Transcript Highlights:

• for the invocation to be led today by Reverend Talitha Arnold, the pastor of the United Church of Santa
• us to begin this time by, in the same way that we begin services at the church that I serve here in Santa
• Signed and sealed at the Capitol in the city of Santa Fe, Senator Linda M.
• Particularly if you get stuck here in Santa Fe, there are things to do.
• And if you get stuck here in Santa Fe, there's lots happening over the weekend, so enjoy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cruz, Poole, Taylor, Wynne, how do you vote? Mr. Powell, how do you vote?
• Representative Kupper, Cruz, Biasucci, Garbon, how do you vote?
• Representative Cruz. Mr. Speaker Pro Tem, I rise to explain my vote. Please proceed.
• Representative Cruz votes no. Representative Kessel. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Pro Tem.
• Representative Cruz, you're recognized for a question or comment about 2477. Yeah, Mr.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum as Doctor of the Day, Lutheran Day at the Legislature, a veterans treatment court judge, and Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first/second readings before beginning a long third-reading calendar. Members considered and voted on a wide range of bills covering tax administration, groundwater and water rights, licensing timeframes, homicide, school employee transparency, mining, retirement system cleanup, utility regulation, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, veterinary board changes, geological survey reorganization, court fees, real estate licensing, probation, and several education-related appropriations and policy measures. Many bills passed on largely party-line votes, while others passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. Several members explained votes on issues such as superintendent contract transparency, ESA administration funding, mining reclamation, water supply and drought policy, motorcycle safety, AI and adult-content verification, and abortion-pill coercion. The House also passed multiple concurrent resolutions and memorials, including measures on election administration, Judea and Samaria, Route 66, and a memorial to rename State Route 69. Election-related debate was especially pointed, with supporters arguing for precinct-based voting and opponents warning of cost, reduced access, and logistical burdens. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of measures on Calendar No. 1, starting with HB 2174 and related amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Cruz, Poole, Taylor, Wynne, how do you vote? Mr. Powell, how do you vote?
• Representative Cooper, Cruz, Biasucci, Garbon, how do you vote?
• Representative Cruz. Mr. Speaker Pro Tem, I rise to explain my vote. Please proceed.
• Representative Cruz votes no. Representative Kessel. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Pro Tem.
• Representative Cruz, you're recognized for a question or comment about 2477. Yeah, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Santa Cortez? Here. Madam Vice Chair. Madam Chair? Here. We have a quorum.
• Evaluation with a friend here in Santa Fe.
• I strongly support this bill, as do my colleagues in Indivisible Santa Fe.
• I strongly support this bill, as do my colleagues in Indivisible Santa Fe.
• Madam Chair and Representative Santa Cortez, part of the issue here is stigma.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 213, which would allow optometrists to perform three specific laser procedures. The sponsor presented a committee substitute adding 32 hours of approved advanced training, supervised live-patient practice, adverse-event reporting, and other accountability measures. Supporters argued the bill would improve access to care, while the New Mexico Medical Board opposed it, citing patient-safety concerns and the much greater training required of ophthalmologists. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 6-3. The committee then considered House Bill 65, renamed the Foster Care Plus pilot program. The substitute changed the bill to require clinical assessment instead of CAN assessment, added reporting to the Legislature and LFC, and clarified contracting with clinical experts. CYFD officials said the $2.5 million request, combined with existing growth funding, would support more children, staff, foster-parent stipends, and related services, and that the program is already being implemented with help from Oklahoma-based experts. Some members remained concerned about cost, staffing, and whether the program could be sustained, but the committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 8-1. House Bill 127, on expedited medical licensure, was amended to create a provisional pathway for internationally trained physicians, require a job offer and benchmarks before full licensure, and establish a telemedicine registry. The Medical Board supported the amended bill, while public commenters emphasized physician shortages and access to care. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill. House Bill 128, which updates firefighter occupational disease and disablement presumptions to add cancers and other changes, drew strong support from firefighters, labor, and workers’ compensation officials; the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill. House Bill 156, which removes the sunset on the state’s authority to set vaccine guidelines and continue its vaccine program, also passed after supporters argued it preserves access and opponents raised broader vaccine-policy concerns. The committee then began hearing House Bill 137, a buprenorphine access bill, with the sponsor and advocates describing pharmacy supply barriers and a committee substitute aimed at setting minimum stock standards, requiring distributor reporting, and avoiding fines on pharmacies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for having us on this beautiful November Santa Fe morning. Mr.
• He goes to Santa Fe to lobby his legislature and the Senate is meeting in the old Senate chamber.
• I understand Santa Fe's audit, city audit is going to be late.
• That's a state that the city of Santa Fe is running into. You're right; it's no fault of their own.
• Where they struck it and then moved all the money for the fire training center in Santa Fe.

Transcript Highlights:

• But yet we're relying the entire future of the Santa Fe and the Chitokne on this project, because the
• The Santa Fe has already been experiencing significant harm for more than 10 years.
• I live on the Lower Santa Fe, and I am the president of Our Santa Fe, Inc., which is a local nonprofit
• That goal is to protect the Santa Fe River and its basin.
• and work in conjunction with conservation and other efforts to restore the hydrology of the Lower Santa

Bills: S0598 , S0934 , S1260 , S1300 , S1452 , S1510 , S1566 , S1580 , S1668 , S7034

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The committee first took up appointments, recommending confirmation of James Patrick Grambling and Brian J. Aungst on a single favorable vote. It then heard and approved several committee bills, including CS/CS/SB 1260 on building code inspections, which directs the Department of Management Services to contract with private providers for plan review and inspections; CS/SB 1668 on NICA, which updates benefits, oversight, funding, and immunity language; SB 1300 on a workforce/CDL training program for selected nonviolent inmates; CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services; CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming enforcement; CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys affordable housing tax exemptions; and CS/CS/SB 1452, an agency bill updating DFS programs and licensing rules. Each of those bills was reported favorably after committee debate and, in several cases, amendments were adopted. The committee spent substantial time on CS/CS/SB 1510, the DEP package, which reorganizes environmental rulemaking and land acquisition authority, expands septic-to-sewer and nutrient-reduction requirements in sensitive areas, updates stormwater and resilience provisions, and revises related permitting and grant programs. Two amendments were adopted, including one adding solar-energy and stormwater-related provisions and another removing septic disclosure reporting language. Testimony included support from DEP and concerns from environmental advocates about septic timelines and implementation. The bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/CS/SB 1566 on local government budget transparency, requiring counties and municipalities to post budgets and related materials online for extended periods in a standardized format. The League of Cities opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate, while the sponsor argued it would improve taxpayer access and accountability; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 7034, a rule ratification for minimum flows and levels for the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs, with testimony focused on the proposed Water First restoration strategy, conservation measures, and concerns about water quality, funding, and local opposition. The transcript ends during closing remarks on that ratification bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have also worked with the LOSSAN team to pilot a service expansion for Santa Barbara and San Luis
• We have also worked with the LOSSAN team to pilot a service expansion for Santa Barbara and San Luis
• Going to the track, going to Santa Barbara. It just goes on and on.
• Going to the track, going to Santa Barbara. It just goes on and on.
• The game was in Santa Clara. And, of course, our line connects San Francisco down to San Jose.

Summary: The Senate LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency Subcommittee heard updates from CalSTA, Caltrans, Metrolink, and Caltrain on corridor performance, governance, funding, and long-term planning. Chair Lackey opened by saying the SB 1098 report on LOSSAN governance and performance was unfinished and overdue, and argued the corridor remains at a crossroads because ridership, on-time performance, fiscal solvency, and capital delivery are still lagging. Senator Archuleta echoed concerns about safety, maintenance, ridership recovery, and the need to avoid state subsidy if local revenues fall short. CalSTA and Caltrans said the state has made major investments, including $125 million for San Clemente emergency resiliency work, and that more than $25 billion in funded rail projects are moving toward construction. They said work on the SB 1098 report is underway, with a LOSSAN working group to be convened, and described a new Caltrans transit-and-rail reorganization with a deputy director to improve accountability. Caltrans also reported restoration of Surfliner service to 13 weekday round trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, planned service increases to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, fleet overhauls, and a new project-tracking and service-planning tool to prioritize capital projects by service outcomes. The panel also discussed zero-emission strategy, saying hydrogen fuel-cell trains are being procured for longer-distance service while battery-electric options are being pursued where feasible, and that San Clemente long-term planning is being scoped with local partners. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said the agency has shifted from a commuter-only model to all-day regional service through its “Metrolink Reimagined” schedule, with improved transfers, more weekend and off-peak ridership, and a 25% increase in monthly pass sales under a new fare pilot. He warned, however, that Metrolink faces a fiscal cliff: member agencies now cover about 72% of operating costs while fares cover about 11%, and without a dedicated revenue source the agency may need to cut service, reduce stations, or end later-evening and weekend trips. He said Metrolink has limited ability to monetize stations or parking because it does not own most of the relevant property or rights. Caltrain’s Jason Baker described the success of electrified service, with ridership up 57% year over year and customer satisfaction at record highs, but said Caltrain also faces a projected $75 million annual operating deficit and may need to consider service cuts if stable funding is not found. He highlighted revenue efforts such as energy regeneration compensation, parking and concession reviews, station development, and a planned battery-electric pilot to extend zero-emission service south of San Jose.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a resident of Santa Fe, and I've been an animal welfare professional for nearly 20 years.
• I currently I currently serve as the CEO of Santa Fe Animal Shelter, and I strongly support SB 38, which
• And so there are places, unlike, you know, in Santa Fe, we're able to raise a lot of private money to
• We see examples right here in Santa Fe County. Reunity Resources is a farm.
• Fe, Las Cruces, and the counties of Santa Fe, Bernalillo, and Los Alamos.

Bills: SB38 , SB46 , SB18

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, SB46, organic waste, solid waste, waste diversion, composting, compost feedstock, waste characterization study

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Andrea Romero from Northern Santa Fe County. And House Parliamentarian.
• My name is Helen Hanski, House District 47 in Santa Fe. House Majority Leader. And I'm Joy.
• This increase will keep the lowest rate above the Santa Fe living wage, which will need to affect January
• Madam Chair, Representative, sorry, I mean, so the living wage in Santa Fe is now $17.50, no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Andrea Romero from Northern Santa Fe County. And House Parliamentarian.
• We are Hanski from House District 47 in Santa Fe. House Majority Leader. And we have Joy.
• This increase will keep the lowest rate above the Santa Fe living wage that will need to affect January
• Representative, sorry, I mean, so the living wage in Santa Fe is now 17.50, no.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, he's, he's, oh, Representative Cruz.
• And I believe I had called Representative Cruz. “Okay, who’s doing Representative Cruz? Okay, Mr.
• Members, this is House Bill No. 1228 by Representative Cruz, relative to the registration and licensing
• Okay, Representative Cruz on your bill. Thank you, Vice Chair Thomas, and members of committee.
• Thank you, Representative Cruz. The board is clear. I do have a question. “Yes, ma’am.

Bills: HB387 , HB673 , HB947 , HB975 , HB1102 , HB1228 , HB1229 , HCR66 , SB102 , SB165 , SB280 , SB291 , SB326 , SB521

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, security cameras, abandoned property, blighted structures, property management, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, Department of Public Service, statutory entities, public administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Dela Cruz. Here. Senator Elefante. Here. Senator Fevella. Senator Fukunaga.
• Is there any discussion, Senator Dela Cruz? Thank you, Mr. President.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Is there any discussion, Senator Dela &gt;&gt; Is there any discussion, Senator Dela Cruz
• Cruz? Cruz? Thank<00:31:31.840><c> you,</c><00:31:31.920><c> Mr.</c><00:31:32.160><c> President.
• Senator Dela Cruz. Thank you, Mr. President.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sheridan, Calvary in American Canyon, New Testament in Hanford, Faith in Atascadero, and Lighthouse in Santa
• On behalf of these five California Baptist churches—South Coast in Santa Barbara, Freedom's Way in Santa
• Clarita, Mountain Avenue in Banning, Solid Rock in Bellflower, and Silicon Valley Chinese Baptist in Santa
• On behalf of these five California Baptist churches—South Coast in Santa Barbara, Freedom's Way in Santa
• Clarita, Mountain Avenue in Banning, Solid Rock in Bellflower, and Silicon Valley Chinese Baptist in Santa

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee. SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cortese, which designates a specified portion of State Highway Route 152 in the County of Santa
• Senator Cortese, which designates a specified portion of State Highway Route 152 in the County of Santa
• the Marshall Carter Park and a one-of-a-kind agricultural park surrounded by urban development in Santa
• Rusty Reyes also helped obtain $150 million in Santa Clara County.

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Rena Sipanski representing House District 47 in Santa Fe. I'm really pleased to be here.
• I represent all of Los Alamos, parts of Santa Fe, and parts of Sandoval County.
• Um, Representative Andrea Romero from Northern Santa Fe County, House District 46, um, from the Pojoaque
• Valley, uh, to the city of Española, city of Santa Fe, and we represent for us up in Pueblos as well

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• What’s the evidence with these wind-driven Santa Ana fires?
• If we don't have Santa Anas, we seem to be doing well. I don't know.
• And I brought up the issue about Santa Ana winds.
• When we don't have Santa Ana winds, we don't feel very much at risk. If... ...California.
• When we don't have Santa Ana winds, we don't feel very much at risk.

Summary: The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request. Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals. Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression. The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.

Transcript Highlights:

• Signed and sealed at the Capitol in the city of Santa Fe.
• Signed and sealed at the capital in the city of Santa Fe.
• Signed and sealed at the Capitol in the city of Santa Fe: Senator Angel M.
• They use portal in Santa Fe.
• They use portal in Santa Fe. I use patio. They use portal in Santa Fe.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Rabbi Jack Stocker for New Mexico’s first Jewish Community Day at the legislature, and then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Spanish pledge, flag salute, and national anthem. Early floor business included unanimous-consent approvals for cameras on the floor and in the gallery, a relaxed dress code for guests, and an excuse for Senator Hickey. Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth noted it was the last day for bill introductions and reviewed the day’s observances and receptions, including Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy Day, Jewish Community Day, Santo Domingo Pueblo Day, Lincoln County Day, and UNM Day. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring the Artesia Bulldogs football team, recognized for winning another state championship and for their long record of success. Senators and coaches praised the team’s resilience, community support, and the role of local fundraising and school support in sustaining athletic excellence. The Senate also observed a moment of silence for New Mexico State Police Officer Darien Jarrett on the fifth anniversary of his death in the line of duty, with Senator Brantley speaking about Jarrett’s service and the impact of his loss on law enforcement and the region. The chamber then celebrated UNM Day with a formal certificate recognizing the University of New Mexico’s role as the state’s flagship university, its enrollment, degrees awarded, research, patents, health sciences, and hospital services. Multiple senators spoke in support, emphasizing UNM’s impact on education, health care, public service, first-generation students, and athletics, and several introduced guests from UNM programs and leadership. The Senate also read and adopted a certificate recognizing Dr. V. Sue Cleveland for 32 years leading Rio Rancho Public Schools, with members praising her role in building the district and supporting its growth and success. Later, the Senate recognized Valencia County Day and Hidalgo County Day, with senators highlighting each county’s history, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and community identity, and introducing local officials, business leaders, and youth honorary lieutenant governors. Additional floor remarks honored nurses and health care professionals tied to Lincoln County Day and related observances, with senators introducing guests from nursing, education, and hospital settings and emphasizing the importance of the nursing workforce and rural health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if I may read the students who are also here: Madison Balish, Angel Deac Cruz, Kiana Kaya, Nick Kikuta
• Madison Balish, Angel Deac<00:15:02.959><c> Cruz,</c><00:15:04.000><c> Kiana</c><00:15:04.720><c> Kaya
• ,</c><00:15:06.079><c> Nick</c><00:15:06.959><c> Kikuta,</c> Deac Cruz, Kiana Kaya, Nick Kikuta, Deac
• Cruz, Kiana Kaya, Nick Kikuta, Haram<00:15:08.880><c> Kim,</c><00:15:09.519><c> Filippo</c><00:15:10.160

Bills: HR11 , HB1872 , HB2171 , HB2161 , HB2416 , HB2518 , HB2617 , HB2159 , HB2606 , HB2362 , HB2385 , HB2476 , HB1923 , HB2444 , HB1608 , HB1967 , HB1968 , HB2502 , HB1782 , HB2357 , HB2445 , HB1870 , HB1838 , HB2137 , HB2208 , HB2458 , HB1972 , HB2007 , HB2160 , HB2343 , HB2315 , HB2505 , HB1857 , HB469 , HB1452 , HB814 , HB1621 , HB1880 , HB1831 , HB1572 , HB2119 , HB2139 , HB2459 , HB2194 , HB2561 , HB2017 , HB1931 , HB1700 , HB1719 , HB1726 , HB1737 , HB1742 , HB2049 , HB2383 , HB2116 , HB2446 , HB2249 , HB2255 , HB2320 , HB2360 , HB2581 , HB2443 , HB1531 , HB2622 , HB9 , HB2290 , HB2291 , HB2235 , HB2263 , HB2498 , HB1579 , HB1728 , HB1900

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Dela Cruz. >> Senator Elefante here. >> Senator Fevella here. >> Senator Fukunaga. >> Senator
• Senator<00:10:07.120><c> Dela</c><00:10:07.519><c> Cruz</c><00:10:07.839><c> then</c><00:10:08.080><c
• </c> Senator Dela Cruz then Senator Kim. Senator Dela Cruz then Senator Kim.

Bills: SB2445 , SB2125 , SB2355 , SB2834 , SB3237

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, Senator Cruz, you and I have introduced this bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which
• Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to
• Cantwell and Senator Cruz again this Congress to continue that work.
• Senator Blackburn, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the committee, thank you for

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.