Transcript Highlights:

• In Maricopa County and Santa Cruz counties, Native American communities in rural Arizona have borne the
• Arizona Medicaid members, particularly those seeking behavioral health treatment, recovery services,
• Madam Chair, members, we have contractual relationships with Arizona State and with a consulting firm
• What has Access identified as the root cause of the ghost networks in Arizona, and what is the agency's
• What has Access identified as the root cause of the ghost networks in Arizona, and what is the agency's

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held another oversight hearing on Access, focusing on fee-for-service behavioral health management, prior authorization and claims processing, the Targeted Investment Program (TIP), and network adequacy. The chair criticized Access for implementing a covered behavioral health services guide without public comment and for failing to produce records such as decision-making documentation, work group minutes, and public/tribal feedback. Members also raised concerns about ARPA compliance, the reduction of intensive outpatient reimbursement to a $157 per diem, and the impact of these actions on providers and Native American communities. Interim Director Roberta Harrison said Access had improved fraud controls and operations after the sober living fraud crisis, including tripling prior authorization speed, reducing denial codes by 64%, cutting claims processing to under 30 days, and adding dashboards and staffing. She said the agency is modernizing outdated systems and invited fraud referrals. On questions about claims and prior authorizations, Access reported average processing times of six days overall and 17 days for behavioral health prior authorizations, and said it had hired Constellation under a direct procurement to help with claims backlog. Harrison acknowledged that a proposal language suggesting higher ROI from denying more claims was not part of the contract scope. The committee also pressed Access on TIP delays. Staff explained that TIP payments depend on provider documentation, programmatic review, and allocation across many sites, and said year one of TIP 2.0 had been paid while years two and three had not yet been distributed. The chair requested a formal plan within 30 days to pay the delayed year two and year three TIP funds, estimated at about $122 million, along with all CMS-related TIP 2.0 documentation. On network adequacy, Access described its standards and annual MCO reporting process, but acknowledged gaps in tracking and said it would follow up on whether a fiscal year 2025 report was submitted to CMS. Members cited a federal ghost network report finding 28% of providers in Santa Cruz County inactive or unavailable, and requested unredacted network adequacy reports and further information on CMS engagement. The hearing ended with the chair noting some improvements but saying more oversight may follow, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing we haven't talked about is, what does it cost us to house the prisoners in Arizona or some
• in Arizona or some of the out-of-state facilities. Does anyone have any idea what we pay there?
• Representative Handy, that is right at $99 a day is what the state is reimbursing that facility in Arizona
• So right now it's $99 a day per inmate down in Arizona. The state's paying. Follow up on that?
• You've mentioned an administrative fee of $14 paid to Arizona.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, 2026 marks the 140th year of APS's service to Arizona.
• As the data center industry has grown in the state of Arizona, APS has successfully adapted to purposefully
• Arizona continues to experience meaningful growth in the residential sector, as well as outside of data
• was important to mention that a year ago, I think we were about fourth in North America, and now Arizona
• And as Matt mentioned, it's 140 years that we've been serving the state of Arizona.

Summary: The House AI and Innovation Committee first heard a presentation from APS on its data center strategy and the rapid growth of AI/data center demand in Arizona. APS said it is trying to protect reliability and affordability for existing customers while preserving capacity for other growth, and emphasized that “growth should pay for growth.” APS described its current peak load, projected growth, and the scale of potential data center demand, and explained that data centers differ from other customers because they use large amounts of power around the clock and require major new infrastructure. APS said it has proposed two ways to serve them: a revised data center tariff filed with the Corporation Commission and separate bilateral contracts with upfront customer contributions. Committee members asked about whether residential customers are subsidizing data centers, the proposed 45% increase for the data center rate class, possible impacts on development, self-generation behind the meter, seasonal load, and APS’s longer-term resource plans, including nuclear, gas, renewables, and possible SMRs. APS said residential customers are not intended to subsidize data centers and that the proposal is designed to assign costs directly to those customers. The committee then took up House Bill 2133, which requires commercial entities that knowingly distribute or publish sexual material online to obtain reasonable consent and age verification, including for synthetic or AI-generated or altered images, and authorizes civil penalties for violations. A five-page amendment in Representative Kupper’s name narrowed the bill by excluding internet service providers, affiliates, subsidiaries, search engines, and cloud providers from responsibility for content they do not create or directly host. Representative Kupper said the bill is intended to protect people in adult content from exploitation and non-consensual use, including trafficking-related material and revenge porn, and compared it to existing age- and consent-verification practices in the physical adult-content industry. He said the penalties mirror those used in related laws, including a $10,000-per-day structure. During debate, several members said they supported the bill’s intent but wanted to reserve the right to change their votes after further stakeholder discussions, citing First Amendment and implementation concerns. One member noted a similar federal proposal with a higher fine structure. After no public testimony was offered, the committee adopted the amendment and then voted 5-0 with two members present to give HB 2133, as amended, a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, next item is item 10, the Arizona State Fair Board review. Mr.
• Chairman, I move the committee give a favorable review of agenda item 10 for the Arizona Exposition and
• Chairman, I move the committee, give a favorable review of agenda item 10 for the Arizona exposition

Summary: The Joint Committee on Capital Review met on May 6 and first approved the minutes from its January 29, 2026 meeting. It then took up the consent calendar, which included agenda items 1 through 7, 8A, 8B, and 9B, plus item 9A with standard university financing provisions; the committee gave favorable review or approval to all consent items without opposition. The only non-consent item was agenda item 10 for the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board. JLBC staff explained that the fair was seeking an additional $400,000 for prefabricated restrooms at the exhibit building and another $400,000 for replacement of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum risers, both after earlier approvals in December 2024. State Fair Executive Director Dale Adams said the projects were important for safety and expanded use of the grounds, and noted the revised amounts followed a more thorough cost analysis. Committee members questioned why the request had increased and emphasized that agencies should come prepared with accurate costs and ready-to-implement plans. After discussion, the committee voted to give agenda item 10 a favorable review. The meeting ended with no opposition on any action items, and members were told it was likely the committee’s last meeting until the fall before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• water into Arizona.
• And Arizona doesn't fool around.
• We talked about the issues in the West, Arizona, California, and Nevada.
• bring water into Arizona.
• And Arizona doesn't fool around.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also from the state of Arizona, thank you Mr.
• Chairman for recognizing the work Arizona has done in this regard.
• Swoboda from Arizona.
• Then Arizona came back and found a way to do it.
• Last year, voters in six states, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho.

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, good morning, folks, to the fourth most important committee in the entire Arizona House, the
• New regulatory sandbox initiatives in Delaware and Texas follow Arizona and Utah's efforts to foster
• But it is very lovely in spring here in Arizona, and I appreciate being here.
• with more comprehensive answers to many of your questions but it is very lovely in spring here in Arizona

Summary: The Arizona House Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee met for an informational presentation from Adam Cook Hook of the National Conference of State Legislatures on recent AI policy trends across the states. He described how legislatures are creating AI-focused committees, task forces, inventories, and impact assessments, and how states are also using AI in government operations and procurement. He noted that all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and D.C. introduced AI bills in 2025, with NCSL tracking more than 1,200 measures and nearly 200 enactments across 45 states. Much of the discussion focused on deepfakes, elections, and synthetic media. Hook said 26 states have enacted laws regulating AI in political messaging, usually through disclosure requirements, while some states have prohibitions near elections. He also discussed laws addressing sexually explicit deepfakes, nonconsensual intimate images, and protections for performers’ name, image, and likeness. Members asked about the best state models for protecting AI-generated likenesses and how parody and satire affect such laws; Hook said courts have struck down some deepfake laws as overbroad, especially where they lacked parody exceptions or allowed broad private rights of action. Hook also highlighted broader AI legislation in healthcare, education, workforce training, and public-private innovation efforts, including regulatory sandboxes and state-run AI tools. He summarized comprehensive AI laws in Colorado, Utah, California, and Texas, and flagged legal issues such as privacy, copyright, bias, liability, and transparency. Committee members asked about the growth of AI policy, the role of NCSL, and practical uses of AI in government; Hook said interest has grown rapidly since public release of tools like ChatGPT and that NCSL is still adapting its internal AI work. No bills were heard or voted on, and the meeting ended with the chair thanking the presenter and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anybody selling dangerous, defective, or fraudulently labeled goods to Arizona consumers should be prosecuted
• risk from connected technologies that could be weaponized against the public and personal safety of Arizona
• resources to do this work, allows them to have the funding to go out and make these cases on behalf of Arizona

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on March 11, 2026, and considered two bills. SB 1097, the annual name claimants’ bill, would appropriate $370,211.08 from the general fund and $33,021.08 from other specified funds to pay claims against state agencies in fiscal year 2026. Staff described it as the routine annual bill to settle accounts, there was no public testimony, and the committee voted to return it with a due pass recommendation by 14 yeses and 4 not voting. The committee then heard SB 1308, which would create a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office and Fund in the Attorney General’s Office to pursue consumer fraud involving technology produced by a foreign adversary. The bill also appropriates $500,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2027, and directs excess funds over $10 million to a new rip-and-replace fund for replacing foreign-adversary technology in critical infrastructure. Kelly Curry testified in support on behalf of State Armor, arguing the bill addresses both consumer fraud and national security risks tied to connected technologies and would help fund enforcement and replacement costs. Members asked about settlements and examples from other states, and Curry cited recent filings in Nebraska, Tennessee, and Texas, plus a Missouri settlement involving fraudulent PPE. Several members explained their votes, with some supporting the bill as a consumer protection and security measure and others expressing concern about creating a new fund or appropriating outside the regular budget process. The committee ultimately gave SB 1308 a due pass recommendation by a 10-4 vote, with two members voting present and two not voting, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I've also looked at Arizona, Indiana, and Colorado, all of whom have very extensive analyses
• And then I've also looked at Arizona, Indiana, and Colorado, all of whom have very extensive analyses
• Indiana is 2.95; Arizona is 2.5.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We actually moved a manufacturing plant from California to Arizona because of comparable issues.
• perspective, the power savings alone makes the monthly payment on our new $16 million building in Arizona
• . loan makes the monthly payment on our new $16 million building in Arizona.
• Florida and Arizona are two of those states.
• If 60,000 claims were made in Arizona because of a zero-deductible state and I'll incentivize you, that

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee met for its first session under the committee’s new name and heard a work session on Washington’s economic development policy from the Department of Commerce. Commerce described its Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, including small business finance, export assistance, business attraction, and sector development work, and emphasized the need for a statewide economic development strategic plan with regular review, stakeholder input, and attention to rural and regional needs. Members asked about foreign trade offices, federal funding uncertainty, tax competitiveness, workforce programs, and the role of the Keep Washington Working program. Commerce said the state’s trade and investment efforts are valuable but face funding challenges, and that Washington must compete on more than taxes, including its business ecosystem and workforce. The committee then heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5919, which would encourage fire districts and insurers to develop voluntary incentives for wildfire mitigation best practices related to agricultural activities. The sponsor described the bill as a way to reward farmers for practices such as defensible space, fire breaks, equipment storage, and avoiding high-risk work during red flag conditions. A fire chief testified in support, citing recent standing grain fires and the need for practical incentives in rural areas. The bill was described as having no appropriation and no requested fiscal note. Members also heard testimony on Washington in the Making 2040 from the Association of Washington Business and a business owner. Supporters said the 16-year economic vision plan was built from broad public engagement and focuses on workforce, business climate, infrastructure, housing, and community. They argued Washington needs more housing, a more competitive regulatory and tax environment, and reliable energy to support growth. Senators questioned how the plan would achieve its housing goals and what specific regulatory changes were needed; AWB said it would provide a regulatory study soon. The committee also received a wildfire mitigation work group update from the Office of Insurance Commissioner, which recommended stronger community mitigation, better data sharing, consumer transparency, and a possible grant program for home hardening, though it did not reach full consensus on a single property mitigation standard. Finally, the committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5871, which would prohibit assignment of benefits in property and casualty insurance and set new rules for motor vehicle glass repair claims, including ADAS-related disclosures and limits on steering and inducements. The sponsor and supporters, including the Office of Insurance Commissioner, Safelite, NAMIC, and the Northwest Insurance Council, said the bill would reduce auto glass fraud, improve transparency, and help stabilize premiums. Independent glass shop owners and the Independent Glass Association opposed the bill as written, arguing it would favor large vertically integrated companies, restrict small businesses, and fail to address insurer steering and conflicts of interest. Several witnesses requested technical amendments, and the committee took no final vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It now has the opportunity to join others like Utah, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and most recently, California
• That design is complete, and they're assembling the first Of those spaceships in Mesa, Arizona, and you
• Eighteen states have done so, including Arizona and Colorado recently.
• Arizona doubled down and passed three more this session.
• During this time, New Mexico hasn't passed the sorts of reforms that we're seeing in Arizona, Colorado

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing we haven't talked about is: what does it cost us to house the prisoners in Arizona or some
• In Arizona or some of the out-of-state facilities, does anyone have any idea what we pay there?
• Representative Handy, that is right at $99 a day is what the state is reimbursing that facility in Arizona
• So right now it's $99 a day per inmate down in Arizona. The state's paying. Follow-up on that?
• You've mentioned an administrative fee of $14 paid to Arizona.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 556, which would raise the state reimbursement rate paid to counties for housing state inmates in county jails from the current $55/$75 tiered system to a flat $80 per day. Representative Skaug, county officials, sheriffs, and the Idaho Association of Counties all argued the current rates do not cover actual jail costs and shift a substantial subsidy onto county taxpayers. Testimony cited average county costs of roughly $106 to $120 per inmate per day, with Ada and Canyon counties describing large daily populations of state prisoners and limited programming for long-term inmates. Members asked about programming, out-of-state housing costs, and where the additional $3.1 million fiscal impact would come from. A substitute motion to hold the bill until February 25 failed 5-8, and the committee then voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 602, which states that Idaho courts should apply American law and not foreign law when doing so would conflict with Idaho public policy or fundamental rights. Sponsor testimony described the bill as a clarification that foreign law, foreign forum selection, and related decisions are unenforceable when they would limit rights such as privacy, marriage, due process, speech, or religion, while noting exceptions for certain entities, preexisting contracts, and religious exercise. Members asked whether the bill could affect treaties or prior international custody-related issues; sponsors said treaties were exempted and the bill would apply prospectively. Caleb Pierce of the Idaho Family Policy Center testified in support, and the committee unanimously sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 654, which adds electronic storage detection dogs to Idaho’s police dog protection statute. Representative Vili and Idaho Attorney General’s Office witnesses explained that these dogs are trained to detect a chemical associated with electronic storage devices, helping investigators locate hidden devices in child exploitation cases and other investigations. Testimony emphasized the dogs’ usefulness in search warrants and their role in comforting children present during enforcement actions. The committee then voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and adjourned after concluding its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I've also looked at Arizona, Indiana, and Colorado, all of whom have very extensive analyses
• And then I've also looked at Arizona, Indiana, and Colorado, all of whom have very extensive analyses
• Like Indiana is 2.95, Arizona is 2.5, but when those are factored in, the fiscal impact of the Tax Foundation

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee met on January 23, 2026, and considered only one item: RS 33071, Representative Jeff Ehlers’ annual tax conformity bill. Ehlers explained that the proposal would conform Idaho tax law retroactive to calendar year 2025 and forward to federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill, while continuing Idaho’s longstanding nonconformity with bonus depreciation. He said the bill also addresses federal R&E/R&D expensing and allows individuals to benefit from the federal changes, which he described as providing tax relief to Idaho taxpayers. Ehlers also said the bill would prevent “double dipping” by taxpayers who might otherwise use the same qualified expenses for both the new federal deduction and Idaho’s research activities credit or investment tax credit. Representative Gannon questioned the fiscal note, arguing that the Tax Commission’s estimate appeared too low compared with analyses from the Tax Foundation and other states, and raised concerns that the true revenue impact could be much higher, potentially affecting future budgets. Ehlers responded that the Tax Commission’s zero-impact view applied to the credit portion, while the main cost came from the R&D deduction and the personal provisions, and he said the committee’s fiscal estimate of about $155 million was based on the midpoint of Tax Commission estimates. After discussion, the committee took up Representative Raybould’s motion to introduce RS 33071. The motion passed on a voice vote, with one recorded nay, and the bill was introduced. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
• It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
• It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
• </c> It's called the MAX system from Arizona. It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
• </c> average weight time in a DMV in Arizona average weight time in a DMV in Arizona is<01:07:24.319>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> minutes to the gentleman from Arizona, minutes to the gentleman from Arizona, distinguished<04:
• </c><04:55:16.718><c> for</c><04:55:16.878><c> these</c> states like Arizona for these states like Arizona
• </c> to recognize the gentleman from Arizona to recognize the gentleman from Arizona for<06:19:55.760
• For Arizona, Arizona, Arizona, we<06:20:59.520><c> were</c><06:20:59.760><c> one</c><06:20:59.920><c>
• Arizona, 10,000 of his constituents will Arizona, 10,000 of his constituents will face<06:23:23.040><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the study, could this negatively impact the health insurance plan that employees from the state of Arizona
• the study, could this negatively impact the health insurance plan that employees from the state of Arizona
• Madam Chair, members, you should have two emails in your inbox, one from the ASEO of Arizona and another

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House Democratic Caucus met on Minority Caucus Calendar items and reviewed several Senate-amended House bills. HB 2003 would lower the learner’s permit age from 15½ to 15 and increase supervised driving time; the Senate added a delayed effective date of December 1, 2026, and the sponsor was said to have refused the amendment after previously concurring. HB 2693 would allow chambers of commerce to set up insurance purchasing pools for small businesses, and the Senate added a third-party-funded feasibility study by ADOA on what it would cost for state health insurance to enter the marketplace; members raised concerns that the study could be used to undermine the state self-insured plan, but no action was taken. HB 2133, dealing with synthetic sexual depictions and online sexual material verification, had multiple Senate changes that removed the synthetic-depiction expansion, added parody/artistic-expression exceptions, altered verification and record-retention rules, and removed AG inspection authority; the sponsor was expected to refuse the changes, and members were directed to stakeholder emails outlining concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, good morning, folks, to the fourth most important committee in the entire Arizona House, the
• New regulatory sandbox initiatives in Delaware and Texas follow Arizona and Utah's efforts to foster
• But it is very lovely in spring here in Arizona, and I appreciate being here.
• But it is very lovely in spring here in Arizona, and I appreciate being here.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2931, Civil Rights Advisory Board Continuation, continues the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board
• House Bill 2035 requires the Arizona Department of Child Safety and the courts to identify, notify, and
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 4004 requires the Arizona Department of Child Safety to investigate
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 4004 requires the Arizona Department of Child Safety to investigate

Summary: The meeting was a caucus review of a long list of bills on Minority Caucus Calendars 8 and 9, with members briefly noting whether measures were unanimous, on consent, or had split votes. Topics included appropriations for homeless veteran shelter services (HB 2620), the Veterans Court Program grant fund (HB 2960), municipal improvement districts (HB 4064), a memorial measure (HB 2079), child care grants (HB 2239), midwife medication administration and advisory committee changes (HB 2251), home and community-based service provider funding (HB 2403), EMS reciprocity (HB 2437), prescription monitoring (HB 2434), electronic monitoring in health care facilities (HB 2914), pregnancy resource center funding and restrictions (HB 2229), limits on police transport of mental health patients (HB 2404), Access coverage for mild obstructive sleep apnea treatment (HB 2726), school district spending and teacher pay requirements referred to the ballot (HCR 2007), mobile home park operator training (HB 2199), local government investment pool oversight (HB 2344), task order contract website posting (HB 2445), tourism improvement areas (HB 2950), ambulance certificate reporting (HB 2402), short-term rental occupancy rules (HB 2429), ASRS retirement rules for elected officials (HB 2505), trespass penalties after eviction (HB 2047), post-nuptial agreement enforcement (HB 2861), civil rights board continuation (HB 2931), and utility replacement plant siting (HB 2389). Members also discussed child welfare and family law bills on Calendar 9, including kinship foster placement (HB 2035), neglect standards based on financial resources (HB 2041), family court evidence (HB 2968), DCS response to abuse reports (HB 4004), prostate cancer insurance cost-sharing (HB 2617), mental health hearing technology (SB 1242), optometrist prescriptions (SB 1023), behavior analyst regulation (SB 1145), assisted living occupants (SB 1247), manufactured home installer licensing and fingerprinting (HB 2868), supervised parenting time (HB 2615), unlawful entry involving vulnerable adults (HB 4136), uranium contamination monitoring funding (HB 2889), a gas and petroleum refinery study committee (HB 4025), and veteran state park fee exemptions (HB 2165). Several members raised policy concerns on bills involving privacy, rural transportation capacity, environmental review, pregnancy centers, and funding priorities, while others noted support or that amendments had addressed earlier issues. No formal roll-call votes were taken in the transcript itself; the chair mainly recorded whether bills were unanimous, consent, or split and whether any should be taken off consent or discussed further. The meeting ended with announcements about an upcoming CAP breakfast, a Latino Caucus meeting, and an Affordability Award presented to Representative Volk before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• discuss issues of mutual interest, facilitate annual meetings with tribal leaders to implement the Centennial
• discuss issues of mutual interest, facilitate annual meetings with tribal leaders to implement the Centennial

Bills: SB5420, SB5877, SB5868, SB5109, SB5832, SB5922, SB5944, SB5988, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Transcript Highlights:

• So Arizona next to us is The Memorial directs the Department of Health, it's also present here at the
• So Arizona next to us is ...is to realize that these are like regional trends.
• So Arizona, next to us, is seeing it 20%. Increases in Colorado are similar to ours.
• It concerns me about, you talk to regional, is New Mexico and Arizona kind of on par per capita when
• And Arizona has actually increased by 20%—a 20% increase in overdose.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 12, the physical therapy licensure compact. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would increase access to care and help recruit physical therapists in New Mexico, especially in rural areas and for neurodivergent patients. Support came from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Desert States Physical Therapy Network, Think New Mexico, the state Health Care Authority, and Americans for Autism Advocacy. A trial lawyer raised concerns about immunity, venue, and loser-pays language, and committee members discussed whether New Mexico-specific amendments would be accepted by the compact commission. Two amendments were adopted, including clarifying language on background checks, data, federal court standing, and repeal procedures, plus an immunity-related amendment. The bill was then reported out with a 9-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 10, the physician assistant interstate compact. Supporters again emphasized workforce shortages, telehealth access, and the need to join the compact to qualify for Rural Health Transformation Program funding. The Health Care Authority said the compact was part of New Mexico’s commitments tied to federal funding, and a trial lawyer again raised concerns about loser-pays language. Two amendments were adopted to clarify New Mexico’s authority over reproductive and gender-affirming care issues, confidentiality of New Mexico licensee data, joint investigations, and contingent repeal procedures. After discussion about malpractice exposure, oversight, and the need for compact commission approval of language changes, the bill received an 8-0 due pass recommendation. House Bill 34, dealing with school nurse licensure provisions, was presented as a cleanup bill to clarify implementation issues from last session. The changes would add charter schools, align contract language with teacher contracts, and adjust supervision and evaluation rules for tiered school nurses in small districts. The New Mexico School Nurses Association supported the bill, and it passed unanimously with an 8-0 due pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 21, which would direct the Department of Health to study overdose prevention centers and other harm reduction strategies. Supporters from the ACLU, All Safe New Mexico, the Drug Policy Alliance, and Families and Youth Innovations Plus argued that New Mexico’s overdose crisis remains severe and that evidence-based interventions could save lives and connect people to treatment. The Department of Health provided background on overdose trends and said it was neutral but available for technical questions. After discussion about fentanyl trends, drug prices, and public health approaches, the memorial was approved on a 7-1 due pass vote. The committee also announced that Senate Bill 130 would be rolled over to Sunday’s meeting because a new substitute needed review.