee substitute to redirect more of the oil and gas conservation tax to the reclamation fund for orphan well plugging and site remediation. Supporters from industry, environmental groups, tribal advocates, and chambers said the bill would better align the tax with its original purpose and provide stable funding for cleanup, while an opponent argued the bill shifts costs from industry to the public and should instead raise the tax or bonding requirements. After discussion of backlog, phase-in timing, and procurement reforms, the committee voted do pass. The committee also heard House Bill 4, as amended, which phases in a larger share of premium surtax revenue to the Health Care Affordability Fund over three years. Supporters said it would sustain BeWell enrollment and affordability programs, while opponents questioned the burden on private payers and the size of the general fund impact. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed it on a 10-7 vote. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 65, as amended, creating a Foster Care Plus pilot project for children in CYFD custody, with testimony both supporting the need for better services and cautioning that implementation should respect tribal law, cultural practices, and family reunification. The committee also tabled House Bill 68 at the sponsor’s request. The transcript then began discussion of House Bill 88, which would make minor changes to the land grant assistance fund, including capturing reverted payments that currently go back to the general fund.