Transcript Highlights:

• </c> providing expert providing expert testimony<00:24:23.200><c> um</c><00:24:23.480><c> but</c><00:
• </c><00:25:44.120><c> testimony</c> going to be an expert testimony going to be an expert testimony component
• </c> lose the fact that there are expert lose the fact that there are expert testimoni<00:26:14.039><
• </c> subject matter uh that the expert subject matter uh that the expert provided<00:26:27.600><c> information
• </c> the decision based on that expert the decision based on that expert testimony<00:26:48.559><c> then

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• I hire experts, they hire experts, and we all take the same data. And spin it in our own ways.
• We do have one expert on Zoom.
• Chairman, I would like to give my expert witness an opportunity to speak. Mr.
• Defer to my expert witness and the expert witness on the phone to give any further explanation.
• Chairman, is my expert witness.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides for testimony of medical experts in child custody and child need of care cases.
• SB 66 simply prioritizes expedient medical expert testimony in family court cases.
• If an expert is there to give testimony about a child abuse or neglect case, then that expert testimony
• I mean, we call expert witnesses in our own cases because we have a legal program.
• I mean, we call expert witnesses in our own cases because we have a legal program.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure met and reported a series of measures, many of them asking the Louisiana State Law Institute to study legal issues. HCR 31 was reported favorably to study the use of the term “foreign” as applied to juridical persons. HCR 61 was reported favorably after discussion about expropriation and carbon capture, with the author agreeing to broaden the study beyond carbon capture alone. HCR 96 was also reported favorably to study civil bench warrants and notice procedures in judgment debtor proceedings. The committee likewise advanced HCR 160, which asks the Law Institute to study property transfer issues and the public records doctrine in light of a recent case. Several bills dealing with court procedure and family law were heard and advanced. SB 68, a constitutional amendment to give the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline out-of-state attorneys in certain circumstances, was amended and reported favorably. SB 76, concerning modification of child custody judgments, was reported with amendments after testimony that it would codify existing standards and add a five-year rule for applying the lower best-interest standard. HB 1198, which prohibits arbitration of child custody and visitation disputes and limits recognition of foreign custody laws contrary to Louisiana public policy, was reported favorably. SB 66, which prioritizes testimony from medical experts in child custody and child-in-need-of-care cases, was also reported favorably after testimony from advocates and medical groups. The committee also advanced measures involving civil litigation and state legal procedures. HCR 38, urging Congress to reform FISA and the FISA court to protect privacy rights, was reported favorably. SCR 19, asking the Law Institute to study long-duration trusts and possible revisions to the Trust Code, was reported favorably. SB 336, allowing civil investigative demands in Medicaid fraud/False Claims Act investigations, was reported favorably after explanation that it would let the Attorney General gather information without filing suit first. SB 139, adjusting interest on personal injury and wrongful death claims against the state or political subdivisions, was reported favorably. Finally, SB 475, dealing with fees for service of process, was reported favorably. HB 668 was voluntarily deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Madam Chair, expert, is there criteria set up for higher education projects?
• So, Madam Chair, expert, for the School of Medicine, is there a match requirement?
• I would turn to our tax experts. Mr.
• I'll see if there's any additional color from our expert.
• I do have a couple of questions for your expert, if I may.

Bills: HB248 , HB309 , HB332 , SB48

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Keywords: general obligation bonds, GO bonds, capital projects, bond election, property tax levy, state debt, state finance, capital outlay, senior centers, senior citizen facilities, aging services, long-term services, libraries, library acquisitions, broadband for libraries, higher education, university capital projects, community colleges, tribal schools, special schools

Transcript Highlights:

• will include, um, our legal experts, so we need experts that can make sure that we're complying with
• That will go into developing this plan, and so what I envisioned is not having one expert.
• This is not the job of one expert to but to really have a team that can be working concurrently.
• If you trust that these are our and can accept that these are our experts.
• Trust the experts that come from our state of New Mexico, the experts that have been delivering this

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Representative Expert.
• as our expert for anything national.
• Okay, Madam Chair, Representative, experts.
• Thank you, expert. Sorry. I was calling you Senator Reeve. Now you're just expert. I don't know.
• Thank you, expert. Sorry. I was calling you Senator Reeve. Now you're just expert. I don't know.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 306, which would prohibit facility fees on certain routine health care services, including preventive care, vaccinations, and telehealth, while preserving fees in inpatient, emergency, and some rural hospital settings. The sponsor and Health Care Authority said the bill is meant to reduce surprise billing, improve transparency, and lower costs for patients and premiums. The Hospital Association opposed the measure as a potential threat to hospital operations, while insurers, consumer advocates, and a private citizen supported it. Members asked about rural exemptions, which hospitals would be affected, uninsured patients, and whether premiums might fall. The committee approved HB 306 on a 5-0 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create statewide standards for battery-charged electric fences with alarm systems for commercial properties. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, provide uniform rules, and help businesses deter property crime. There was little opposition, and members focused mainly on signage requirements and the bill’s limited application to commercial, not residential, fencing. HB 166 was passed on a 4-0 vote. Next, the committee took up a proposed tax credit for gun safes tied to safe storage of firearms. Supporters argued it would encourage compliance with safe-storage laws and help people afford secure storage, but members raised concerns about the size of the credit, possible administrative complications, and whether it should be handled in tax committee instead. The sponsor agreed to roll the bill and work with stakeholders rather than move it forward immediately. The committee also heard Senate Bill 100, a committee substitute clarifying the definition of “dwelling” for burglary and aggravated burglary after a Supreme Court case involving a portal/porch area. Supporters, including law enforcement, business, and property-rights groups, said the bill would provide clarity and better reflect privacy expectations around enclosed spaces. The Public Defender and Criminal Defense Lawyers Association opposed it, arguing the law already distinguishes between trespass, attempted burglary, and burglary, and that the case was correctly handled under existing law. The committee passed SB 100 on a 6-0 vote. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 196 and House Bill 197, both governor’s bills increasing penalties for firearm-related offenses. HB 196 would raise the penalty for receiving a stolen firearm from a fourth-degree to a third-degree felony, and HB 197 would do the same for larceny of a firearm. Opponents argued higher penalties would not deter crime and could increase incarceration, while supporters from state police and the Chamber of Commerce said the bills target stolen guns that fuel violent crime. HB 196 was tabled on a 3-2 vote after debate over deterrence and the narrow scope of the offense. HB 197 was then heard separately, with no opposition testimony, and members discussed how the higher penalty would work in practice; the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 197 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, gentle lady, let me introduce my experts.
• Can you kindly introduce your experts, please, before we close the vote? Mr.
• Speaker, I'd like to introduce my experts, Cecilia.
• Speaker, gentleman, let me see if I can get my expert to come in.
• has been an expert here on the floor?

Transcript Highlights:

• This ensures statewide oversight with real subject matter expert expertise.
• This ensures statewide oversight with real subject matter expert expertise.
• This ensures statewide oversight with real subject matter expert expertise.
• This ensures statewide oversight with real subject matter expert expertise.
• This ensures statewide oversight with real subject matter expert expertise.

Committee: House Families & Children

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I'll turn it over to the experts.
• Chairman and experts? And if you don't know, that's okay.
• Thank you, expert.
• He will be my expert witness today.
• I would like my expert witness to explain; he is here.

Bills: SB23 , SB73 , SB210 , SB234 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16 , SB23 , SB73 , SB210 , SB234 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16

Committees: Senate Senate Education , Senate House Education

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• The speaker also praised the group of expert witnesses, saying they were the best group of expert witnesses
• The speaker then said they would have their experts give their names and titles.
• But I'm going to let my experts answer that.
• But I'm going to let my experts answer that.
• Thank you, Representative and experts.

Bills: HM26 , HB243 , HB109

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 26, a student-presented memorial encouraging state agencies to participate in insect education and conservation efforts, including free workshops sponsored by Wild Friends. The young witnesses emphasized the ecological and agricultural importance of insects, especially pollinators, and clarified that the memorial would not restrict fishing bait or other insect use. After brief questions about fishing, the University of New Mexico connection, and a planned BioPark bugarium, the committee approved the memorial on a due pass motion by unanimous consent. The committee then heard House Bill 243, which would provide more stable funding for shelters that care for homeless, abused, abandoned, or surrendered horses, donkeys, and mules. The bill would appropriate $500,000 to the existing Equine Shelter Rescue Fund, move administration of the fund from the Livestock Board to the Department of Agriculture, strengthen grant and reporting requirements, and create an Equine Welfare Trust Fund seeded with $5 million. Supporters from Animal Protection New Mexico, the Livestock Board, and the Department of Agriculture said the shelters are essential, underfunded, and at capacity, and that the bill would provide a more reliable funding stream. Some public testimony raised concerns about how animals are tracked and whether any horses could end up at auction or slaughter. Committee discussion focused on whether equine care should be funded through recurring appropriations instead of a trust fund, whether the Livestock Board or Department of Agriculture should administer the money, and whether the bill could affect wild or free-roaming horses. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would not change the Livestock Board’s enforcement role and that the trust fund was intended to create long-term support. A motion to table the bill failed, and the committee then voted 4-4 on the due pass motion, so HB 243 did not advance. One member explained his support but said the bill was not a good long-term solution. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 109, which would temporarily, through December 2029, allow the New Mexico Finance Authority to award water project funds without separate legislative authorization after projects have already been vetted. The sponsor and NMFA and Water Trust Board witnesses said the current authorization step delays projects for months, increases costs, and especially hurts small rural communities and acequias. They said the bill keeps existing oversight and evaluation processes, adds technical assistance for smaller applicants, and was amended to extend the sunset date to 2029 and remove an unconstitutional two-thirds-extension requirement. The committee approved HB 109 on a due pass motion by a vote of 7-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not a legal expert.
• The victim pays for those experts.
• And if you wrongfully deny it and you fail, you pay not only for your expert, but you pay for our expert
• The victim pays for those experts.
• And if you wrongfully deny it and you fail, you pay not only for your expert, but you pay for our expert

Bills: HB2095

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: public safety, vulnerable users, pedestrians, protected classes, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I know there's some experts in the crowd that can also speak to the very specifics, but happy to see
• I know there's some experts in the crowd that can also speak to the very specifics, but happy to see
• And would you also agree that our pharmacists are health care experts just like our great doctors?
• But pharmacists are medical experts.
• You have experts. You have experts, people who have been to pharmacy school.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Experts, good morning. Good morning, Mr. Chair. My name is Candace Steventhal.
• And I also have an expert with me today, Terry Bruner, who is online.
• Chairman, may I ask the expert the same question?
• Chairman, may I ask the expert, same question.
• However, I do see what the expert Terry However, I do see what the expert Terry said about the 10 years

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 82, which would extend the Technology Readiness Gross Receipts Tax Credit for 10 years and increase the annual cap from $1 million per lab to $5 million over time. The sponsor and witnesses from Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories said the program helps New Mexico businesses commercialize deep-tech innovations and is unique in the country. Multiple business and economic development representatives testified in support, describing successful projects and job creation. Committee members asked about specific companies, wages, and the program’s impact, but several members raised concerns about the bill’s fiscal effect and the lack of room in the tax package. The committee adopted a substitute that delayed the credit increase by one year, but then voted to table HB 82 by about 5-3. The committee then heard House Bill 142, which would increase the Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit and expand eligibility to underserved urban areas. Supporters, including Think New Mexico and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, said the credit has not been updated in years and could help recruit more health professionals, especially EMTs. Members questioned whether urban areas should be included, how “underserved” is defined, the size of the current expenditure, and whether the credit actually changes provider behavior. Some members expressed concern that the bill could dilute support for rural areas, while others noted that most New Mexico counties are designated shortage areas. The sponsor moved to table HB 142, and the committee agreed. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 58, as amended, which extends the period for metropolitan redevelopment area property tax abatements from seven years to up to 14 years. The sponsor and MRA representatives said the longer period would help projects in blighted areas become financially feasible, especially for housing and redevelopment projects in Albuquerque and other cities. Support came from housing developers, Realtors, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups. Committee members asked about how MRAs are designated, how the abatements work, and why the bill also changed a separate 10-year reference; concerns were raised about the lack of statewide reporting on MRAs. The committee ultimately voted do pass on SB 58 as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is our expert. Oh, she's the expert. I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that.
• And Madam Chair, I'd also like to confirm That our expert, Janet Orwig, is on Zoom.
• The expert who is available is Janet Orwick.
• And there's I'm going To let the expert explain this. I think that would be a better idea.
• Madam Chair, I defer to the expert. Thank you.

Bills: HB9 , HB50

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: Immigrant Safety Act, immigration detention, civil immigration violations, ICE, federal immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, public bodies, local government, sheriff's department, school district, higher education, deputization, 287(g), 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 C.F.R. 287.7, intergovernmental services agreement, detainer, immigration cooperation, public property, attorney general enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• With me is co-sponsor Representative Joshua Hernandez, and our expert witness is Secretary Rob Black
• And so with that, I'm going to introduce both of my experts. So we'll begin to my right. Grace.
• experts, people who, you know, are preeminently qualified in their field.
• or educational facility experts, people who, you know, are preeminently qualified in their field.
• Madam Chair, I have an expert online, Matt Cox. He is the... Thank you.

Committee: House House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Upwards of $100 billion, according to other experts.
• I think having experts look at this outside experts—we live in California, Silicon Valley, Orange County
• , super... ...superbrainiac experts to look at cybersecurity and California election integrity, which
• experts.
• It's a robust office with really highly qualified cybersecurity experts. Okay. All right.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee heard a regular order agenda with 101 bills and first took up AB 2215, which would extend the time for the Department of Water Resources to fully develop its State Water Project water rights. The author and supporters argued it would improve water reliability and affordability for millions of Californians and could save ratepayers money, while opponents said it would bypass the Water Board’s administrative process, set a precedent for other water rights holders, and potentially facilitate costly projects like the Delta Conveyance Project. The bill was moved on a do pass vote, with Mr. Hoover voting no and Ms. Krell not voting. The committee then approved two consent calendars and heard several bills with little or no opposition. These included AB 2038 on extending insurance nonrenewal/cancellation protections for wildfire victims; AB 2322 on clarifying which commercial, industrial, or institutional sites are subject to municipal stormwater permits; AB 1794 on direct home shipment of enteral nutrition; AB 1696 on clarifying that nurse midwives do not need physician supervision within their scope of practice; AB 1860 on allowing county offices of education to use design-build methods; AB 1876 on codifying nondiscrimination protections in health care; AB 2281 on election cybersecurity resources; AB 2448 on protecting sensitive medical records and reproductive health data; AB 1994 on providing victims with information about federal immigration relief options; and AB 1829 on expanding how CalWORKs community college funds may be used to support student parents. Most were supported by sponsoring organizations and related stakeholders, with limited opposition noted on AB 1696 and AB 2281. The committee also placed a large suspense calendar on approval, listing dozens of additional bills, and then opened public comment on bills not heard that day. No members of the public came forward, and the hearing was adjourned. Several bills were reported out on roll call votes, with some members not voting or voting no on particular measures, but the transcript does not provide full vote tallies for each bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask unanimous consent to allow my expert witness on the floor. My expert witness is Kyle Duffy.
• Madam President, my legal expert, Senator, my legal expert says no.
• Senator, my legal expert says no.
• Madam President, Senator, let me confer with my expert.
• Madam President, Senator, let me confer with my expert.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask unanimous consent to allow my expert witness on the floor. My expert witness is Kyle Duffy.
• My expert witness is a lead counsel on that case, and yes.
• Madam President, my legal expert...
• Madam President, my legal expert, Senator, my legal expert says no.
• Madam President, Senator, let me confer with my expert.

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation, and handled several announcements and courtesy motions, including excusing some members and relaxing the dress code. The chamber then adopted committee reports on several bills, including Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 30, and Senate Bill 43. It then moved to third reading of Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate Bill 17, the “Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act.” SB 17 was read at length and explained by Senator O’Malley and co-sponsor Senator Bergman as a gun crime prevention measure aimed at dealer security, employee training, recordkeeping, reporting requirements, inspections, and a ban on future dealer sales or transfers of certain firearms and accessories, including high-capacity magazines, .50-caliber rifles and cartridges, gas-operated semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines, and machine guns. Supporters argued the bill targets the retail-to-criminal pipeline, improves accountability, and would help reduce gun trafficking and violence. Opponents argued it infringes on constitutional rights, would not stop criminals from obtaining guns, and would burden law-abiding citizens and dealers. The chamber then debated Floor Amendment No. 1 by Senator Brantley, which would have struck Section 7, the portion banning certain weapons and devices. Supporters of the amendment said Section 7 was the most constitutionally vulnerable part of the bill and would likely be litigated, while opponents said the section was central to the bill’s purpose and consistent with Second Amendment case law. The amendment failed on a roll call vote, 15-22. A second amendment by Senator Block, which would have exempted certain under-21 employees from the bill’s age restriction if they were military members, veterans, or had completed hunter safety or 4-H programs, was then taken up and debated, with supporters emphasizing military training and youth firearms education as evidence of responsibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me is my expert witness, Tony Montefalero. Would you want to introduce yourself?
• And we're the expert witness for Representative Gurrola. Thank you. Thank you.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, Representative, expert witness. A couple of questions.
• And, Madam Chair, with that, I would also like to introduce my expert witness.
• Madam Chair, and Representative, to us that we have our expert.

Summary: The committee first addressed a procedural dispute over House Bill 280, with one member arguing it had already been heard and tabled in another committee earlier that day. The chair ruled the bill was properly before the House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee because it had been assigned there and published in the notice. HB 280 would create a three-year pilot program to support paid internships for students through grants to school districts, nonprofits, and tribal entities, with the Department of Workforce Solutions administering the program, collecting data, and reporting outcomes. Supporters said it would help build a sustainable funding source for school-year internships, expand access in rural and tribal communities, and connect internships to graduation credit and workforce pathways. Committee members asked about administrative costs, student selection, matching funds, program duration, and whether government entities and land grants could participate. The bill was described as flexible enough to allow different local program designs, including stipends or payroll arrangements. The committee voted do pass on HB 280. The committee then heard House Memorial 46, which honors the Hurley family, especially Major General Patrick Hurley and his son Wilson Hurley, for military service and public contributions to New Mexico. The memorial highlighted Patrick Hurley’s service in World War I and World War II, his diplomatic roles, and his decorations, as well as Wilson Hurley’s military service and later career as an artist. There was no opposition, and the memorial received a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 270, a public works apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs or the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund on most public works construction projects, while exempting trades with no approved program. Supporters argued the bill would close loopholes, strengthen workforce development, and ensure contractors benefiting from public projects contribute to training. Opponents from asphalt, utility, and contractor groups said they already support existing training programs, warned the bill could raise costs and create participation problems for contractors without access to suitable programs, and noted the Transportation Committee had already considered the bill earlier that day. Sponsors responded that the earlier Transportation action was a procedural glitch and that the bill was a cleanup measure to make the existing law more effective and fair. After extended debate over costs, workforce shortages, and the effect on highway contractors, the committee voted do pass on HB 270 by a 5-3 tally.

Transcript Highlights:

• a year, we've been working with the FAA on implementing recommendations from the AXA Section 103 Expert
• You mentioned the expert panel.
• We had the expert panel. We also brought in outside consultants.
• The expert panel couldn't have been more specific about this particular recommendation.
• Well, I think going back to the expert panel report, they were saying. that the processes on SMS are

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Boeing, aviation safety, safety management system, military aviation, air traffic control, transparency, oversight, accountability

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on significant safety concerns surrounding Boeing and its compliance with federal aviation standards. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the Army's failure to provide requested operational transparency regarding helicopter operations near Washington, D.C., amid recent incidents indicating a strained air traffic control situation. Several members called for reform in Boeing's oversight, emphasizing the need for a robust safety culture and mandatory safety management systems to prevent future disasters like the 737 MAX crashes. The discussions were passionate, with survivors and families impacted by past accidents present, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the issues at hand.