Transcript Highlights:

• If you'd like to do your introduction and introduce your expert.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, my expert today is Gabe Asiniak.
• I'm going to let my expert answer that, Madam Chair.
• I'll let my expert answer this, Madam Chair. Thank you.
• Pro Tem, expert witnesses, thank you for being here today.

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• May I have my expert have a couple of words, Madam Chair? Thank you, yes.
• We want to thank the sponsor and the expert for bringing this.
• Good to see your experts again.
• Oh, could we bring my expert? She is under ABBA, her name is Melanie Kirby.
• Thank you, Representative and expert.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Good to see your experts again.
• Oh, could we bring my expert? She is under ABBA; her name is Melanie Kirby.
• Madam Chair, I'm going to refer to Melanie, my expert.
• Thank you, Representative and expert.
• My expert had mentioned it. Do you want to add? Anything more about it, Melanie?

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, experts. And that leads me to...
• So, you'll recall that one of the experts...
• Chair and experts, I'm no expert on this one, so is the whole plan to dilute?
• Chair and experts, thank you, Ms. Thurow.
• We have a very expert staff.

Committee: Joint Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And what this bill does is create a grant program for cities to tap into and select technical experts
• on everything, and to be an an expert on everything, and they<00:31:30.480><c> can</c><00:31:30.720>
• technical experts for support, education,<00:31:58.640><c> training,</c><00:31:59.240><c> and</c><00
• </c> they are not experts at energy models. they are not experts at energy models.
• > really</c><00:35:24.440><c> complex</c> They're not experts at really complex They're not experts at

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• We at the department are not the experts here.
• , public health experts, and insurers.
• As if my parents were supposed to be the experts.
• I have two expert witnesses here.
• But why don't I let my expert speak? Okay.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1795, which would create statewide standards for testing, inspection, remediation, and insurance handling of wildfire smoke damage in homes. The author and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said the bill is needed because survivors face inconsistent claims practices and no enforceable standards for determining when homes are safe. Supporters included the City of Los Angeles and a wildfire survivor who described health problems and disputed remediation results; opponents from the insurance industry said the bill could create broad new exposure and worsen affordability, though they continued to negotiate amendments. The committee recommended the bill do pass with urgency, and it passed on a 4-0 vote, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee also heard AB 1612, which would create a centralized process for law enforcement to transfer seized controlled substances such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin to the Department of Justice for disposal after the state’s last in-state incineration facility closed. The author said the bill would address unsafe storage and inconsistent disposal pathways. There was no opposition in the room, and the committee sent the bill to the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a do pass vote. AB 2322 would standardize the definition of commercial, industrial, or institutional sites for municipal stormwater permits by tying it to assessor land-use codes and excluding residential parcels. Supporters said the bill would reduce patchwork enforcement and improve consistency, while stormwater and city representatives asked to keep working on regional flexibility concerns. The committee approved the bill 4-1 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 2245, a producer responsibility bill for vehicle lubricant products and their containers, intended to expand collection and recycling using existing household hazardous waste and used oil infrastructure. Supporters said it would reduce landfill disposal and align with existing EPR frameworks, while retailers and industry groups raised concerns about overlapping obligations, unclear definitions, and compliance costs. The author said negotiations would continue, and the committee sent the bill to Natural Resources on a do pass vote. The committee also heard AB 1603, which would phase out PFAS-containing pesticides over time and require disclosure and permitting for their use. Supporters argued PFAS pesticides contaminate food and water and pose health risks; agricultural and chemical industry opponents said the bill could remove many products from the market and lead to harmful substitutions. The chair expressed support for reducing PFAS but raised concerns about replacement chemicals, and the bill was sent to Appropriations on a do pass vote. Finally, AB 2034 was introduced to increase transparency around food additives and GRAS ingredients by creating a state database of chemicals that bypass FDA premarket review; supporters said it would close a federal loophole, while consumer brands opposed a duplicative state system and warned of costs and confusion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We at the department are not the expert here.
• , public health experts, and insurers.
• As if my parents were supposed to be the experts.
• I have two expert witnesses here.
• But why don't I let my expert speak? Okay.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Muñoz, may I introduce my guest on the floor, or my expert witness?
• Is it Madam's consent to have an expert witness on the floor? Thank you.
• Senators, there's been a unanimous consent request from an expert witness.
• money for expert witnesses, which could be for more technical support.
• President, Senator, so we're bringing in expert witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• So my expert witness... Senator 3. Thank you, Mr. President.
• So my expert witness, Senator 3. Thank you, Mr. President.
• President, my expert witness. Mr.
• Would you mind conferring with your expert?
• And the experts are coming into the chamber.

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:

• So then we all get caught who are not experts at the interfaces. Interfaces.
• Those things, obviously, need better oversight, and we need a technical expert to do that.
• , a telecom expert, a NINA expert, a deployment expert.
• Like, An IP expert, a telecom expert, a NINA expert, a deployment expert.
• Certainly, as a CalNENA board, we lean on our subject matter experts for technology.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, Chairman, and an expert.
• Madam Chair, Senator, expert.
• Senator, um, an expert came to mind on these particular devices.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, senators, experts.
• OK, thank you, Madam Chair and expert.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• The fact that JERA has come out in opposition to this measure and that independent third-party experts
• The fact that JERA has come out in opposition to this measure and that independent third-party experts
• The fact that JERA has come out in opposition to this measure and that independent third-party experts
• Mahalo and have a wonderful day in our beautiful Hawaii. and that independent third-party experts have
• underscore the finding that LG experts underscore the finding that LG Pathway<00:29:16.880><c> is</c

Bills: SCR96 , SCR109 , SCR164 , SCR172 , SCR166

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred. The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is. For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see, thank you, Madam Chair, Representative, and expert.
• I see, thank you, Madam Chair, Representative, and expert.
• Again, I'll turn to my expert, Jonathan, on this.
• Madam Chair and expert, so it would be 50% of the filers?
• So, Madam Chair and expert, thank you.

Bills: HB186 , HB92 , HJM1

Committee: House House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Keywords: tax credit, land conservation, biodiversity, agricultural preservation, historic preservation, natural resources, open space, tax exemption, Social Security, income, retirement, financial relief, Taiwan, trade, technology, education, international relations, economic partnership, New Mexico, United States

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm willing to listen to the expert. But we need that time.
• And I do have two experts.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and experts. Is Synchronous the only.
• Madam Chair, experts.
• And that's you know, I want to move to my expert witness.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• they need to be experts on, instead of having consultants come in, which is what we tend to do quite
• </c><00:25:03.799><c> experts</c><00:25:04.799><c> on</c><00:25:05.120><c> the</c> staff that are expert
• experts on the staff that are expert experts on the things<00:25:05.520><c> that</c><00:25:05.679><c
• </c> things that they need to be uh experts things that they need to be uh experts on.<00:25:08.000><
• uh to set up this government experts uh to set up this type<00:26:52.880><c> of</c><00:26:53.120><c>

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard three resolutions focused on condominium management, insurance, and landlord-tenant issues. For HCR 24/HR 23, which sought a follow-up Sunrise review of condominium association managers, Hawaii Realtors and the Real Estate Commission supported the measure, while several condo owners and advocates described alleged embezzlement, misconduct, and lack of accountability in association management. The Real Estate Commission suggested using a more current bill, HB 1312, as the basis for the review. In decision-making, the committee adopted an HD1 to direct the auditor to conduct a Sunrise analysis on HB 1312 instead of the older cited bills, and the measure passed with amendments by unanimous votes, with one member excused. For HCR 85/HR 79, which asked the Insurance Commissioner to study alternative insurance models for condominium associations and unit owners, the acting insurance commissioner said the division supported the concept but warned the study could be costly and time-sensitive, estimating roughly $1.5 million based on the breadth of the requested work. A committee member and the commissioner discussed whether the scope could be narrowed, and the commissioner said a narrower study could reduce costs. The committee ultimately deferred the measure for possible revision and future discussion. For HCR 158/HR 153, which proposed an Attorney General-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions, the Attorney General’s office said another agency with housing expertise would be better suited to convene the group and suggested LRB for legal research support. Hawaii Realtors supported the idea but said the chairing agency could be changed, while Maui Tenants and Workers Association urged stronger tenant representation and warned against framing the effort in a way that favors investors over tenants. A mediator also noted procedural gaps in court filing requirements for tenants and landlords. In decision-making, the committee adopted an HD1 to shift the convening role from the Attorney General to the judiciary, narrow the scope, and make technical changes; the amended resolution passed unanimously, with one member excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I'm just going to introduce our expert witness, Kelly Badger.
• Oh my gosh, I forgot to introduce my expert witnesses with me.
• Expert witnesses with me—oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. Yeah, yeah, really.
• Thank you, Madam Chair and representatives and experts. I think this bill is a fantastic idea.
• Representative and expert witnesses, you have a due pass. Thank you for the great bill.

Summary: The committee met on American Indian Day and first rolled Committee Substitute House Bill 110 at the sponsor’s request. It then heard House Memorial 32, which would direct the Indian Affairs Department and the Commission on the Status of Women to study the history and ongoing impacts of forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women and women of color in New Mexico, including known cases, access to reproductive health services, educational policy, and possible reparations. The sponsor, survivors, and expert witnesses described personal experiences and historical research, arguing the issue remains unresolved and that New Mexico could become the first state to formally acknowledge it through a memorial and study. Support came from the Commission on the Status of Women, Planned Parenthood, ACLU of New Mexico, and others; one member objected to the phrase “reproductive justice,” but the sponsor declined to change the language. The committee approved the memorial on a 7-1 vote, with Representative Block voting no. The committee then heard House Bill 109, which would speed up the approval and release of Water Trust Board funding by suspending the current legislative authorization step and relying on a more streamlined review process. The sponsor and NMFA witnesses said the bill would help rural and small communities avoid delays that drive up construction costs, especially given inflation, drought, and the large number of water projects needing funding. They noted the bill would still involve review by multiple state agencies and that legislators could still obtain project information from NMFA. Members asked about oversight, transparency, and whether the change would reduce legislative control, but supporters said the current process adds months and can force communities to reapply when costs rise. The committee passed the bill on a voice vote after a motion for due pass, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will defer to my expert witness, Madam Chair. Members of the committee, my name is Jillian Joyce.
• One is I will defer to my other expert witness who will introduce himself.
• I will yield to my expert witness who is enthusiastic and would like to respond.
• I will allow the expert witness to answer, but I will say that I have a constituent.
• I would like both my subject experts to make a comment.

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m not a life care planner or an expert in this field, but there are such experts that look at, you
• know, what is an average... ...but there are such experts that look at, you know, what is an average
• And so every case doesn't have to go to trial, to all of the expert testimony.
• We're talking about expert witnesses in a lot of these lawsuits.
• The plaintiff has to have the expert. The plaintiff has to have the facts on their side.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up two bills. SB 98, by Senator Harrell, would let self-storage facilities advertise lien sales either in a newspaper or on a qualifying website, while keeping other notice requirements in place and updating contact information provisions. Supporters, including the Florida Press Association and several newspaper/storage owners, argued print and digital newspaper notices already provide broad public notice and that the bill could reduce notice effectiveness; the sponsor said the bill is an optional modernization and does not affect government notices. After debate, the committee voted 8-1 to report SB 98 favorably. The committee then heard SB 164, by Senator Grall, which expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover civil damages for the death of an unborn child at any stage of development, with carve-outs for the mother and lawful medical care. The sponsor said the bill aligns civil law with Florida’s criminal protections for unborn children and gives families a remedy where current law may not. Opponents, including the ACLU of Florida, health care workers, and others, warned it could invite lawsuits against doctors, hospitals, friends, family members, and people involved in abortion access, and could worsen OB-GYN shortages and deter care. Supporters said it recognizes unborn life and should be treated consistently with existing wrongful death law. The committee approved SB 164 on a 4-3 vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• cost anywhere from $20 billion, according to DWR, to upwards of $100 billion, according to other experts
• I think having experts look at this outside experts.
• , superbrainiac experts, to look at cybersecurity and look at California election integrity, which I
• experts.
• It's a robust office with really highly qualified cybersecurity experts. Okay. All right.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Whip, members, as passed the House, House Bill 2662 enhances standards for expert testimony and
• evidence in parenting time cases involving alleged domestic violence by requiring expert witnesses to
• The Senate amended the bill by specifying that experience demonstrated by the expert witness cannot be
• The Senate amended the bill by specifying that experience demonstrated by the expert witness cannot be
• evidence in parenting time cases, involved 2662 enhances standards for expert testimony and evidence

Summary: The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of House bills with Senate amendments, mostly hearing brief staff summaries and sponsor comments on whether they concurred. Topics included tax filing penalties, water and court procedures, vaccination and mask rules, bullion investment, nursing care complaint timelines, privacy protections for property and voter records, medical-record access, professional licensing procedures, school and family law changes, public records access for legislators, AI procurement, fingerprint clearance for traffic survival school instructors, development fees, infrastructure districts, distracted driving penalties, health aide scope of practice, eviction record sealing, backyard structure rules in planned communities, inmate transition services, nuclear-ready community designation, DCS parent-rights notices, domestic-violence evidence standards, inmate mental health study committee, legislative subpoena enforcement, trade office oversight, public power reporting, Native American language proficiency, mental health judicial review timelines, mobile food vendor licensing, medical-intervention requirements in schools, and school board training and meeting transparency. In most cases, the sponsor or a representative indicated concurrence with the Senate amendments, and the caucus generally moved through the bills without extended debate. A few bills drew brief explanation from sponsors about the policy purpose, such as aligning nursing-facility oversight with federal requirements, improving access to medical records, clarifying rules for licensed health aides, and adjusting school-related provisions. Some bills were noted as being sent back to the Senate or otherwise set aside, including HB 2035 and HB 2249. No formal votes were taken in the transcript; the meeting functioned as a caucus review of Senate amendments and sponsor concurrence before floor action. The caucus concluded after HB 2380, with members thanked for attending.