Video & Transcript : 'forensic expert' :
Page 85 of 487
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The rescission restores local flexibility, giving experts the tools to reduce hazards and maintain forest
- Edwin Ferdinnell, fire ecology and recreation expert. Dr.
- Edwin Ferdinnell, fire ecology and recreation expert. Dr.
- And I heard from, you know, experts on one side and experts on another, and the cross-examinations...
- And I heard from, you know, experts on one side and experts on another, and the cross-examinations were
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Some language that we did have in there that got removed we were asking for expert witness fees.
- You know, in criminal cases, under the ACCE standard, they get experts. to defend a criminal case, and
- we we need experts in our cases to... rebut the state's... the state's experts.
- I mean they'll come in with 20 experts and we have nothing except to cross-examine.
- Well and I appreciate the designation as an expert by Senator Hughes.
Committee:
Senate Jurisprudence
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 28th, 2026 at 09:07 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're going to have our expert witness introduce herself.
- We defer to our expert. Thank you for that question, Representative and Madam Chair.
- And with that, I'll have my expert witnesses introduce themselves.
- Thank you, Representative Herndon and experts for bringing the bill.
- My expert witness, should it be needed, is Linda Siegel.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- which means the judge cannot order something that the expert did not recommend.
- It's the national experts that are assisting us in the stakeholder meetings.
- From there, it goes to the experts to analyze, or what has worked, I think, Kelly.
- In pretrial detention, we have external experts also that are able to evaluate.
- Let me defer to my expert, but as it has a direct answer that we have.
Committee:
House House Judiciary
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 3rd, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- The first group that you'll hear from is experienced professionals and subject matter experts in the
- We have two experts testifying today, who will each be allotted 15 minutes for testimony.
- The first subject matter expert is Will Clark, Program Principal, Center for Legislative Strengthening
- Unfortunately, the auditor's refusal to engage with experts on the substantive constitutional questions
- Unfortunately, the auditor's refusal to engage with experts on the substantive constitutional questions
Bills:
H5004
Keywords:
public records, public records law, transparency, open government, government accountability, legislature, general court, governor's office, executive records, legislative records, constituent communications, policy drafts, deliberative process, freedom of information, FOIA, records access, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Chapter 4, veterans services records, initiative petition
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Subcommittee on Appropriations - General Administration Mar 2nd, 2026 at 08:00 am
Subcommittee on Appropriations - General Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- So those domain experts don't go away. Those programmers don't go away.
- So those domain experts don't go away. Those programmers don't go away.
- It has to be a partnership with the domain experts.
- It has to be a partnership with the domain experts.
- You know, even if you're not an expert in that system, does this smell right?
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There have been many expert studies on this. In 2015, the U.S.
- There have been many expert studies on this. In 2015, the U.S.
- It's about $214,000 is what our estimate was to engage with experts.
- The ugly truth that security experts don't often share is that nothing is secure.
- As an election integrity expert, I would rather see all voting be in person.
Summary:
The committee heard staff briefings and testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 6137 would expand Washington sports wagering by allowing wagers placed over the internet to be accepted at any tribal gaming facility, not just the same tribe’s facility, and would allow wagering on collegiate events involving Washington institutions while continuing to prohibit bets on individual Washington athletes’ performance. Washington State University opposed the bill over concerns about harassment, point shaving, and broader gambling harms, while the University of Washington supported the individual prop-bet ban but urged caution. An Emerald Queen Casinos representative supported the bill, saying it would move existing illegal wagering into a regulated system with safeguards.
The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, which would require regular consultation with tribes on voting access and authorize a secure electronic ballot return portal for military, overseas, Native American, and disability voters. The Secretary of State’s office supported the bill’s tribal outreach and said it was more comfortable with the revised portal language, but several election-security witnesses opposed the portal sections, arguing internet ballot return is too risky and lacks adequate standards. King County Elections supported the portal as a more secure option than current email and fax methods, and said it would improve access while preserving paper trails and security checks.
Substitute Senate Bill 6034 would codify the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs as a cabinet-level agency. The office and a tribal health liaison testified in support, saying codification would stabilize government-to-government relations with tribes and ensure continuity beyond executive preference. Substitute Senate Bill 6081 would restrict public disclosure of sex designation information in certain licensing and vital records; supporters said it would protect transgender people from doxing, harassment, and violence, while opponents argued it would make official records less accurate. Staff also briefed Senate Bill 5863 on Lakeland Village records, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 reestablishing the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health, and Senate Bill 5892 on voter data protections. The committee adopted amendments to SB 5863 and SB 5892, rejected some other amendments, and reported SB 5863, SCR 8406, and SB 5892 out of committee with due pass recommendations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Legislative Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- However, personalized firearms are one of very few options identified by public health experts as likely
- Biofire stands ready to work with policymakers, law enforcement, public health experts, and more broadly
- and public safety experts to independently vet this technology.
- Of course, we always welcome feedback from independent experts.
- I would say I am far from an expert on public finance or incentives, and I would defer to those that
Summary:
The commission met for its fourth hearing on emerging firearm technology, focused on personalized firearms and related privacy issues. Co-chairs noted the commission’s charge to study personalized firearm incentives, risks from digital manufacturing codes and AI, and the costs of requiring personalized firearm and microstamp technologies, and said the report deadline is being extended to July 31. They also announced the next public hearing for April 17 at 11:00 a.m., limited to Massachusetts residents.
The first witness, Kai Kloepfer of Biofire, described the company’s personalized 9mm smart gun and argued it is designed to prevent unauthorized use through biometric authentication, local encrypted data storage, no wireless connectivity, and automatic disarming when released. He said Biofire opposes any mandate requiring personalized firearms, calling such mandates a de facto gun ban that would stifle innovation, limit consumer choice, and burden a still-developing market. He said the company has a patent portfolio, has received thousands of pre-orders, is shipping in all 50 states, and is approved for sale in Massachusetts; he also said the gun costs about $1,500, is currently sold online, and is intended mainly for home defense. Members questioned him about sales, manufacturing, battery life, repairability, transfer of ownership, possible expansion to other firearms, and whether microstamping could be incorporated.
A Massachusetts firearms roster official, Michaela Dunn, explained the state’s testing and approval process for handguns and confirmed that the Biofire firearm is now on the Massachusetts roster and commercially available for retail sale in the state. Kate Crockford of the ACLU of Massachusetts testified only on facial recognition, warning that commercially available systems show significant demographic bias and that Massachusetts lacks comprehensive biometric privacy protections. She urged passage of pending data privacy and biometric privacy bills, including the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act and related measures, before any broader use of biometric verification in firearm laws. Commissioners discussed privacy concerns, and Biofire said its system is zero-knowledge and would likely comply with stronger biometric privacy laws. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported beyond the scheduling announcement and the extension effort.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Mar 26th, 2026 at 02:30 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- They had experts on that panel, and I'm going to try to pull, and I'll try to mention when I'm quoting
- We've, this is a tool for an expert, we're all experts. This is a tool for an expert.
- We're all experts, right? We're experts at reading, at writing, at thinking.
- We're thinking experts, right? Because we can think independently.
- So we use these tools to allow us experts to have it easier. It's that simple.
Committee:
House Joint Committee on Education
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Services (2-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So again, this advisory committee, who are experts—I'm not an expert in the field—and I think the way
- It's working in other states, and it would again put experts in the field that would be able to come
- I think they're the experts in the field.
- </c><00:41:27.520><c> in</c> states and it would again put experts in states and it would again put experts
- in the field and I they're the experts in the field and I think<00:41:40.000><c> in</c><00:41:40.240
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum, first taking up referred administrative regulations. One regulation was deferred, and two others were noted as deficient; with no one wishing to speak, the committee treated the regulations as reviewed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 13 from Chairman Meredith, which would reduce the number of Medicaid managed care organizations from five to three. Meredith argued the bill would reduce administrative burden, improve oversight, help rural providers, and potentially lower costs for families and the Medicaid program. Senators Berg, Herron, and Douglas asked about data, patient impact, network adequacy, and prior authorization burdens; Meredith said the effect on patients would be indirect through better access and less administrative delay. The committee approved a committee substitute and passed SB 13 favorably on a 10-0 vote.
The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 26, presented by Senator Richardson and Kentucky Pharmacists Association Executive Director Ben Mudd. The resolution asks the Department of Medicaid Services to provide data and cost analysis on paying pharmacists fairly for clinical services already within their scope of practice under Medicaid and KCHIP. Supporters said pharmacists can improve access, especially in rural areas, by providing services such as medication therapy management, chronic disease management, and preventive care, and that the resolution is intended to gather information before any future bill. Senator Douglas questioned whether expanded pharmacy duties have actually improved access or outcomes and whether there is published data; Mudd said the Board of Pharmacy tracks use of protocols but that more data is needed. The committee approved the resolution by roll call, with all members voting aye.
At the end of the meeting, Chairman Meredith announced that Senate Bill 27 would be heard for discussion only and not acted on that day so members could review it further. Senator Brandon Storm introduced SB 27, which would create a Kentucky Parkinson’s disease research registry, and noted that a Michael J. Fox Foundation representative could not attend because of a winter storm; her letter was included in the packet. Storm said the registry is intended to support research and policy by tracking Parkinson’s disease in Kentucky, citing national prevalence and cost figures. No vote was taken on SB 27 during this meeting.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, I'll refer to my expert witness.
- Madam Chair and Representative, I'll take a stab at it, and then I have my expert.
- And Madam Chair, Madam Chair, an expert.
- So, Madam Chair, Madam Chair, an expert.
- I defer to my expert, Ms. Pacheco.
Committee:
House House Judiciary
Keywords:
cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And I understand your expert witness is on Zoom.
- Do you want to introduce your expert? Sure, Madam Chair. I have Micah Lime.
- He is going to be my expert here.
- Thank you, experts. It's an interesting memorial.
- I said your expert, Scott, I'd be interested in what he has to say.
Committee:
Senate House Rules & Order Of Business
Summary:
The committee first considered the appointment of Mary Patricia Roman to the State Investment Council. Senator Campos presented her as highly qualified, citing more than 34 years in global investing, leadership at J.P. Morgan, and prior service on the SIC investment committee. Roman described her experience with asset allocation, fiduciary responsibility, and the SIC’s vetting process. Senators asked about the council’s role in pension investments, staffing levels, and whether personal values could influence decisions. Roman said the SIC process is robust, heavily staff-driven, and insulated from individual value judgments. The committee reported broad support and voted 8-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate.
The committee then heard the reappointment of John F. Bingaman to the SIC. Senator Worth praised his leadership as SIC chair and his background in private equity, public service, and economics. Bingaman emphasized the growth of New Mexico’s sovereign wealth funds to more than $70 billion, the importance of staffing and asset allocation, and the SIC’s role as a fiduciary for New Mexicans. Senators asked about protecting the funds in a weaker market and about the Blackstone/PNM matter; Bingaman declined to comment on the memorial because he had not read it. The committee voted 9-0 to send his reappointment to the full Senate.
The committee next took up Senate Memorial 20, calling for a statewide youth violence summit. Senator Lopez and an expert from the Council of State Governments said New Mexico lacks a cohesive statewide infrastructure for youth violence prevention and intervention, limited data collection, and enough evidence-based services. Supporters from the ACLU, behavioral health organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, and youth advocates backed the memorial as a way to center lived experience, community engagement, and research-based solutions. Some members raised concerns that victims’ families were not explicitly included in the planning group, but the memorial passed on a 6-3 vote.
Finally, the committee debated Senate Memorial 9, which asked the Legislative Finance Committee to study whether New Mexico should invest in equity stakes in PNM and New Mexico Gas Company and requested that the PRC pause consideration of the private-equity acquisitions while the study was completed. Supporters argued the state should examine whether utility ownership value could remain in New Mexico, protect ratepayers, and diversify revenue, while opponents from PNM, Blackstone’s representatives, chambers of commerce, and utility advocates said the proposal would duplicate the PRC’s review, create uncertainty, and risk higher rates and delayed investment. The committee adopted an amendment removing references to the PRC, but the memorial then failed on a 4-4 tie after a motion for due pass as amended.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Consumer and Public Affairs Feb 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we'll go, and also HB 20, if you're here for that, we will hear that next, but because we have experts
- going to, instead of going directly to House Bill 57, we're going to do House Bill 58 so that the expert
- And so, but I'll defer to my expert, Chief Story, who can probably tell you realistically more how they're
- By as an expert on the results of the chemical test, the subpoenaed to testify at court proceeding a
- on the results of the chemical test, the subpoenaed to testify at court proceeding. by as an expert
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 206, which would expand eligibility under the Crime Victims Reparation Act to cover additional offenses: simple assault, simple battery, criminal sexual contact, and robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. The sponsor, the Crime Victims Reparation Commission, and multiple supporters said the change would help victims access compensation for medical care, counseling, lost income, and related costs, with no added state administrative burden. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0.
The committee then took up HB 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people who provide proof of membership in a federally recognized tribe. Sponsors and tribal supporters said the designation could help with identification, Turquoise Alert notifications, and jurisdictional issues, while also serving as a voluntary option for tribal members. Some members raised concerns about possible profiling, lack of consultation with every tribe, and the absence of data from other states; supporters responded that the designation is optional and intended to assist, not harm. The bill passed 4-2.
HB 52, a technical cleanup bill correcting statutory cross-references after prior competency-law amendments, passed unanimously 6-0. HB 58, which updates the telephone harassment statute to include electronic communications such as texts and social media, also passed 6-0 after supporters said the current law is outdated and too limited for modern harassment cases; committee members discussed possible definitional refinements. HB 57, allowing certain lab analysts and toxicologists to testify by interactive video in misdemeanor and DWI cases, drew support for efficiency and reducing travel burdens, but also concerns about confrontation rights and technical drafting issues; it passed 6-0 with a no recommendation. Finally, HB 79, which would lower the burden of proof for juvenile probation violation hearings to a preponderance standard, drew strong opposition from defense advocates and a law student who argued it would reduce due process protections for youth; after debate, the committee tabled the bill on a 4-2 vote.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have our subject matter experts in the room to answer any questions. >> Thank you, Senator.
- Members' questions. >> A question. >> Senator Kim, are you one of the experts from DEA?
- </c> Are you one of the experts from DEA? Are you one of the experts from DEA?
- >> You<00:10:12.000><c> are</c><00:10:12.160><c> the</c><00:10:12.399><c> expert.
- </c> >> You are the expert. Thank you. >> You are the expert. Thank you.
Bills:
SB2178
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SP 2178, which would create an industrial hemp program in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, establish an advisory board, support research through the University of Hawaii, and promote hemp-based materials and partnerships with Native Hawaiian practitioners and cooperatives. Testimony was generally supportive from industry, Native Hawaiian advocates, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the department, with supporters emphasizing economic opportunity, community-based development, and potential uses such as hempcrete and fiber products. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity also said it supported the intent, but its representative explained that the bill would require additional staffing and resources for education, monitoring, testing, and enforcement. Members raised concerns about overlapping regulation with USDA hemp licensing and the cost of new positions; the department estimated three additional positions at about $80,000 each and noted current federal licensing does not charge fees. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including removing state licensing requirements to avoid duplication with USDA authority, making technical changes, and blanking the appropriation amount for later consideration, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously.
The committee also heard and later took action on several other measures. SB 2702, relating to Hawaiian Homes and an irrigation system inventory, drew support but was postponed for decision-making until February 5 so additional amendments could be prepared. SB 2785, relating to economic development, received mixed testimony but was recommended and adopted for passage without amendments. SB 2790, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Mākai irrigation system, received strong support and was also passed unamended. SB 2314, relating to the Hawaiian language and the legal effect of Hawaiian versions of laws, drew support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and others, while the Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the wording; the committee adopted amendments incorporating language from the judiciary, clarifying that English and Hawaiian are official languages and that priority goes to the version consistent with legislative intent when there is a material difference, and then passed the bill with amendments. All final votes reported were in favor, with no recorded opposition.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I am not an expert on this matter. Of the detachment and what you're trying to streamline.
- I am not an expert on this matter, but I do believe that to be the case.
- And then at some point, you'll have to speak to the experts on that. I appreciate that.
- You mentioned early on in getting more... ...have to speak to the experts on that.
- The water has to be treated in a certain way, and I'm not an expert.
Committee:
House Utilities
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 23rd, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- First, experienced professionals and subject matter experts in the field will have 30 minutes.
- We have one expert testifying today, allotted again for 30 minutes.
- We will allow for committee members to ask questions following the completion of the expert testimony
- The subject matter expert on this matter is Jessica... ...of the expert testimony.
- I am not an expert on that, and I'm going to decline to answer.
Bills:
H5005
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10 / House Bill 5002, “An act to restore a sensible marijuana policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. The chair explained the Article 48 initiative process and noted that, if the Legislature does not enact the measure as written, additional signatures would be needed for it to qualify for the 2026 ballot. The committee heard testimony from an expert, proponents of the petition, opponents, and members of the public, and accepted written testimony through March 27 at 5 p.m.
Jessica Trow of MassBudget testified first, focusing on cannabis revenue and spending in Massachusetts. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion for the Commonwealth and municipalities since FY 2018, including excise tax, sales tax, local option taxes, fees, and community impact fees. She described how revenues are distributed to public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity efforts, the cannabis social equity fund, the MBTA, the School Building Authority, the general fund, and local budgets, and argued the industry has supported social equity and community investments.
Opponents of the petition argued that repeal would harm public health, consumer safety, jobs, tax revenue, and social equity programs. Wendy Wakeman, speaking for the ballot committee, said legalization has increased potency, addiction, and mental health concerns, and that the state lacks sufficient data on harms. In contrast, business owners, clinicians, and advocates including Caroline Pino, Kristen Rogers, Drudus Ledbetter, Armani White, Lucas Thayer, and Jeff Rawson said the regulated market provides tested products, jobs, tax revenue, and pathways for people harmed by prohibition, while repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity goals. Committee members questioned witnesses about the evidence base, the role of out-of-state funding, the petition’s impact on existing businesses, and whether narrower regulatory fixes might address concerns instead of repeal. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed after testimony ended.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I would first like to present my expert witnesses for House Bill 186.
- I'm going to turn to my expert, and yes, there's a lot of it.
- Thank you, Madam Chair, Representative, and expert.
- Madam Chair, Representative, and expert.
- Again, I'll turn to my expert, Jonathan, on this.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 186, which would update New Mexico’s Land Conservation Incentives Act by increasing the conservation tax credit cap from $250,000 to $2 million, raising the credit percentage, and making the credit refundable. The sponsor and conservation groups said the bill is intended to help land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve working farms, ranches, watersheds, habitat, and cultural resources, while also leveraging federal conservation dollars and supporting rural economies. Supporters from land trusts, Realtors, conservation organizations, and local landowners testified that current caps are too low to make easements feasible for smaller properties and that the bill would reduce pressure to sell to developers. Some members raised concerns about fiscal impact, whether refundable credits should be limited, and whether wealthy landowners could benefit; the sponsor said the bill is aimed at smaller landowners and that the fiscal estimates may be overstated. The committee voted 6-3 to do pass HB 186.
The committee then considered HB 92, which would phase out the state income tax on Social Security benefits over eight years. The sponsor argued that Social Security income should not be taxed and said the phase-out would help seniors, attract retirees, and support the economy. An amendment was adopted to strike language related to a prior date. Opposition testimony focused on fairness and revenue concerns, with one witness arguing the bill would mainly benefit higher-income filers and reduce funds for schools, infrastructure, and housing. Several members questioned the fiscal impact, the income thresholds, and whether the bill was ready without more data; the sponsor said the phase-out was designed to avoid a cliff effect and that the current estimates were uncertain. The committee then voted 5-3 to table HB 92.
Finally, the committee heard HJM 1, a memorial supporting stronger relations between Taiwan and New Mexico and the United States in trade, technology, education, and official exchanges. The sponsor and a representative from Taiwan’s economic office described the long-standing sister-state relationship and said the memorial would reinforce goodwill and people-to-people ties. Members spoke in support of the relationship, with one noting Taiwan’s importance in technology and chip manufacturing. One member questioned tariffs and the need for the memorial but still acknowledged the strong bilateral relationship. The committee approved HJM 1 on an 8-1 do pass vote.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 16th, 2026 at 09:04 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Madam Chair, I'll yield to questions or our expert witness for some clarification.
- Representative, I'll let our expert witness respond. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- And with me, I have my expert witness, Jason Espinoza.
- Of my expert witnesses, I have with us today Dr.
- To some extent, my experts can tell you how much, but it's a million or... More.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
Keywords:
SB 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, repeal of repeal, sunset repeal, delayed repeal, health care, healthcare, access to care, medical services, provider regulation, state health law, New Mexico, SB 21, Medicare supplement, Medigap, open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday month enrollment, health insurance, insurance regulation
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 11th, 2026 at 08:37 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, and expert, for sharing HB 296 with us today.
- Chair and an expert.
- Chair and expert, who did you talk to at MFA about this program? Mr.
- Chair and expert, what did the MFA say? What did she say in those conversations? Mr.
- Chair and expert, that's not what I've heard from the MFA.
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Feb 10th, 2026 at 06:49 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- And with me is my expert witness, Tony Montefalero, right?
- Thank you, Madam Chair, Representative, expert witness. A couple questions.
- So, Madam Chair, experts...
- Representative and experts, this does work in Aztec. Thank you.
- Madam Chair, and Representative, to us that we have our expert.
Summary:
The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met with a quorum and first addressed a point of order over whether HB 270 could be heard after being taken up earlier in the Transportation Committee. The chair ruled the bill could proceed because it was assigned to this committee and had been properly noticed. The committee then heard HB 280, which would create a three-year pilot program to support paid student internships through grants administered by the Department of Workforce Solutions. Supporters said the bill would help fund internships, mentoring, and transportation, and could improve workforce development, graduation outcomes, and pathways into apprenticeships or higher education. Members asked about administrative costs, student selection, rural and tribal access, payment mechanisms, and whether public entities, land grants, and dual credit could be included. The bill sponsor and witnesses said the program would likely serve about 100 students, use a sliding-scale matching model, and allow local flexibility in program design. The committee voted due pass on HB 280.
The committee then heard House Memorial 46, honoring the Hurley family and especially Major General Patrick Hurley and his son Wilson Hurley for military service and artistic contributions in New Mexico. The memorial was presented as a tribute to a family of heroes, and members expressed support. The committee voted due pass on the memorial.
Finally, the committee heard HB 270, which would amend the Public Works Apprentice and Training Act to require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs on most public works projects, including road and utility work, while exempting trades without approved programs. Sponsors said the bill would close loopholes, broaden participation, and strengthen the workforce pipeline. Opposition came from asphalt, contractor, and utility groups, which argued the bill would raise costs, duplicate existing training programs, and create access problems for nonunion and geographically distant contractors. Supporters from mechanical contractors, building trades, and labor groups said the bill would improve workforce development and keep training dollars in New Mexico. After debate over the earlier Transportation Committee action and the bill’s cost impacts, the committee voted due pass on HB 270 by a 5-3 roll call.