Transcript Highlights:

• Dwight Thibodeau, a practicing optometrist in Santa Fe, and currently serve as president of the New Mexico
• And I live in Santa Fe, it's an urban area and it Could be worse for rural areas.
• For instance, I tried to get my wife in for a cataract surgery evaluation With a friend here in Santa
• Representative Santa Cortez, yes. Vice Chair Herndon, yes. Representative Anaya, yes.
• I strongly support this bill, as do my colleagues in Indivisible Santa Fe.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• there any changes to the minutes from our fourth meeting that took place October 27th and 28th here in Santa
• In Santa Fe, and we think this should not be the case.
• Can we get this sent to the Santa Fe New Mexican? in the Albuquerque Journal. Somebody's here.
• I love Santa Fe, and my wife had hoped to accompany me, but she had to have some... Surgery.
• Attract business and that are normal focus of your work here in Santa Fe. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.

Committee: Joint Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We actually have more than we have a surplus in Bernalillo County in, in, in, in Santa Fe County, a,
• mean, SIM has, the reason that SIM is in the statute is because Senator Wirth was impressed with how Santa
• Yeah, um, you know, the pilot program in Santa Fe, that was an easy one to do because it's, you know,
• They weren't coming south to Santa Fe, they were going east and west.
• There is no way, and I've talked to the Santa Fe County people, there is no way that Santa Fe knows the

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• After halftime, Elijah is served another left-footed center to Cruz Henen, who put Decatur up two to
• <00:09:21.600><c> to</c><00:09:21.920><c> junior</c><00:09:22.399><c> striker</c><00:09:22.959><c> Cruz
• </c> centered the ball to junior striker Cruz centered the ball to junior striker Cruz Henson,<00:09:
• left- footed Elijah is served another left- footed center<00:09:34.560><c> to</c><00:09:34.720><c> Cruz
• ><c> who</c><00:09:36.160><c> put</c><00:09:36.320><c> Decar</c><00:09:36.959><c> up</c> center to Cruz

Transcript Highlights:

• We have David Cruz, Florida League of Cities. Mr. Cruz. Was it on the strike call? My apologies.
• David Cruz with the Florida League of Cities.
• Cruz. Okay, to get back in proper posture, I didn't see anyone who wished to debate.
• Cruz. Okay, to get back in proper posture, I didn't see anyone who wished to debate.
• Tiffany Cruz, Board of Justice Association, Tiffany here, was against the bill.

Bills: S0212 , S0218 , S0442 , S0460 , S0532 , S0554 , S0644 , S0686 , S0692 , S1054 , S1106 , S1128 , S1134 , S1138 , S1338 , S1434 , S1506 , S1620 , S1748

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all narrowed eligibility to certain properties in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, added environmental and zoning criteria, and included exemptions for agricultural land, parks, military-adjacent land, and other areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill was reported favorably 8-0. The committee then heard SB 212 on sexual offenders and predators, as amended to add public swimming pools and related child-centered locations to residency and presence restrictions. Testimony was sharply divided, with supporters emphasizing child safety and opponents arguing the bill lacked empirical support and would worsen homelessness and impose retroactive burdens. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably 8-1. Members next approved SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after adopting an amendment allowing certain enclaves adjacent to interstate highways to be developed for commercial, industrial, or single-family residential uses while clarifying protections for critical areas, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and military installations. The bill drew opposition from a county Republican committee representative who argued it would weaken zoning and comprehensive planning and encourage urban sprawl, while homebuilders and industry groups supported it. The committee also reported favorably SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, a Florida Bar-backed update intended to modernize and harmonize nonprofit corporate law, and SB 1338 on charitable giving, which would create donor remedies for endowment restrictions and limit state reporting burdens on certain charitable organizations; members noted the latter would need further work on cy pres and related issues. The committee then approved SB 532 on court fees after a strike-all that would let clerks retain all collections above revenue projections rather than splitting excess with general revenue, with clerks’ groups supporting the change and members citing long-standing funding shortfalls. SB 218 on land use regulations was also reported favorably; it would restore normal land-use authority to counties unaffected by the 2024 hurricanes while keeping SB 180 protections in place for damaged areas. SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability passed 9-2 after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption was retroactive; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks and reduce class-action litigation, while opponents wanted stronger compliance requirements. Finally, SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended and passed unanimously as a process-reform measure allowing licensed professionals to conduct pre-application reviews, and SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools was reported favorably 8-3 after extensive testimony and debate over whether it would protect free expression or invite coercion and litigation. The committee also began consideration of SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor framing it as historical accuracy and opponents arguing it erased Palestinian identity; the transcript cuts off during that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, the two districts that are adding additional online students, in sizable amounts, are Santa
• Rosa and Chama. adding additional online students in sizable amounts, Santa Rosa and Chama.
• , it's unclear that the agency would be able to not fund the enrollment growth for the students in Santa
• Rosa and Chama. in Santa Rosa and Chama.

Bills: SB83 , SB106 , SB107 , SB123 , SJR1

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: ecological monitoring, sustainability, tribal engagement, education, research funding, graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, out-of-school programming, education funding, youth programs, affordability, nonprofit organizations, defibrillators, public schools, health and safety, emergency response, school elections

Transcript Highlights:

• In a meeting with the hospital's leadership, I've learned that some of these patients came from Santa
• When you look at the distance from Santa Monica to Martin Luther King Hospital, we're talking about 20
• In the last four months, we had 400 law enforcement drop-offs, some from as far away as Santa Monica,
• On April In the last four months, we had 400 law enforcement drop-offs, some from as far away as Santa
• From Santa Monica to Watts, from Pasadena to Watts.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Emergency Management met to consider a large slate of bills, first approving a consent calendar that included measures on emergency management and related topics, with several bills moved on a due pass basis to Appropriations or other policy committees. The committee then heard AB 2013, which would require community water systems to report on wildfire-related preparedness measures such as tank levels, backup generators, and pump hardening. The author argued the bill would provide needed transparency after repeated wildfire water failures, while water agency and municipal utility representatives opposed it, saying it would create new standards, liability concerns, and duplicative reporting. The bill was ultimately passed to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members voting aye and one member not voting. The committee also approved AB 2385, which would authorize local governments to create local reconstruction agencies for disaster recovery planning and rebuilding; supporters from the League of California Cities and the Los Angeles fire recovery community said it would help communities plan before disasters and speed recovery. AB 2492, concerning public safety coordination for major sporting events like the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics, was supported by the California Travel Association and passed to Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism. AB 2370, which clarifies Cal OES authority over statewide public safety communications systems, was supported by operating engineers and passed to Utilities and Energy. AB 2475, dealing with after-action report timelines and local reporting requirements, was also approved and sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee passed AB 2543, which addresses emergency preparedness for electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure, and AB 2411, which would create a temporary process for in-state and out-of-state law enforcement to supplement security during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The most debated measure after AB 2013 was AB 2405, which would require law enforcement to transport patients to the nearest appropriate emergency department and report transport patterns. The author and Martin Luther King Community Hospital described severe overcrowding and frequent long-distance drop-offs, while some members raised concerns about rural impacts, exigent circumstances, and added reporting burdens. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to the Committee on Public Safety. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes from absent members on several items before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you look at the distance from Santa Monica to Martin Luther King Hospital, we're talking about 20
• legislation, Martin Luther King Hospital will continue to see drop-offs that came from, again, from Santa
• In the last four months, we had 400 law enforcement drop-offs, some from as far away as Santa Monica,
• Park Hospital, Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital, and nine others. some from as far away as Santa
• From Santa Monica to Watts, from Pasadena to Watts.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• What does poverty mean for a family that lives in Las Cruces or a family that lives in Santa Fe or a
• He is a developer in Santa Fe, and we have seen in Santa Fe properties such as former laundromats and
• My name is Bridget Dixon, President and CEO of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce and also representing
• exception of Los Alamos, Bernalillo, I would note that with the exception of Los Alamos, Bernalillo, and Santa
• Affordable is different in Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Artesia.

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Santa Cortez. Representative Small. Vice Chair Senayana. Here. Chair McQueen. Here.
• Representative Santa Cortez? Yes. Representative Small? Yes. Vice Chair? Yes. Chair McQueen? Yes.
• Chair, Representative Cortez, Santa Cortez.
• My name is Eric Lamasters, and I'm a 20-year math, science, and health careers instructor here in Santa
• yet I haven't been able to retain... ...scans currently filed with the First District Court here in Santa

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that when you have an officer who gets shot, like a Santa Fe officer did responding to the Santa Fe
• In 2018, I was on duty at Santa Fe during a shooting that killed 10 and injured 13, including myself.
• I was medically retired from Santa Fe, excuse me, in August of 2020.
• I was at Santa Fe High School for four months and I got involved in my first shooting.
• And it is exemplified by what happened at Santa Fe, Uvalde, Columbine, and Newtown. It's our...

Bills: HB886 , HB1514 , HB2434 , HB2688 , HB2802 , HB3161 , HB3221 , HB4029 , HB4339 , HB4591 , HB4774 , HB4802 , HB4853 , HB5627 , SB1737

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits, municipal retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• have these storage facilities, but I would like to see some built in Beverly Hills, Palos Verdes, and Santa
• Monica, not just in the poor areas where when these things happen, and these people... ...in Santa Monica
• I'm sorry. ...in Santa Monica, not just in the poor areas where when these things happen, these people

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met in regular order, established a quorum, and first heard AB 611 by Assembly Member Lee. AB 611 would create a voluntary tax contribution checkoff to fund spinal cord injury treatment research. The author said the measure would support Californians living with spinal cord injuries and noted there was no opposition. After no public testimony in support or opposition, the committee voted 5-0 to recommend concurrence in the Senate amendments, with the motion adopted and the bill held open for absent members. The committee then held an informational hearing only on AB 817 by Assembly Member González, which was presented in response to the Lineage cold-storage warehouse fire in Boyle Heights. González described the fire’s impacts on the surrounding community and said the bill would require contingency resources before new permits for certain cold storage facilities and would make related settlements tax-free. He also explained amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and delaying broader implementation while stakeholder discussions continue. Testimony on AB 817 included support from a community representative and concerns from industry groups, including the Global Cold Chain Alliance, the American Chemistry Council, and the California Grocers Association. Opponents said they understood the community’s concerns and were willing to keep working on the issue, but warned the bill could raise costs for cold storage construction and improvements and potentially affect food prices, especially for smaller businesses. Several committee members expressed sympathy for Boyle Heights and support for finding a sensible, targeted solution, but no vote was taken because the hearing was informational only. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I encourage every family to track Santa on the NORAD track Santa website this upcoming Christmas
• Speaker, look up in the sky on Christmas Eve and track Santa on the NORAD tracks Santa website, and I
• Now, I encourage every family to track Santa on the NORAD track Santa website this upcoming Christmas
• Now, I encourage every family to track Santa on the NORAD track Santa website this upcoming Christmas
• Santa on the NORAD tracks Santa website Santa on the NORAD tracks Santa website and<02:05:03.199><c>

Bills: HR1049 , HR1069

Keywords: Seattle Seahawks, Super Bowl, MVP, football, victory, sports, community, Olympics, Paralympics, Team USA, 2026 Games, Athletics, International competition, Sportsmanship, Unity

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 730 by Representative Raymond Cruz, provides relative to the use of automatic dependent surveillance
• Cruz for a question.
• Speaker, Representative Cruz is going to give notice to call House Bill 730 on Wednesday, the 6th.
• Cruz, you have an announcement? I'm sorry, Rep. Guy Barry for an announcement. There we go.
• Cruz: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bills: HR223 , HR224 , HR225 , HR226 , HR227 , HR228 , HR229 , HR230 , HR231 , HR232 , HR233 , HR234 , HR235 , HR236 , HR237 , HR238 , HR239 , HR240 , HR241 , HR242 , HR243 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR96 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR99 , HCR100 , HR218 , HR219 , HR220 , HR221 , HR222 , HCR91 , HCR92 , HCR93 , SCR41 , SCR42 , SCR43 , SCR44 , SCR45 , SCR46 , SCR47 , SCR48 , SCR49 , SCR50 , SCR51 , SCR52 , SB259 , SB347 , SB398 , SB469 , SB483 , SB518 , HR37 , HCR64 , SCR11 , SCR22 , HB89 , HB341 , HB451 , HB456 , HB541 , HB579 , HB595 , HB621 , HB818 , HB841 , HB1064 , HB1101 , HB1165 , HB1191 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , SB123 , SB125 , SB387 , SB401 , HB730 , HCR41 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HCR86 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB175 , HB198 , HB437 , HB457 , HB488 , HB646 , HB763 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1089 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231 , HB1246 , HB1248 , HB1249 , HB276 , HB508 , HB512 , HB599 , HB632 , HB656 , HB998 , HB1052 , HB1084 , HB1171 , HB1193 , HB1194 , HB1204 , HB1209 , HB1250 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , HCR32 , HB911 , HB1223 , HB798 , HB824 , HB989 , HB1140 , HB1166 , HB1244 , HB459 , HB617 , HB804 , HB926 , HB225 , HB955 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB59 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1180 , HB1203 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and a series of personal privileges recognizing visitors and honorees, including Northside High students, the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, Literacy Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, a 75th wedding anniversary, police jurors, Young Marine Sergeant Valerie Uitt, Elmer’s, and other community guests. The chamber also received Senate messages, including refusal to concur in House amendments to SB 149, concurrence in several House measures, adoption of Senate resolutions, and passage of multiple Senate bills. House resolutions were introduced and many were adopted without objection, including measures honoring local events, organizations, and individuals, as well as resolutions on literacy, municipal day, firefighters appreciation, and sports-related commendations. Committee reports moved numerous House and Senate bills and resolutions forward, and members were urged to monitor the Senate calendar to ensure House bills had Senate sponsors before being returned late in session. Several bills were debated and passed. HB 175 created a Veterans Service Grant Fund funded by $500,000 annually from Louisiana Lottery net proceeds, overseen by a board within the Department of Veterans Affairs to award grants to eligible veteran-serving nonprofits, colleges, JROTC programs, veteran courts, and local governments; it passed after questions about the use of lottery proceeds and the role of nonprofits. HB 198 authorized ambulatory surgical centers to perform certain procedures and be reimbursed at Medicare rates, and HB 437 restricted expert witnesses from receiving contingency-style compensation tied to case outcomes after debate over ethics and whether the bill was necessary. HB 488 created the Bell Chase Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund to support the bridge toll buyback effort. HB 763 required a centralized public database of government settlement agreements and consent decrees, with confidentiality protections preserved, and passed after questions about sensitive cases. HB 989 required commercial health coverage for behavioral health crisis services, HB 971 addressed Medicaid reimbursement parity for rural health clinics, HB 981 created a law enforcement recruitment/retention incentive stipend for campus police at public postsecondary institutions, HB 1066 clarified that campus police are not eligible for state supplemental pay, and HB 1089 established care accounts for future medical expense awards, with amendments limiting certain case types and providing for reversion of unused funds. The House also reconsidered and defeated HB 225, a constitutional amendment to impose a lifetime gubernatorial term limit, and HB 730, concerning airport authority regulation of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast systems. Several resolutions were adopted, including HCR 76 continuing a health inequities task force, HJR 77 urging federal action on H-2B seasonal employer designation for the crawfish industry, HJR 67 creating a task force on military drivers without civilian licenses, and HCR 69 urging DOTD to study Interstate 12 safety improvements. The chamber adopted numerous additional commemorative resolutions and concurred in Senate resolutions recognizing sports figures, Mental Health Awareness Month, state observances, and school achievements. Overall, the day featured a mix of ceremonial recognitions, committee reporting, and floor action on veterans, health care, transparency, labor, transportation, law enforcement, and court-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Dela Cruz? Here. Senator Elefante? Here. Senator Fevella? Here. Senator Fukunaga? Here.
• Senator Dela Cruz, then Senator Gabbard. Uh, thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Dela Cruz,<00:19:21.880><c> then</c><00:19:22.080><c> Senator</c><00:19:22.560><c> Gabbard.
• </c><00:19:23.400><c> Uh</c><00:19:23.560><c> thank</c> Cruz, then Senator Gabbard.
• Uh thank Cruz, then Senator Gabbard. Uh thank you,<00:19:23.880><c> Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, at some point in time, we're going to have to start leading from Santa Fe from the top, right
• Leading from Santa Fe from the top, right?
• So the first, Santa Fe, gets the nod, and then Bernalillo County is, in fact, the Second Judicial District
• So this will be a brand new district court judge for the Santa Fe area and for Bernalillo County.
• assume folks are listening, but it is going to mean not just, and I get it, we had this issue here in Santa

Bills: SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264 , HB294 , SB40 , SB43 , SB35

Committees: Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• She went to Santa Fe High, UNM. And incidentally, Mr. President, made me more important.
• She went to Santa Fe High, UNM. She got her MBA and her law degree at UNM.
• But this project has been proposed the farthest place possible from Santa Fe, right?
• Let's put this the farthest place from Santa Fe so that if there's problems with our air, the pollution
• in our state is producing in terms of air quality, right, pollution, let's put it as far away from Santa

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum on Valentine’s Day and spent much of the opening portion on ceremonial remarks, guest introductions, and announcements tied to Early Childhood Day, the New Mexico State Bar’s anniversary, and other Valentine’s-themed recognitions. Senators also approved several unanimous-consent requests excusing members from the chamber. The body then received House messages announcing passage of House Joint Resolution 6, House Bill 166, House Bill 295 as amended, House Joint Memorials 2 and 3, and House Joint Resolution 5 as amended. Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including Senate Memorial 27, Senate Memorial 21, House bills 10, 12, 34, and 63, Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 261, Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 151, and Senate Memorials 3 and 16, which were reported as duly enrolled and signed in open session. The Senate also introduced and referred House Bill 166 to Judiciary, House Bill 295 to Finance, House Joint Resolution 6 and House Joint Memorials 2 and 3 to Rules. The main floor action was final passage of Senate Bill 306, which updates New Mexico’s private post-secondary authorization framework to align with federal accreditation terminology and standards; it passed 42-0 after brief questions about tribal colleges and online institutions. The Senate then debated Senate Conservation Committee substitute for Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, which would require large microgrids over 20 megawatts to meet renewable-energy standards, file annual energy and water reports with the PRC, and address utility cost-shifting concerns. Supporters said it would add oversight and protect air, water, and consumers, while opponents argued it would create uncertainty, discourage major economic development, and undercut a recent policy change allowing microgrids. The debate was ongoing in the excerpt, with no final vote shown for SB 235.

Transcript Highlights:

• with Nossaman on behalf of Padre Municipal Water District, Alevenheim Municipal Water District, and Santa
• Adam Cignonas, California Advocates, on behalf of Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, in support.
• Jamie Miner on behalf of Eastern Municipal Water District, Monterey One Water, Santa Margarita Water

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first but proceeded with bill presentations and public testimony. Senator McInerney presented SB 31, which would expand uses of recycled water in California, including certain outdoor irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing in food-handling facilities, decorative lakes and ponds, and some HOA common-area irrigation, while clarifying regulatory treatment of recycled water line breaks. Supporters from numerous water districts, cities, and industry groups testified in favor; there was no opposition. The bill was later approved on a due pass motion to the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 650, a technical bill making noncontroversial changes to the Delta Stewardship Act. The bill would set an appeals timeline, clarify who may file appeals, and add a severability clause. Support testimony emphasized due process, local government participation, and preserving enforceability of the Delta plan; no opposition was heard. After quorum was established, the committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee. The committee also considered a consent calendar containing AJR 9, SB 55, and SB 563, all of which were approved. After additional members arrived, the committee completed the votes and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

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

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first deferred House Bill 1102 without hearing it. It then took up House Concurrent Resolution 66, which urges Louisiana Economic Development and other state agencies to continue studying rural parishes’ economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. Representative Weible and Secretary Bougoir described the resolution as part of a broader effort to align state rural programs and create a strategic framework for rural development. Members emphasized infrastructure, workforce training, local coordination, and retaining young people in rural communities. An amendment requiring LED to report to the legislature by January 1, 2027 was adopted, and HCR 66 was reported favorably as amended. The committee next considered Senate Bill 102, which would allow qualified trade associations for motor vehicle dealers to bring declaratory and injunctive actions against manufacturers on behalf of dealers. Senator Presley and the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association said the bill would consolidate similar disputes into one action, reduce costs, and help smaller dealers avoid retaliation or uneven litigation. Questions focused on standing, the limited remedies, and whether the bill would affect nontraditional sales models. Technical amendments were adopted, and SB 102 was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 521, concerning banks’ continued use of a non-surviving bank’s name after mergers or consolidations, drew the most debate. Senator Boudreau and former Senator Fred Mills said the bill would preserve community-bank identity while following FDIC guidance on clear disclosure and consumer notice. Several members raised concerns about codifying federal guidance, future changes to federal rules, and whether the bill should instead set a fixed transition period; an amendment to limit use of the old name to 24 months was adopted after discussion. Another proposed amendment tying the bill to 1998 FDIC branch-name guidance failed on a roll call vote. The bill, as amended, was then reported favorably. The committee also advanced House Bill 387, which narrows the scope of incidental engineering work by architects and clarifies the state fire marshal’s authority to review plans under both architecture and engineering laws, and House Bill 1228, which updates hearing-aid dealer licensing and consumer-protection rules, including testing periods, cooling-off rights, and refund/cancellation procedures. Both bills were reported favorably with technical amendments. The transcript then shifted to additional measures, including House Bill 975 on Public Service Commission reconstitution and several Senate bills by Senator Abraham on self-storage facilities and contractor licensing, but the provided text cuts off before those items are fully concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm delighted to be here along with my colleague Senator Cruz to introduce our friend Brooke Rollins
• Thank you, Senator Cruz. Thank you, Chairman Bozeman.
• Thank you, Senator Cruz. Again, thank you, Senator Cornyn, for being here.
• I also want to thank my dear friends and fellow Texans, Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz, for
• Senator Cruz gave you a very nice introduction.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee