Transcript Highlights:

• And I want your assurances that you're going to help our North State address the predators that we have
• And I want your assurances that you're going to help our North State address the predators that we have

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider a series of gubernatorial appointments, bill referrals, and two Senate Rule 26 authorship-change requests. The committee first approved, on 4-0 votes held open for absent members, a slate of appointments not required to appear, including J. Bradshaw to the Transportation Commission, Kylie Bolser to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and several appointments to the Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, as well as Monique Moyer to the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority Board. The committee also approved bill referrals and, after a clarification that only authorship changes were before the committee, approved the Rule 26 requests involving former Assembly Member James Gallagher’s bills AB 2676 and AB 2700. After absent members arrived, those earlier actions were confirmed by 5-0 votes. The main hearing was on Megan Hurdle’s appointment as Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hurdle emphasized a science-based, collaborative approach balancing conservation with the needs of farmers, ranchers, local governments, tribes, and communities. Senators focused on human-wildlife conflict, including wolves and mountain lions, the Western Joshua tree program and its costs for homeowners and local projects, invasive golden mussels, staffing shortages among wildlife officers, marine protected areas and 30x30, tribal co-management and land return, and oil spill prevention and response. Hurdle said the department is using data sharing, less-lethal tools, task forces, public education, and partnerships to address these issues, while also trying to improve permitting and reduce burdens where possible. The committee then heard from Caroline Thomas Jacobs, nominated to lead the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Jacobs highlighted her prior leadership roles in wildfire safety and her earlier service at Cal OES, and said her priorities include statewide preparedness, next-generation 911, recovery from the Los Angeles fires, and planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Senators questioned her about disaster debris clearance, public safety power shutoffs, governance for the 911 rollout, earthquake preparedness, mutual-aid equipment, and how Cal OES coordinates with local and out-of-state law enforcement for major events. Jacobs said Cal OES should show up quickly, coordinate clearly, and use lessons from past disasters to reduce delays and improve response. Both nominees received broad support from public witnesses, and each was advanced to the Senate floor by committee vote; Hurdle’s appointment was later confirmed 5-0, and Jacobs’s appointment was confirmed 5-0 after the committee reconvened.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this predates my time. I ran for office. This was something that I was working on.
• So this predates my time in the legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• Importantly, it predates the naturopathic doctors act and operates independently of it.
• Importantly, it predates the neuropathic doctors act and operates independently of it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Back in 2020, before any of this legislation was passed, and this little bit predates me, but I do remember
• And this little bit predates me, but I do remember this history.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget proposals, beginning with Exposition Park. Park leadership described the 160-acre state property’s historic role, growing visitation, and major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup fan fest and the 2028 Olympics. The governor’s proposal sought $96.5 million for utility replacement, site improvements, code compliance, accessibility, and public safety/traffic systems, plus $1.698 million for operational sustainability. The LAO said the proposals had merit but suggested the Legislature could consider downscaling some work given the budget condition. Members generally supported the requests, emphasizing deferred maintenance, public access, and the park’s statewide importance; both Exposition Park items were held open. The California Science Center requested funding to open and operate the new Air and Space Center, a major expansion featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The LAO supported the proposal but suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as admission fees, higher parking fees, or private funds. Members debated whether the state should continue to fund operations without charging admission, with the Science Center explaining its public-private funding model and warning that fees could sharply reduce attendance, especially for underserved communities. The item was held open. The committee also reviewed continuation funding for the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s consumer protection and debt collection programs. DFPI and Finance said the requests would extend existing expenditure authority and were not General Fund asks. The LAO supported limited-term funding but urged cumulative reporting or a sunset-style review before permanent funding. Members pressed DFPI on outcomes, workload, and the high cost of the debt collection licensing program, noting that the number of licensees was far below early estimates and that assessments on the industry were substantial. Public commenters from the debt collection industry echoed those concerns, while others supported DFPI’s consumer protection work. The committee then heard a Board of Registered Nursing request for $1.4 million to fund eight special investigators. The board said complaint volume has risen with licensee growth and more complex cases, and members asked about complaint outcomes, regional caseloads, med spa oversight, viral complaints, and bias-related complaints. The board explained its investigation, probation, and intervention processes and said most cases reaching the Attorney General result in discipline. That item was also held open. After public comment on additional agenda items, the committee voted on several vote-only items. Items 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17 were approved 4-0. Items 7, 9, and 14 were also approved, with the chair correcting the tally to 4-0. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It predates our universities, our prisons.
• It predates our universities, our prisons.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this predates the ADU law, so this is the market working on its own.
• And this predates the ADU law. So this is the market working on its own.

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The committee held a work session on land banking and shared homeownership models, with members and staff discussing ways to use public land and nonprofit partnerships to expand permanently affordable housing. Commerce’s Dave Anderson outlined recent policy changes that may support these models, including ADUs, middle housing, lot splitting, condominium reforms, church land housing, and public land transfer policies. He described community land trusts and limited equity housing cooperatives as ways for households to build some equity without owning land outright. Representatives asked about statewide numbers and implementation, and Commerce said it is preparing a guidebook for local planners. Pierce County staff described the Pierce County Community Development Corporation’s rapid acquisition fund, public-to-public land transfers, and land banking loans. They said the county used general fund and 1406 sales tax dollars to acquire properties, preserve a manufactured home park through resident ownership, and assemble public surplus and underutilized sites for future affordable housing. Committee members asked about the entity’s advantages over private developers, funding sources, coordination with housing authorities, and whether similar models exist elsewhere. The presenter said the main advantage is the ability to receive public property transfers at no cost and hold land while development plans are assembled. Amy Manning of the Spokane Regional Land Bank said land banks help move vacant, blighted, or underutilized properties into affordable housing and community use, but holding costs and taxes can make projects harder to finance. She described EPA brownfield assessments, Commerce planning grants, donated properties, and work with the City of Spokane on surplus and underutilized land. Victoria O’Beynion of the Northwest Cooperative Development Center then testified on limited equity cooperatives, especially in manufactured housing communities, saying they preserve affordability, support resident governance, and can build modest equity over time. She cited growth in cooperative acquisitions since 2020 and said recent legislation allowing manufactured homes in cooperatives to be titled as real property has improved access to traditional financing. The committee then shifted to maximizing existing housing stock. Dave Anderson reviewed the state’s recent housing laws and said implementation is still unfolding, with local code updates and planning cycles taking years. He noted growth in ADUs, room rentals, and multifamily production, but also concerns about short-term rentals and corporate ownership of single-family homes. Members asked for follow-up data on implementation timelines, vacancy, corporate ownership, and eviction patterns. Sightline’s Katie Gould presented on mobile dwelling units, arguing that RVs and tiny houses on wheels are a low-cost, fast-to-install housing option that is often blocked by zoning, and described cases where people were forced into precarious or illegal arrangements. AARP’s Kathy McCall closed by emphasizing aging in place, housing cost burdens on older adults, and the need for more accessible, lower-cost options such as ADUs, missing middle housing, and manufactured home community preservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see four projects there, four things that we had asked for initially, which was Hatchery Predator
• What is in the governor's budget is the Hatchery Predator control, the replacement of the 50-foot trailer
• The Hatchery Predator control— is this for the hatchery down in Nashua, or is that for all the hatcheries
• thank you Mr chairman the<05:09:46.760><c> um</c><05:09:47.040><c> Hatchery</c><05:09:47.558><c> predator
• </c><05:09:48.200><c> predator</c> the um Hatchery predator predator the um Hatchery predator predator

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining that it maintains and operates 96 state buildings and uses annual facility walkthroughs, condition assessments, and rough cost estimates to rank projects for the governor’s capital budget. Officials described how requests are triaged, how the governor’s office and Public Works refine estimates, and how the resulting capital budget book serves as legislative intent for approved projects. They also noted that this year the governor’s office asked for estimates on all selected projects, which increased workload but reduced detail. The department highlighted several requested projects, including $1.5 million for the ERP system sustainability fund, which officials said is critical because the state is upgrading its core financial, HR, and budget system to the cloud. Other priorities included courthouse HVAC and boiler work, brick repointing at the State House annex/main building, window replacement at the Spalding building, and elevator replacement on the hospital campus. Officials also said the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and asked the committee to consider funding closer to historic levels. The committee then reviewed lapse and reallocation items. DAS said most older projects are still in design, bid, or construction because projects now take four to six years rather than two to three, in part due to ARPA-related workload and post-COVID construction backlogs. Members discussed lapsing $81,000 from the completed Spalding roof project and redirecting small remaining balances from several 2019 projects toward the Hillsboro County South cell block project through the Capital Project Overview Committee. Officials also confirmed ARPA-funded projects are expected to be completed before the December 2026 deadline and explained that the ERP system is the main state IT exception outside DOIT’s usual centralized control, though it still requires DOIT consultation and approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• Animal cruelty is a better predictor of sexual abuse compared to other crimes like murder and arson.
• Currently, the act of using the internet to lure or entice a child into unlawful sexual conduct is a
• Representative Greco, is there anything preventing a rapist, abuser, or sexual predator from bringing

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, quorum call, and several recognitions, including guests for Education and Sharing Day, law enforcement officer of the day Detective Miata Anderson, and later FAMU Day at the Capitol and other visiting groups. The chamber adopted the special order report and then moved through a series of budget-related bills and conforming measures, with debate focused largely on recurring funding, environmental programs, housing, insurance reserves, and tax policy. Members approved HB 5011/SB 2506, which conform environmental resource funding to the proposed budget by shifting Seminole Gaming Compact-related dollars from recurring to nonrecurring funding; supporters said this preserves annual legislative review, while opponents warned it would reduce funding for the Resilient Florida program, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. The House then passed HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves by lowering the RAP program and repealing FORA funding, and HB 5501, which redirects documentary stamp tax revenues from housing and transportation trust funds to general revenue; Democrats argued the housing changes would reduce affordable housing support, while Republicans said the move was needed to control recurring spending. The chamber also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, HB 5201 on Florida PALM accounting conforming changes, HB 5203 on Capitol Center tenancy and utilities control, and HB 5009 creating a Florida Accountability Office and revising audit and budgeting functions. The most extended debate came on HB 7031, which permanently reduces the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lowers several related tax rates. Supporters described it as broad-based, immediate tax relief for Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more targeted and that sales tax cuts also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. The bill passed 112-0. The House then took up the main budget bill, HB 501, and subcommittee chairs outlined the proposed $112.9 billion budget, including education, health care, transportation, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and IT spending. Members began questioning the pre-K-12 budget on school funding, vouchers, proration, mental health and safety allocations, and inflation, with the discussion continuing beyond the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kind of predates<00:47:31.000><c> me</c><00:47:31.320><c> in</c><00:47:31.440><c> my</c><00:47:31.680
• </c><00:47:32.640><c> It</c> predates me in my current position.
• It predates me in my current position.

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Property vulnerable to predators, for a land grab, for instance.
• If such conditions exist, these predators can forcibly put you in jail and violate due process of law
• And I'll just point out that my opinions on the Constitutional Convention predate my employment with
• We predate them. What their association does does not have anything to do with this H.J.R. 98.

Bills: HB246 , HB796 , HB 1056 , HB1544 , HB1846 , HB2001 , HB2618 , HB2625 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3069 , HB3114 , HB3157 , HB3228 , HJR98 , HB246

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• I've spent my career doing this work, and I think I probably predate just about everybody except maybe
• career doing this work, and I think I career doing this work, and I think I probably<01:06:51.800><c> predate
• </c><01:06:52.560><c> just</c><01:06:52.840><c> about</c><01:06:53.120><c> everybody</c> probably predate
• just about everybody probably predate just about everybody except<01:06:53.800><c> maybe</c><01:06:54.080

Summary: The committee met for an initial natural resources hearing with a quorum present and introductory housekeeping, including prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests. Chair Smith outlined ground rules for questions and then invited Kentucky Power and American Electric Power representatives to the table to discuss a proposed plan involving the Mitchell Power Plant and future generation needs in Eastern Kentucky. Witnesses Cindy Wiseman, Alex Vaughn, and AEP CEO Bill Fehrman said the company’s goals are to stabilize and lower rates, reduce rate volatility, and expand generation in the Commonwealth. They explained that Kentucky Power seeks legislative authority to securitize its 50% interest in the Mitchell coal plant, describing securitization as a refinancing mechanism that would lower annual plant costs by about $34 million and help offset roughly one-third of the expected cost of adding new generation in Kentucky. They emphasized that the proposal is not intended to close Mitchell, and said Kentucky Power currently has no plan to divest its interest; the company still needs the plant to serve customers while it pursues additional dispatchable generation in Kentucky. Members pressed the witnesses on the plant’s book value versus fair market value, whether the Mitchell interest had ever been assigned a nominal value, how any divestiture proceeds would be handled, whether Kentucky Power owns Wheeling Power, and how long Mitchell can continue operating. The company said it values Mitchell at net book value for accounting purposes, not fair market value, and explained that Wheeling Power is a separate AEP affiliate and that West Virginia affiliates have already proposed securitization of their share. Witnesses said Kentucky Power’s interest cannot technically operate past 2028 without additional environmental control investment, while the West Virginia side is depreciating through 2040. They also described the financing timeline, saying securitization would require enactment of legislation, a PSC financing order, bond issuance, and then parallel work to acquire or build new generation, with any reinvestment terms to be addressed through the regulatory process.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, and this is significant, this is the first case in America to actually demonstrate that predators
• , child predators, have moved onto the platform so that they can target and exploit kids.
• The priority for the special agents who work in my agency is human trafficking and the sexual exploitation

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee first heard an Aging and Long-Term Services Department budget presentation comparing the LFC and executive recommendations. The main differences were in the Aging Network, Adult Protective Services, Program Support, and Long-Term Care Division, especially the executive’s proposed $10 million infusion into the Kiki Savadra Senior Dignity Fund and $6.2 million for expanding New Mexico Care. LFC staff explained that the committee recommendation was lower in general fund and fund-balance use, while the executive emphasized rising senior population needs, meal and transportation costs, and the cost savings of keeping older adults at home. The secretary also reviewed the department’s special requests, including the conference on aging, outreach, emergency preparedness, and the Kiki fund, and described New Mexico Care’s growth, its evaluation results, and the department’s plan to separate Kiki into its own accounting fund. Members largely focused on senior services, rural meal delivery, transportation, caregiver support, and the Kiki fund. Several members urged stronger support for non-metro aging providers and for New Mexico Care, citing its role in keeping seniors out of nursing homes and the program’s reported savings and outcomes. Questions also covered eligibility, background checks for caregivers, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer’s screening, and whether Kiki funds can support home modifications such as ramps. The committee then voted to adopt the LFC recommendation with one executive language change: adding the executive’s page 14 language allowing an additional 12.5% distribution for initial payments to aging network providers at the start of FY27. Representative Dow opposed the motion. The committee then moved to the Attorney General’s budget. LFC staff explained that the office’s budget relies heavily on the Consumer Settlement Fund, with both recommendations reducing general fund revenue while increasing settlement-fund use, and that performance measures were in consensus. The Attorney General said the office was not seeking more general fund, but wanted greater ability to use funds it recovers. He highlighted major consumer and public safety work, including litigation against major social media and AI platforms, a case involving Snapchat and child exploitation/extortion, the statewide crime gun intelligence center, efforts to address oilfield theft, work on missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and efforts to protect federal funds coming into New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the number of vehicles on the predator ban has less than 1% of the passenger vehicles.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of predators. When we hear those people, those people are out there.

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met and heard three bills, all of which passed favorably. HB 229 by Rep. Oliver would update the Health Facilities Authority Act to reflect modern health system structures, allowing not-for-profit LLCs and not-for-profit parent corporations of health systems to use the financing authority, and clarifying that authorities may use loan agreements as well as lease financing. An amendment narrowing and clarifying the not-for-profit definition was adopted without objection. AdventHealth testified in support, and the bill passed 17-0. The committee then heard HB 527 by Rep. Trabulsi, which creates a public records exemption for current and former AHCA personnel who investigate complaints, Medicaid fraud, abuse, waste, or inspect licensed health facilities. The sponsor said the exemption is intended to protect investigators and their families from retaliation. There was no public testimony, and members discussed balancing transparency with safety. The bill passed 17-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 431 by Rep. Trabulsi, which extends by one year the requirement for athletic coaches and similar youth sports volunteers to complete Level 2 background screening through AHCA’s clearinghouse, with the sponsor saying the delay would give the system time to expand and reduce costs over time. Public testimony from youth sports organizations supported the goal of screening but raised concerns about cost, implementation details, and age thresholds for screening. Members generally supported the bill as a child-safety measure, and it also passed 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• on when and how this evil is happening, the better chance we have to stay one step ahead of these predators

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, presentation of the colors, and the national anthem. The chamber welcomed cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, former Senate presidents and colleagues, and other guests. Senators also observed moments of silence honoring former Senator Geraldine Thompson and former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and the Senate dedicated its 2024-2026 handbook to Thompson in recognition of her work in education and civics. The main action of the day was adoption of SCR 1294, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session in the House chamber at 11 a.m. that day to receive a message from Governor Ron DeSantis. The resolution was adopted without objection, rules were waived, and it was immediately certified to the House. The Secretary was also directed to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was convened and ready to proceed with the 2025 regular session. In a lengthy opening-day address, the President outlined the session’s priorities, emphasizing rural Florida, citrus and agriculture, government efficiency, IT and cybersecurity reform, administrative rule review, affordability, insurance and property tax relief, autism services, veterans’ support, mental health and child welfare legislation, Everglades restoration, public school administrative efficiency, and food insecurity. No substantive debate or roll-call votes were taken beyond the unanimous adoption of the concurrent resolution. The Senate then adjourned until March 12, 2025, or upon the call of the President.

Bills: HB145 , HB164 , HJR6 , HR1 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB166 , HB295 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HB99 , HB206 , HB213 , HB270 , HJR5 , SB104 , SB193 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation

Transcript Highlights:

• bird collisions, disrupts insect navigation, interferes with plant life, and disrupts nocturnal predators

Committees: House Agriculture , House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• My question is, if we're going to do this, any predator, if we're going to get rid of including, what

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• star families in the in this state over the last 25 years there may be some that are that are that predate

Committee: Senate Revenue and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, you know, we predated all the other firms I mentioned before, and we were the first to ever
• And again, you know, we predated all the other firms I mentioned before, and we were the first to ever
• And again, you know, we predated all the other firms I mentioned before, and we were the first to ever
• And again you know we predated right?
• And again you know we predated all<00:41:31.280><c> the</c><00:41:31.400><c> other</c><00:41:31.560><

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, and approval of the April 6 and May 4 minutes, with minor corrections noted to the May minutes. The main presentation came from JD of Link Network, introduced by Dan Cohen, who described Link’s work with crypto.com and other market participants on tokenized money market funds and real-time settlement for institutional clients. JD gave a detailed history of his earlier work developing the Arca U.S. Treasury Fund and ArCoin, emphasizing that the project was built within existing SEC and 1940 Act frameworks and was intended to use blockchain technology for a traditional asset rather than create a crypto product. He said the effort involved years of discussions with the SEC, multiple custodians, and partners such as U.S. Bank, T-Zero Securities, and Tassat, and that the model eventually led to Link’s settlement system. He highlighted concerns that shaped the design, including regulatory compliance, privacy for institutional users, and the need to bridge traditional banking hours with 24/7 digital asset markets. The presentation also described Link’s features, including segregated and bankruptcy-remote fund structures, tokenized deposit and treasury fund settlement, and “yield in transit,” which allows interest to accrue and be distributed daily down to a two-second block. JD said the platform is being expanded for use cases such as exchange liquidity, cross-border capital movement, off-exchange collateral, stablecoin bridging, treasury management, and peer-to-peer settlement. He closed by posing policy questions for the commission about the use cases for stablecoins versus tokenized money market funds in New Hampshire and whether the state could issue or administer a security-based program with appropriate compliance controls.