Video & Transcript : 'procedural rule' :
Page 79 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1362 was referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
- And so what this is trying to do is set some rules, some good, strong rules, that puts things in process
- It gives them rules. This bill has no impact on the general fund.
- There's clear rules, and it keeps Idaho strong. So with that, I respectfully... ...money.
- These are clear rules, and that keeps Idaho strong.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Rules recommends that the following bill is proper for consideration.
- And that's how deeply I felt it, because by and large, I'm a rule follower.
- And that's how deeply I felt it, because by and large, I'm a rule follower.
- It's Rule 9. It's the same rule that I used on you.
- We don't speak to other members under the rules of the body. Mr.
Summary:
The Senate met in multiple Committee of the Whole sessions and later took third-reading votes on several measures, with the day dominated by election administration bills, immigration-related bills, public safety measures, and a series of bills affecting transgender youth and health care. The chamber also heard ceremonial remarks recognizing Lutheran Day at the Capitol, introduced the Doctor of the Day, and handled routine appointments, messages, and committee reports. Several bills were retained on the calendar, including SB 1431 and SCR 1005.
Among the major policy items, senators debated and advanced SB 1049 on spousal maintenance, SB 1053 on concealed weapons permits, SB 1415 on insurance adjuster license eligibility, SB 1015 on health care actions related to gender transition procedures and provider liability, SB 1095 on gender transition care for minors, and SCR 1006 on school-related sex and privacy requirements. Members opposing the transgender-related bills argued they were discriminatory, harmful to youth, and an intrusion into family and medical decisions; supporters said the measures protected children, parental rights, privacy, and medical judgment. The chamber also considered election and campaign finance measures including SB 1003, SB 1006, SB 1037, SB 1040, SB 1057, SB 1168, SB 1237, SCR 1002, SCR 1010, SCR 1013, and SCR 1014, with debate centering on transparency, ballot procedures, voter registration, and disclosure thresholds.
Additional bills addressed immigration enforcement and foreign influence concerns, including SB 1055, SB 1058, SB 1093, SB 1152, SB 1289, and SB 1308. Supporters framed these as public safety, election integrity, or enforcement measures, while opponents warned they would chill reporting to police, harm asylum seekers and immigrants, or expand punitive government power. The Senate adopted Committee of the Whole reports and assigned bills accordingly throughout the day, and several measures later received third-reading passage votes, including SB 1049, SB 1053, SB 1415, SB 1015, and SB 1095, with recorded roll-call outcomes and transmission of passed bills to the House.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (04/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- These are interim rules.
- These are interim rules.
- </c> the rule making um, the final rule the rule making um, the final rule making<00:17:40.960><c> because
- </c> objection is to the current rule. objection is to the current rule.
- That's in the new rules.
Summary:
The committee opened with routine business, approving the prior meeting minutes and adopting the consent calendar without objection. It then postponed the Board of Licensed Dieticians and the Board of Accountancy items to next month, with a waiver granted for the dieticians item so it could be carried over. The committee also noted that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources interim rule would be discussed further, and staff flagged a specific concern about authority over kindling size for category 3 fires under NCR 5601.04.
The Board of Registry and Optometry received conditional approval. Staff said the board had addressed editorial comments, but raised one substantive issue about the drug formulary: the statute requires posting it online but does not clearly exempt it from rulemaking, suggesting a possible legislative carveout may be needed. The committee agreed to add that issue to a list of legislative suggestions for later consideration.
The DNCR interim fire rule was the main contested item. Committee members and staff discussed whether the rule exceeded authority by regulating kindling for category 3 fires, and the agency explained that the regular rules had expired and interim rules were needed quickly for public safety and permit enforcement. The committee ultimately granted conditional approval on the interim rule 25-4, with the understanding that the agency would continue regular rulemaking and address the objection.
The Board of Examiners’ dental rules were then reviewed. The agency explained that it revised the rules to address prior concerns about anesthesia and sedation for children, including a pathway for oral surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists to obtain exemptions for under-13 patients, a pediatric minimal sedation permit, and a moderate sedation permit with pediatric qualification. Members also discussed whether the rules were consistent with House Bill 470; staff and members concluded they appeared compatible and would not require additional rulemaking. The committee approved the dental rules, and then adjourned after no further business.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- It's on the upper part of that bill. looking at education rules 303 uh.04 looking at education rules
- procedures procedures that<00:28:21.919><c> um</c><00:28:23.039><c> the</c> that um the that um the
- </c><02:18:34.080><c> each</c> In the second column the ed rule each In the second column the ed rule
- </c> in rules in rules is<02:19:54.800><c> in</c><02:19:54.960><c> sub</c><02:19:55.200><c> paragraph
- </c> other lots of other policies and rules other lots of other policies and rules that<02:20:32.160>
Committee:
House Education Funding
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (05/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- For this rule, on page one of the rule text, there was this one substantive comment.
- Discussion of rule. Additionally, the language is rule.
- the rules.
- Uh, motion rule is adopted.
- to have it in rule.
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, approving the consent calendar and the minutes. It then took up a Department of Employment Security rule, 24193, where the only issue was that a form had not been incorporated by reference. The department submitted an oral conditional approval request with revised language, and the committee approved the rule conditionally. A second Employment Security rule, 195, raised concerns that the notice language was too broad and vague and could amount to oral rulemaking; because the agency had not yet finalized revised language, the committee granted a one-month waiver so the rule could return next month with a conditional approval proposal.
The Department of Safety’s contact person notification program rule, 24237, drew comments about Social Security number collection, unclear drafting on one section, and ambiguity about which application needed a signature. The agency agreed to remove Social Security number references from the rules and forms and to adopt the suggested clarifying language with minor edits. After discussion about why the identifiers were needed, the committee approved the rule conditionally with the oral changes. The committee then moved a previously consent-calendar item, OPLC rule 2547, off consent after Representative Maguire objected that the renewal application form was too health-care-focused and user-unfriendly for other professions; the agency said it would revisit the form, and the committee postponed action until next month without needing a waiver.
The final major item was Fish and Game’s HB 2548, which changes licensing and permit rules for taking deer, bear, moose, turkey, and furbearing animals. Staff noted extensive public testimony, including a coalition submission, and said the main dispute was over what data the agency should rely on in setting seasons and take limits. Fish and Game explained that declining trapper participation made capture-per-unit-effort data less reliable, so it also uses hunter surveys and UNH research projects funded in part by federal money; the agency said current trapping removals are very low and do not appear to threaten populations. Committee members and public witnesses questioned whether the agency’s responses to comments were sufficiently specific under the new public-comment law, but no final vote on the Fish and Game rule was taken in the portion provided.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The cyanidation rule establishes procedures and requirements for issuance and maintenance of a permit
- The rule establishes procedures and requirements for issuance and maintenance of a permit to construct
- again, both the pending rule and the temporary rule.
- rule.
- Rule.
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Without objection, the rules are suspended.
- Order that notwithstanding Senate Rule 7 or any rule to the contrary, the House bill making appropriations
- The clerk shall further specify the procedure in formats consistent with this order.
- Senator Tarr moves that the rules be suspended to allow the matter to be considered forthwith.
- Without objection, the rules are suspended. The question comes on adoption of the order.
Summary:
The Senate met in informal session, beginning with recognition of the Masconomet Regional High School girls varsity soccer team, the 2004 MIAA Division 2 state champions, along with coaches, staff, and visiting House members. Senators offered praise for the team’s accomplishments and presented citations, noting the chamber was in informal session to satisfy the constitutional requirement to meet every 72 hours and to handle limited procedural business before a later budget debate.
The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Christian Jose Fildago Barros, a young child who had battled a rare neuroblastoma and died on January 13. A moment of silence was observed in his memory.
The main legislative action concerned House Bill 58, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. Senator Rodrigues offered an amendment to replace the bill’s text with Senate Document 16, and the Senate suspended the rules to take up an order setting the bill for a second reading on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, with amendments due electronically by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11. The order was adopted, placing H.58 on the Orders of the Day for Wednesday. The Senate also adopted an order to meet again on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in formal session, then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 21st, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- SB2 motion to suspend rules. Mr.
- Okay, so then it's in the rules, so that means TDEM could actually modify the rules to reduce those numbers
- Well, if it's a rule... Right. They can modify their own rules.
- Members, I move to suspend all necessary rules and take up House Resolution 6.
- Chair is now on the rule. Suspended. Resolution. The clerk will read the resolution.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The OAG has confirmed that they will implement rules and procedures to handle requests for tattoo removal
- Chairman and members, Senate Bill 1667 relates to the procedures for the Mr.
- I don't believe it's intent to impact it or what the rules are.
- Y'all then promulgated another rule, Chapter 64, that would specifically allow testing.
- Y'all then promulgated another rule, Chapter 64, that would specifically allow testing.
Bills:
SB552 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1372 , SB1506 , SB1667 , SB1804 , SB1806 , SB1870 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB2180 , SB2405 , SB2569 , SB2570 , SB1646
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee heard a series of criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 1870 and SB 1727, both of which were adopted as committee substitutes and reported favorably to the full Senate. SB 1870 would bar local governments from adopting policies that decriminalize controlled substances or direct officials not to enforce state drug laws, with civil penalties enforced by the Attorney General for violations. SB 1727 was described as a technical change to make the draft a formal Legislative Council version of a TDCJ-related assault bill; both bills were also sent to the local and uncontested calendar.
The committee then took up SB 2405, the major Sunset bill for TDCJ, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Windham School District, and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee. Senator Parker explained that the bill continues and modernizes those agencies, requires a 10-year facilities and staffing plan, expands rehabilitation and reentry programming, improves parole-board consistency and training, and codifies various cleanup and inspector general recommendations. Sunset staff and agency witnesses discussed the bill’s data-sharing, program coordination, and projected savings from reducing delays in parole-voted programming; public witnesses generally supported the post-secondary education and reentry provisions, while some urged stronger statutory direction for Windham and more reform to medically recommended intensive supervision. The bill was left pending.
SB 1804, SB 1099, SB 2569, and SB 2570 were also heard. SB 1804 would allow restitution for tattoo removal for human trafficking survivors and remove the age restriction so adult survivors can qualify; it was reported favorably and sent to the local calendar. SB 1099 would increase penalties for certain felony offenses when committed by a person determined to be unlawfully present in the country; immigration and civil rights witnesses opposed it as overbroad and difficult to administer, but it was reported favorably. SB 2569 would modernize unmanned aircraft reporting by requiring law enforcement agencies to post reports on public websites; it passed unanimously and was sent to the local calendar. SB 2570 would create a defense to prosecution for peace officers and correctional guards using less-lethal force weapons within the scope of their training; law enforcement witnesses supported it, civil rights and prosecutor witnesses raised concerns that it was too broad and could weaken existing use-of-force standards, and the bill was left pending for further work.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Health Care Affordability, Select Apr 30th, 2026
Health Care Affordability, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, there are very few procedures less than $5,000.
- Because now we have somebody who needs a procedure who doesn't get it.
- It is a rule that's baked into Medicare, but many private insurances also follow that rule.
- It's a federal rule.
- There's a list of procedures you can only do in a hospital.
Committee:
House Health Care Affordability, Select
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (10/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, our rules in New Hampshire allow the judges to waive many procedures, which creates inconsistent
- :57.919><c> to</c><00:20:58.240><c> those</c> exceptions to the rule to those exceptions to the rule
- </c> to be things like uh what procedurally to be things like uh what procedurally what<00:25:06.080>
- If you want rules, uh, if you want the rules, there has to be somebody who really understands it, has
- If you want rules, uh, if you want the rules, there has to be somebody who really understands it, has
Summary:
The subcommittee met without a quorum and discussed how to proceed with its family court review work. The chair said preliminary, unofficial reports could be circulated and voted on by email, and noted that next year the work might continue as a full committee rather than a subcommittee. Members also discussed carrying unresolved issues into next year, including the long-standing “one judge, one case” concept. Later, the committee received additional materials from a member who could not attend, including a packet on state-funded transcript requests and background information on how different states structure family court systems.
A major presentation focused on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial and mediation practices. The presenters said current rules give judges broad discretion, which can lead to inconsistent discovery, evidence, and timelines, especially for self-represented parties. They raised concerns about uneven mediator training and oversight, lack of uniform domestic violence screening, and unclear information for families about their rights and how to exit mediation. They recommended standardized pre-trial case management orders, clearer plain-language deadlines, mandatory domestic violence screening, stronger mediator certification and continuing education, a mentorship program, an independent oversight board, and a pilot program in a few counties before any statewide rollout.
Members and presenters also discussed existing court forms and practices, including mediation agreements, mediator preparation forms, first appearances, and the use of Zoom for mediation. One participant argued that mediation can work better when parties are better prepared and when cases are not sent too early, and suggested that neutral case evaluation is another useful alternative dispute resolution tool. The discussion also touched on the need for better educational materials for pro se litigants, with one member describing efforts to create a more accessible guide for people going to court. No votes were taken, and the session ended with plans to continue reviewing materials and refine recommendations.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (03/25/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We've changed our internal rules; we've changed the external rules that should not happen again.
- We've changed our internal rules; we've changed the external rules that should not happen again.
- It is that there was an error in procedure that should not have happened.
- An error of procedure or abusive discretion, yes.
- </c> an error of procedure or abusive an error of procedure or abusive discretion<01:33:37.840><c> okay
Summary:
The subcommittee on the Children and Family Law Committee met organizationally to continue work on family court issues, building on a prior special committee’s report and taking a collaborative approach with the Judiciary. The chair said the group would focus on solutions rather than rehashing public complaints, and identified three main topics for early study: specialization and training of family court judges, the extent to which judges should be bound by the rules of evidence, and whether mediation in family cases should be mandatory or voluntary and what qualifications mediators should have. A fourth concern was also raised about overlap between superior court domestic violence cases and family court custody/support matters, and whether one judge should hear both. Members discussed whether to divide into smaller subcommittees, but the prevailing view was to work as a committee of the whole at first. Most members agreed that additional public testimony was unlikely to add much, though recent concerns could still be emailed to the committee.
The committee then heard from Attorney Erin Krian, general counsel for the judicial branch, and Judge Michael Mace. Krian said the judicial branch could provide additional witnesses on mediation and judicial training, including Judge Kissinger, and noted the branch was preparing materials on how other states handle the issues. Mace described the history of the Family Division and said he had reviewed older reports going back to the 1990s. He also outlined current judicial branch efforts, including expanded shadowing for new judges, monthly family-law trainings, and a year-long focus on family law topics. He reported that court rules had been updated to clarify notice requirements for minor guardianship changes, and that the branch had received positive feedback on the family access motion, which provides a statutory timeline and listed remedies for parenting-time disputes.
Members also discussed prior committee work on rules of evidence and family court procedures. One member recalled recommending quiet review of any judges who appeared to apply evidence rules inconsistently, and Krian said the administrative judge can review complaints even if they come from a single person. The committee also received a status update on prior initiatives, including a federal grant for guardian ad litem services for indigent litigants in four locations, testing of redesigned court forms, and continued training improvements. The chair scheduled the next subcommittee meeting for April 1 and the full Children and Family Law Committee for April 8, with further documents from committee research and NCSL to be circulated.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Jan 29th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- complete or procedurally incomplete.
- The bill is adding 'procedurally' there.
- I move that the five-day notice rule...
- I believe that the bill receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee.
- I move that the bill receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee.
Committee:
Senate Local Government
Keywords:
land subdivision, zoning, property development, local government authority, real estate, infrastructure, wildfire, wildland urban interface, WUI, building code, fire-resistant construction, defensible space, hazard map, risk map, state building code council, department of natural resources, fire marshal, regional fire defense board, roofing standards, exterior walls
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- President, pursuant to Senate Rule 7.12a, printing rule.
- Now the FDA, which has very lax rules, but even under the FDA's rules, they...
- You're recognized to suspend the constitutional three-day rule.
- I move to suspend the three-day rule in House Bill 27.
- So moved. 22 ayes and 5 nays, the rule is suspended.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN-EIG, CPN DEFER, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-04-2026
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> current cues or establish new procedures current cues or establish new procedures for<00:05:17.280
- So you're talking about the administrative rules? >> Both the statute and the administrative rules.
- There is specifically in the rules.
- It's their it's to change their rules. It's their it's their<00:43:43.920><c> rule.
- </c> authority to change the rules. authority to change the rules.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
Summary:
The committee first reconvened on SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons. After discussion with the Attorney General’s office and a prior Q&A period, the chair said the committee would defer decision-making again, with the intent to return with amended versions of both bills that could gain support from the administration and its lawyers. The measures were deferred to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Conference Room 229 at 9:30 a.m.
The committee then took up SB 2180, relating to deposits of public funds. Members noted late testimony from the prior day’s joint hearing with the Housing Committee and moved to pass the bill out with amendments, including a defective effective date. The motion carried unanimously among those voting: the chair, vice chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Awa voted aye; Senator McKelvey was excused. The measure was adopted.
A joint hearing followed on SB 2033, relating to renewable energy and a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. The PUC supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the time, resources, and stakeholder input needed to establish the proposed process, and asked for clarification of terms such as “grid-ready homes” and the role of HERA. Hawaiian Electric said it supported the intent but opposed the proposed process and HERA funding use. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that faster interconnection is needed to meet rooftop solar goals and lower costs over time. Testimony totaled 27 in support, two in opposition, and four with comments. Members questioned costs, consumer protections, and whether the bill would burden low- and moderate-income households; the bill’s supporters said amendments could clarify the definition of grid-ready homes and add guardrails, while acknowledging that upfront costs and interconnection costs would still need to be addressed.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that Senate Bill 1361 has been correctly enrolled.
- notices and to revise a provision regarding procedure at a hearing, providing severability.
- notices and to revise a provision regarding procedure at a hearing, providing severability.
- House Bill 581 does not give the Legislature authority to write court rules.
- President, I'm just not comfortable with the Idaho Legislature reviewing court rules.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any objections to suspending the rules? Hearing none, the rules are suspended. Mr.
- .<00:42:35.599><c> So</c> rules.
- So rules.
- </c><01:42:14.080><c> and</c> that something if that the rules and that something if that the rules and
- </c> um um procedure um um procedure uh<01:49:38.719><c> in</c><01:49:38.960><c> this</c><01:49:39.280
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Jan 17, 2025, 12:00 PM HST - Day 3
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> first with rule change 27 this is a rule first with rule change 27 this is a rule um<00:37:17.359
- Finally, Rule 19, which the title is Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure, is one of those committees
- Madam Speaker, you can be the Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure via a memo dated December 31st
- The Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedure produced the new rules that we're voting on today, and
- </c><00:54:51.640><c> do</c> rule excuse me your proposed rules do rule excuse me your proposed rules
Summary:
The House convened, completed roll call with 48 members present and three excused, deferred reading of the journal, and received Senate communications noting adoption of House Concurrent Resolutions Nos. 1 and 2. The chamber also recognized several visiting groups and guests, including Congresswoman Jill Tuda, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii participants and students, Okinawan visitors, Farrington High School students, James Campbell High School students, and Waiau High School students, many of whom were introduced in connection with Chamber Week activities and educational presentations.
The main business was unfinished business on House Resolutions 6 and 7, which adopted the House rules for the 33rd Legislature, including rules for the Committee on Standards of Conduct. Members generally supported the rules package as a transparency and modernization update, citing earlier public access to testimony, a public list of Speaker appointees, changes to conference committee eligibility, telework for staff, social media guidance, and a public list of bills introduced by request. Several members raised reservations or opposition, focusing on concerns about staff involvement in approving written remarks, budget information timing, the Vice Speaker’s role, social media/free speech issues, and whether some changes reduced public access or conflicted with constitutional open-meeting requirements.
No vote on the rules package is recorded in the excerpt. The debate ended with multiple members yielding time and the discussion continuing on the merits of the proposed rule changes, especially the balance between transparency, internal House procedure, and public participation.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-LBT, TCA-PSM, PSM Public Hearings 03-10-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> recommend State policies and procedures recommend State policies and procedures relating<00:23:52.159
- /c><00:31:32.519><c> board</c><00:31:32.760><c> to</c><00:31:32.960><c> issue</c><00:31:33.240><c> rules
- </c><00:31:33.600><c> on</c> deferring to the board to issue rules on deferring to the board to issue
- rules on important<00:31:34.440><c> subjects</c><00:31:34.880><c> like</c><00:31:35.080><c> Pursuit<
- under which detainees or procedure under which detainees or inmates<00:54:01.040><c> upon</c><00:54:
Committee:
Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on House Bill 1064, which would implement recommendations from the Fire Safety Research Institute’s Maui wildfire report, clarify the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriate funds. Testimony was generally supportive from DLNR, the Climate Advisory Team, the State Fire Council, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Attorney General’s office, the Honu Fire Department, AARP, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council, and others. Governor Green’s office said it supported the bill but wanted the office of the State Fire Marshal placed under the Department of Defense rather than the governor’s office, citing constitutional and administrative concerns. Members also questioned the State Fire Council about the selection process for the fire marshal and about defensible space and wildfire resilience in different communities.
After discussion, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1064 to Friday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 225 for the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, with the same recommendation from the other committee. The hearing then moved to House Bill 697, which would expand who may review automated speed enforcement images. HDOT supported the bill but said it would prefer funding from the Highway Special Fund or the automated speed enforcement special fund rather than general revenues. Opposition testimony from the ACLU raised privacy concerns, argued the bill blurs the line between law enforcement and infrastructure management, and said DOT staff lack the mandate and expertise for the task. Judiciary said it would need additional capacity to process citations and hearings, and noted the program’s likely workload and costs were still uncertain.
The committees then took up House Bill 277 on vehicular pursuit policy. The Attorney General and the Law Enforcement Standards Board urged the committees to defer the bill and let the board develop policy first, while Hawaii County Police opposed the measure as unnecessary, confusing, and too restrictive of officer discretion. Honolulu Police Department and the Policing Project supported the bill, arguing that clearer statewide standards and transparency are needed because pursuits can cause serious injuries or deaths and existing policies are inconsistent or not public. The Policing Project said the bill could be improved with amendments on serious crimes, but supported legislative action to set statewide standards while still involving the board. No final vote or action on HB 277 was taken in the portion provided.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Those rules will go through a robust hearing through the Environmental Improvement Board.
- That way the rules will be stood up to implement the PFAS Protection Act at the same time we're studying
- That way the rules will be stood up to implement the PFAS Protection Act at the same time we're studying
- Furthermore, I haven't been able to breathe out of the left nostril every night since the procedure and
- He's our PFAS attorney leading the implementation of the rules.
Summary:
The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee met on February 5 and heard three measures. House Bill 246 would provide state matching funds for local governments already approved for federal flood mitigation assistance to buy out and rehabilitate floodplain properties, especially in Lincoln County, to reduce repetitive flood damage and restore land to a more natural floodplain. Supporters included county officials, emergency management, and a racetrack lobbyist, all emphasizing public safety, reduced disaster costs, and community recovery. Some members raised concerns about pre-flood property valuation and anti-donation issues, but the bill passed on a do-pass motion.
House Bill 271 would appropriate funds through the Office of Natural Resources Trustee for natural resource recovery and public land access, including disaster recovery projects and expansion of recreational opportunities. Supporters argued it would help restore watersheds, improve access to public lands, and support hunting, fishing, and local outdoor economies. Several members questioned whether the bill was too open-ended, whether it could affect grazing or other existing rights, and why the trustee’s office was the right vehicle; the sponsor and trustee said the office has a transparent public process and that the bill would not create new eminent domain authority or adverse changes to existing rights. The committee approved the bill 9-1, with one member explaining support but noting lingering concerns.
House Bill 254 would allow investor-owned electric utilities to count avoided greenhouse gas emissions when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency programs under the utility cost test. The sponsor and utility witnesses said this would help expand programs such as heat pumps, HVAC upgrades, and all-electric development, while opponents worried it could function as a rate increase or “double dipping” because customers already pay fees supporting efficiency programs. The committee passed the bill 7-3. Finally, House Joint Memorial 3 would ask the Environment Department to study PFAS exemptions and report back during the interim as rulemaking on the PFAS Protection Act proceeds. The memorial drew both support and opposition, with critics saying it conflicted with existing statute and was unnecessary, while supporters said it would ensure a thorough review of federal changes and consumer-product exemptions. The memorial passed 8-2, and the committee then adjourned.