Transcript Highlights:

• This is Tricia Snyder, I'm the Rivers and Waters Program Director for New Mexico Wild.
• New Mexico Wild and our partners would love to see a hybrid approach. Funding of this program.
• government-to-government consultation, and I just want to also highlight for you all that New Mexico Wild

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Micro businesses, four employees, five employees, three employees—the wild compliance uncertainty—we've
• and paid family leave policy in the country, and I'm proud of that. employees, three employees, the wild
• employees, three employees, the wild compliance<00:14:01.000><c> uncertainty,</c><00:14:02.000><c> we've

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not doing anything wild.
• But I cannot see any wild, inappropriate Spending.
• But my concern here, my question, I'm looking at the financial see any wild inappropriate spending.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 8, 2025, and first took up several local bills that were presented briefly and then approved without public opposition. HB 4035 would merge the Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control District and the Lee County Mosquito Control District, contingent on approval by voters in both districts at the 2026 election; it passed 15-0. HB 307 would extend to county property appraisers the same authority tax collectors already have to use salary savings for employee bonuses or incentives, and it passed 17-0 after testimony from property appraisers and their associations in support. HB 4047 and HB 4049 would adjust assessment caps for the Fort Pierce Farms Water Control District and the North St. Lucie River Water Control District, respectively, with inflation indexing, annual increase limits, and referendum approval requirements; both passed unanimously. The committee also adopted an amendment to the committee substitute for HB 1169, a broader water management district bill covering quorum and meeting rules, lobbying restrictions, ad valorem taxing authority for certain capital projects by referendum, budget reporting, bidding preferences, and additional oversight and funding information; the amended bill passed 16-0 and was reported favorably with committee substitute. The final and most heavily debated item was HB 4079, which would dissolve the Town of White Springs and return it to unincorporated Hamilton County. The sponsor argued the town had a pattern of mismanagement, including financial problems, audit findings, canceled elections, and public safety concerns, and said dissolution would lower taxes and preserve services through the county. Committee members asked about the town’s finances, audits, law enforcement, fire protection, debt, and whether the county could absorb services and liabilities. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters of dissolution cited audit findings, alleged illegal gambling operations, double taxation for law enforcement, high administrative costs, and intimidation at meetings. Opponents, including current and former town officials and residents, said the town had made progress, had corrected audit issues, maintained reserves, and was working to restore services and governance; they asked for more time and pointed to an upcoming election. No vote was taken on HB 4079 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of people talked, if I'm just going out and walk and look at birds, I've got to have a sticker
• walk</c><00:44:10.680><c> and</c><00:44:10.880><c> look</c><00:44:11.120><c> at</c><00:44:11.359><c> birds
• ,</c> going out and walk and look at birds, going out and walk and look at birds, I've<00:44:12.240><

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Birds, bats, pterodactyls, yes. Humans, no.
• Birds,<00:27:00.559><c> bats,</c><00:27:01.440><c> pterodactyls,</c><00:27:02.320><c> yes.
• </c><00:27:02.799><c> Humans,</c> Birds, bats, pterodactyls, yes.
• Humans, Birds, bats, pterodactyls, yes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• David Green, Maren Christian Hoffer, Heather Starks, and then on deck Hannah Graham, Tracy Bird, and
• Um, next up we have Hannah Graham, Tracy Bird, Christian Leiddesma, and then the final three are Brian
• Next up, we have Tracy Bird, Teacher of the Year for 2024.
• Please state your name for the record and proceed. >> My name is Tracy Bird.

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And while uh, I'm very respectful of the hierarchy of Lady Bird Johnson's federal bill, this sign predates
• <01:34:05.920><c> hierarchy</c><01:34:06.560><c> of</c><01:34:06.800><c> Lady</c><01:34:07.199><c> Bird
• </c><01:34:07.440><c> Johnson's</c> uh the hierarchy of Lady Bird Johnson's uh the hierarchy of Lady
• Bird Johnson's federal<01:34:08.320><c> bill,</c><01:34:09.040><c> this</c><01:34:09.440><c> legisla<

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have Senator Lang and Senator Bird and six. Further discussion on that item. for one.
• ><00:47:32.000><c> Lang</c><00:47:32.319><c> and</c><00:47:32.480><c> Senator</c><00:47:32.800><c> Bird
• </c><00:47:33.440><c> and</c> have Senator Lang and Senator Bird and have Senator Lang and Senator Bird

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Senator, was it the birds that saying turn turn?
• Chair, Senator, was it the birds<00:04:31.600><c> that</c><00:04:31.759><c> saying</c><00:04:32.000><
• </c><00:04:33.199><c> You</c><00:04:33.360><c> know,</c> birds that saying turn turn?
• You know, birds that saying turn turn?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota has a theme here: a state bird, a state flower, a state tree, a state fish, a state dance,
• theme here um you know Minnesota has a theme here um you know Minnesota has a state<01:20:31.920><c> bird
• 33.320><c> a</c><01:20:33.480><c> state</c><01:20:33.719><c> tree</c><01:20:34.159><c> a</c> state bird
• a state flower a state tree a state bird a state flower a state tree a state<01:20:34.639><c> fish</

Bills: HF1234 , HF1956 , HF1025 , HF1172 , HF791

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, municipal finance, liquor store, audit requirements, state auditor, local government, historic flag, state flag, display standards, ceremonial, Minnesota Statutes, Ursa Minor, state symbol, Minnesota state laws, constellation, official state designation

Transcript Highlights:

• that this work down here poses no threat to water quality, no threat to aquatic species, no threat to birds
• threat to Aquatic species uh no<01:22:47.440><c> threat</c><01:22:47.719><c> to</c><01:22:47.920><c> birds
• </c><01:22:48.199><c> or</c><01:22:48.600><c> animals</c><01:22:49.600><c> but</c> no threat to birds
• or animals but no threat to birds or animals but nonetheless<01:22:50.520><c> they</c><01:22:50.639>

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Birds, yes. Senator Long, no. Senator Perkins Quoka, no. Senator Abbis, yes.
• Senator Birds, yes. Senator Long, no. Senator Perkins Quoka, no. Senator Abbis, yes.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<04:14:25.840><c> Birds,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Birds, &gt;&gt; Senator Birds, &gt;&gt;
• Senator Bird, can I ask for a question? >> Mr.
• Um, in the original law that Maine had, only law enforcement could intervene. >> Senator Bird, can I

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's go on the wild side. Make it 10. Okay. I like it.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee reconvened to address House Bill 1247, relating to protection of a student who is a victim of sexual assault. Senator Axtman explained that a proposed amendment to extend suspension time in rare cases where a case remains active was not adopted because it could conflict with providing adequate educational access, and the committee agreed not to amend that provision. Members then clarified a separate amendment to HB 1247 that incorporated testimony-based changes, including language addressing notice procedures for juvenile and adult cases and students who are over 18 but still enrolled in high school. The committee adopted Amendment 25.0807.02001 to HB 1247 by a 6-0 vote. Afterward, the committee passed HB 1247 as amended on a 6-0 vote, and Senator Wobbema was assigned as carrier. The committee also briefly confirmed that HB 1223 was already good to go and did not require further action. At the end of the meeting, members discussed the schedule for the following Monday and agreed to start at 10:00 a.m. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• capture all dogs, but if I want to use my hunting dogs on town pasture land, the town may approve bird
• capture all dogs, but if I want to use my hunting dogs on town pasture land, the town may approve bird
• capture all dogs, but if I want to use my hunting dogs on town pasture land, the town may approve bird
• capture all dogs, but if I want to use my hunting dogs on town pasture land, the town may approve bird
• capture all dogs, but if I want to use my hunting dogs on town pasture land, the town may approve bird

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on a bill arising from the Lee case involving animal seizures and humane society involvement. Members and the commissioner discussed concerns about due process, lack of clear notice to animal owners, the need for owners to understand when they are surrendering ownership, and whether humane agents should have additional training or certification. Several members also questioned the role of the NH SPCA and humane societies, the absence of oversight, and whether there was any financial or policy conflict in their involvement. The commissioner said the Department of Agriculture does not have a direct relationship with humane societies, but does coordinate with police on seizures, and noted that problems tend to arise when agencies do not consult the department first. Testimony and discussion focused on possible fixes to the bill, including clearer written notice of rights, requiring a third-party qualified veterinarian or other neutral evaluator, establishing the condition of animals at the time of seizure for later court proceedings, and possibly using teleconferencing with a veterinarian in limited circumstances. Some members suggested the bill may need a broader study committee, while others said it should be amended now rather than delayed. The chair said the bill would be worked on further and sent to the subcommittee for more detailed review. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 250, which would allow local governing bodies to regulate dog muzzling. Representative Jodi Newell testified that the bill was intended to let municipalities respond to dangerous dogs, citing Keene’s attempt to require muzzling after a serious incident but lack of clear authority under current law. Deborah LeBlanc also testified about a dog attack that seriously injured her dog and said a muzzle requirement could have prevented the attack. Committee members asked about the incident, existing dog-control laws, and whether the dog had been leashed; the discussion suggested the bill was meant to clarify local authority over muzzling as a public safety measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is still kind of a wild, wild west of policy area.
• This is still kind of a wild wild west of policy area.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills focused on environmental policy, public infrastructure, housing, and energy. AB 1812, dealing with compostable plastics and compost contamination, drew strong support from farmers, composters, counties, cities, and waste companies, while manufacturers and compostable-product companies opposed it unless amended, arguing it would undermine compostable packaging and SB 54 goals. AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area also received broad support and no opposition. AB 2481, which would allow leftover glass quality incentive funds to support recycled glass used in fiberglass insulation and other products, was supported by insulation manufacturers, recyclers, and waste advocates and passed with no opposition. AB 2152, streamlining fire station construction and tying CEQA relief to project labor agreement requirements, was supported by firefighters and construction trades but opposed by contractors and wildlife groups over the PLA mandate and environmental review provisions; the committee discussed amendments and sent it forward. AB 1536, the Save Our Shores Act, aimed at offshore oil and gas safety and decommissioning, was supported by coastal and environmental groups and opposed by the petroleum industry, with members debating pipeline safety, drilling risks, and carbon intensity before advancing the bill. AB 1849, a study bill on decarbonized gaseous fuels, split supporters from hydrogen, bioenergy, and propane interests against environmental and justice groups who said it favored biomethane and hydrogen without clear definitions; the author said it was only a study measure, and it moved ahead. AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and community college housing projects, was backed by students, UC representatives, housing advocates, and labor, with no opposition heard; members raised concerns about environmental impacts and evacuation planning, but the bill was approved. Several measures were taken on consent and others were held open for absent members or quorum issues, with multiple bills receiving due pass recommendations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Osprey Wilds environmental group authorizes about 35 innovative quality schools, about 30 Novation
• schools.<00:37:32.079><c> The</c><00:37:32.720><c> uh</c><00:37:32.960><c> Osprey</c><00:37:33.599><c> Wilds
• The uh Osprey Wilds uh schools.
• The uh Osprey Wilds uh environmental<00:37:35.839><c> uh</c><00:37:36.000><c> group</c><00:37:36.560>

Bills: HF3487 , HF3421

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: anonymous reporting, school safety, education, crisis intervention, threat reporting, early literacy, reading instruction, teacher preparation, teacher candidates, teacher licensure, educator licensing, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, field experience, supervised practicum, evidence-based reading, science of reading, literacy methods, teacher training, preservice teachers

Transcript Highlights:

• unforgiving wilderness, settled a boundless frontier, and tamed the beautiful but very, very dangerous Wild
• the beautiful but very,<02:26:14.000><c> very</c><02:26:14.479><c> dangerous</c><02:26:15.840><c> wild
• </c> very, very dangerous wild west. very, very dangerous wild west.

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the Wild West.
• Again, the problem is right now we are living in the Wild West.
• We say where the highway ends, the Wild West begins.
• As it is, as we're working on now with I-10 from Casa Grande on up to Wild Horse Pass.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1114, which would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to investigate patient brokering in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. Sponsor Sen. Werner described patient brokering as a continuing abuse tied to the state’s Medicaid fraud crisis, especially affecting Native Americans, and said the county attorney had the capacity to handle statewide oversight. The bill was moved and received a do pass recommendation on a 9-0-1 vote. The committee then considered SB 1111, as amended by a strike-everything amendment, to create statewide rules for automated license plate readers. Supporters from law enforcement said ALPRs are important for investigations, missing persons, stolen vehicles, and violent crimes, and argued the bill adds needed guardrails and training requirements. Opponents, including the ACLU, Institute for Justice, and private citizens, warned the systems enable mass surveillance, can be inaccurate, and raise Fourth Amendment and privacy concerns; they also objected to broad terms like “legitimate” law enforcement purposes and the lack of a clear retention limit. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave SB 1111, as amended, a do pass recommendation by a 7-2-1 vote. Next, SB 1116, as amended, was heard to require behavioral health claim denials and appeals at AHCCCS to be reviewed by someone with relevant clinical experience. Sen. Werner said the bill responds to improper denials and appeals handled by staff without behavioral health expertise; AHCCCS was neutral but said the bill could create compliance and staffing issues because “relevant clinical experience” is not well defined. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 10-0. SB 1122, also as amended, would bar AHCCCS from requiring prior authorization or 100% prepayment review for certain behavioral health services under the American Indian Health Plan unless a provider is on a corrective action plan; Werner said it was aimed at ensuring providers are paid and reducing patient brokering. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1122 10-0. Finally, the committee heard SB 1072, which would appropriate ongoing state and Medicaid funds to DES for rate increases for home- and community-based services and room-and-board services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with reporting on workforce outcomes. Supporters from APAD and providers said the direct care workforce is in crisis, with large numbers of vacancies, overtime costs, and unassigned authorizations, and argued the funding is needed to retain staff and maintain care. Members discussed wage disparities, whether funds would reach caregivers, and the limits of legislative control over private provider pay, but no vote on SB 1072 was reached before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, back when there was a Wild West, you could move further west and find new land and plow that land
• It's not the Wild West like we... Have in some of our other things in nutrient management.
• is the same number as we see in New York, because at this point the laboratory side is kind of the wild
• , wild west, and that does have fear for me.

Committee: House Agriculture

Summary: The meeting focused on the use of biosolids on farm and ranch land, with testimony from Oklahoma State University experts, a conservation official, and an engineering representative about the benefits, risks, and regulatory implications. Dr. Lusk described OSU’s long history of soil fertility research and said biosolids can provide nutrients and organic matter, but also may carry contaminants such as PFAS, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and pathogens. He emphasized that many questions remain unanswered, especially about contaminant uptake into soil, crops, livestock, and humans, and said existing EPA and Oklahoma DEQ regulations address some treatment and application standards but may not fully cover PFAS. Dr. Arnell expanded on nutrient management, explaining that biosolids can function similarly to manure as a fertilizer source, especially for nitrogen and phosphorus, but should be tested, incorporated into soil, and applied under permit conditions to reduce runoff and other losses. He said PFAS testing methods are not yet standardized and that more research is needed to determine sampling protocols, movement in soil, and long-term effects. Committee members asked whether farmers and ranchers should be notified of risks, whether PFAS is currently tested, how many counties use biosolids, and what research would be needed for a dissertation-level study. The witnesses generally agreed that landowners should be informed of known risks and uncertainties, but said the science is still developing. Dr. Arnell said a unified testing method is needed before reliable PFAS monitoring can be done, and suggested that a multi-year study would be required to understand soil movement, crop uptake, and livestock impacts. Greg Scott of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission framed the issue as a waste-management problem, noting that human waste streams contain contaminants and that soil type affects how pollutants move; he said sandy soils pose greater movement risks than clay soils and that current best practice is incorporation, careful timing, and avoiding steep or sensitive sites. He also said PFAS are widespread and not naturally occurring in the way some other compounds are, and that liability and cleanup costs are major concerns. Mary Elizabeth Mock of Garver Engineering focused on the practical and financial consequences of a possible moratorium on land application, saying most of Oklahoma’s biosolids are currently land applied and would otherwise have to go to landfills. She warned that many landfills are nearing capacity, tipping fees could rise sharply, and cities such as Tulsa and Norman could face large increases in disposal costs, which would ultimately be borne by ratepayers and taxpayers. She also said septic system maintenance costs could rise if land application options shrink, potentially leading to deferred maintenance and system failures. Mock urged a tiered, data-driven approach to PFAS regulation and said advanced treatment technologies may help in the future, but they are still emerging and expensive. No votes were taken; the session consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does is it protects the Salt River wild horse herd.
• the Salt River horse herd has been historic and a draw of tourism to Arizona, and it's part of the Wild

Summary: The House met, opened with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior journal, and first took up a motion to request Senate consent for an extended adjournment. Representative Volk opposed the motion, arguing members should keep working on unfinished business, while Speaker Montenegro said the House had completed its current budget work and was waiting on the governor to return to negotiations. The motion passed 31-20, and the House also agreed to a related Senate adjournment request and to return HB 2415 to the Senate for reconsideration. The chamber then went into Committee of the Whole and considered several Senate bills. SB 1199, concerning the Salt River wild horse herd, was amended to pause removals for a genetic diversity study and received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1399 on Medicaid spending transparency, SB 1496, SB 1497, SB 1582, SB 1713, and SB 1798 were also amended and advanced. SB 1713 drew the most debate, with supporters saying it would expand pharmacist access to basic care and improve rural and veteran access, while opponents warned it expanded scope of practice beyond pharmacists’ training. The House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report, ordered several bills engrossed, and sent SB 1399 to third reading. In a second Committee of the Whole, SB 1214 and SB 1670 were further amended and advanced. The House then moved to third reading and voted on multiple bills. SB 1006, SB 1037, SB 1171, SB 1242, SB 1270, SB 1419, SB 1429, SB 1445, SB 1452, SB 1478, and SB 1566 passed, while SB 1099 and SB 1635 failed on the initial vote. Members then used reconsideration motions to place SB 1006 and SB 1635 back on the third-reading calendar. The session ended with personal privilege remarks recognizing correctional officers, Cinco de Mayo guests, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day, and other tributes, followed by adjournment until June 1, 2026.