Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and Representative Cruz. Thank you. All right, thank you.
• Cruz. So there's a number of answers.
• Short answer, Representative Cruz says yes, we would definitely be open to hearing more and seeing how

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with most testimony focused on two main topics: improving access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students with disabilities, and raising educator pay statewide. On the AAC bills (House 514/Senate 418), parents, advocates, and attorneys described how AAC devices and communication books help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate, participate in class, and reduce frustration and behavioral issues. Testimony emphasized that while districts are generally required to provide devices, many teachers and school staff lack training to use them effectively; the bill would direct DESE to update licensure and training requirements so newly licensed teachers are prepared to support AAC users. Committee members asked about current teacher-prep practices, implementation, and whether DESE could act without legislation, and witnesses said the proposal was intended as a long-term solution and had previously received some support and compromise language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House 733/Senate 370, which would set a statewide minimum salary of $70,000 for teachers and $55,000 for education support professionals (ESPs/paras), with inflation adjustments and a phase-in structure that would shift costs over time from the state to municipalities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, MTA leaders, and school employees from several districts, argued that current pay is not a living wage, contributes to staffing shortages and turnover, and forces many educators to work multiple jobs or rely on public assistance. They said the bill would help recruit and retain staff and better reflect the importance of the work. Committee members raised questions about how the state would fund the mandate, how it would interact with Chapter 70 school aid and local budgets, whether other states have similar mechanisms, and whether the proposal could create disincentives for districts already paying above the floor. Witnesses pointed to the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, and the need for a broader school funding formula review as possible parts of the solution. The committee also briefly heard and discussed Senate Bill 435/House Bill 736, which would require de-escalation training for school bus operators, with the training paid for by employers. The sponsor and a parent advocate said the bill was prompted by a school bus incident involving a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and would improve safety and reduce reliance on law enforcement. Members asked whether the bill should also cover bus monitors and other transportation staff, and whether private contractors and public operators currently provide similar training. At the end of the hearing, the chairs closed testimony on the full list of bills and adjourned the hearing without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• President Cruz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Appreciate your advocacy.
• Just want to represent that Cruz is with us, and also Representative McGregor is also joined us as well
• Joe Zana Cruz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis held a hearing on a package of cannabis bills focused on equity funding, delivery expansion, advertising restrictions, medical use, first responders, and ownership limits. Testimony strongly supported S. 87/H. 184 to direct a larger share of cannabis revenue into the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and related equity programs, with speakers arguing the current funding is insufficient and that automatic transfers would better support businesses and communities harmed by the war on drugs. Several witnesses also backed H. 145/S. 89 to allow licensed cannabis delivery into municipalities that ban retail sales and to hotels, saying current rules unfairly limit social equity delivery operators and consumer access. There was also support for H. 176 on medical cannabis eligibility and S. 76 on cannabis use by first responders, while H. 177/H. 178 on new taxes drew opposition from several business owners who said the industry is already heavily burdened and overtaxed. A major point of debate was S. 94/H. 157, which would prohibit billboard advertising for non-prescription marijuana. Public health advocates, parents, and neuroscientists argued that cannabis billboards normalize use, are seen by youth, and are difficult to regulate effectively under the current 85% adult-audience standard. They urged a public health approach similar to tobacco restrictions. In contrast, several industry witnesses opposed further advertising limits, saying cannabis businesses already face strict marketing rules, billboards are privately owned, and additional restrictions would hurt small operators and raise First Amendment concerns. Some witnesses also criticized the proposed increase in ownership caps and consolidation provisions in the broader cannabis bill, warning they would favor large multistate companies over small and social equity businesses. Committee members asked questions about billboard ownership, enforcement of the current advertising rules, and the legal basis for restricting sign content. Witnesses and members also discussed the Cannabis Control Commission’s role, the difficulty of enforcing audience-composition standards, and whether delivery should be treated more like alcohol. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Raymond Cruz, Speaker. ...for President of the Senate.
• Representative Raymond Cruz, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
• I'm Representative Freiberg from District 70, and I'm here for Representative Cruz today.

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with a quorum, approved the minutes from its prior meeting, and unanimously approved the 2026–27 membership slate for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council after hearing that more than 300 students applied. The commission also approved LIAC’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, which were updated to reflect the IRS rate increase. Members thanked the Legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years of sponsor-based support. The meeting featured several civic education presentations tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Brandon Burris of the Lieutenant Governor’s office described state parks, museums, library backpack programs, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and Homework Louisiana as civic and educational resources. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national trends in civics education, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and a PBS Learning Media series on Bernardo de Gálvez and Spanish Louisiana, along with teacher training events. LIAC members John Parker and Brandon Routon reported on their work over the year, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment of minors, and school advisory councils. The Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported on Law Day and Constitution Day programming reaching thousands of students, its summer institute, student and teacher awards, and a proclamation marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Barry Irwin also reported that legislation to clean up the commission’s membership and quorum provisions had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education. The commission adjourned after thanking staff for managing the meeting during severe weather.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have a remote panel if you want to get them ready: Karina Cruz, Darren Raynod Knapp, and
• And now we'll go online to Karina Cruz. Karina, are you there? Yes, I'm here.
• My name is Karina Cruz, and I'm testifying today on behalf of Communities for Colleges, a statewide coalition

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several education bills. SB 6078 would provide pre-licensing supports for prospective child care providers through DCYF, fire protection consultations, and a licensing resource guide; the sponsor, DCYF, and a community nonprofit all supported it, emphasizing that it would reduce fragmented permitting barriers and help expand child care access, while a senator raised the possibility of overlap with existing early learning facilities support. SB 6089 would create a public-private partnership account to support coordination across the P-20W system and fund a public-facing data dashboard; the sponsor and many advocates supported it as a way to align early learning through workforce systems and improve transparency, while some testifiers urged stronger public oversight, caution about private influence, and explicit inclusion of early learning. SB 5859 would expand competency-based assessments as graduation pathway options; supporters said it would better reflect how students learn and provide flexibility, while the State Board of Education and school principals urged caution and suggested waiting for the board’s broader Future Ready graduation review. SB 5861 would require more school board directors to be elected from director districts in larger districts; supporters said it would improve community representation, while some districts and WSSDA warned about local control, added costs, and governance disruption. SB 6065 would allow districts in binding conditions or under enhanced financial oversight to use transportation vehicle funds for temporary loans or transfers with OSPI approval; supporters said it could help districts recover financially without harming transportation needs. After the hearings, the committee moved into executive session and acted on two bills. It adopted a proposed substitute to SB 5956, which restricts certain automated decision systems, surveillance technologies, biometric data, and facial recognition uses in student discipline and school safety decisions, and then advanced the bill with a do-pass recommendation to Rules. It also adopted a proposed substitute to SB 5901, which concerns state funding for on-base school construction, and advanced that bill with a do-pass recommendation to Ways and Means. Both measures were reported out subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thinking about 20 years ago in 1993, when Executive Director Shelton Cruz hired me at the Offbrand High
• Shelton Cruz, speaking for? Good afternoon. My name is Shelton Cruz.

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football. The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thinking about 20 years ago, in 1993, when Executive Director Shelton Cruz hired me at the Offbrand High
• Shelton Cruz, speaking for? Good afternoon. My name is Shelton Cruz.

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White, on current issues in high school sports. Damon said the association received more than 309 allegations this year, including 113 recruiting complaints, but only two coaches were suspended for recruiting violations, and those were self-reported. He focused on rising sportsmanship problems, violent incidents, and ejections, saying the association is working with coaches and athletic administrators on prevention and positive-behavior campaigns. He also discussed mental health pressures on student athletes, the effects of frequent transfers and school choice on team stability and community pride, and the need for more qualified coaches on campus who understand interscholastic rules and student support responsibilities. Senators asked about the transfer system, violent conduct, and whether the association would propose changes; Damon said he would support guardrails that protect school choice while limiting midseason athletic transfers. The committee then took up a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, often amounting to very low hourly pay despite year-round duties, and said Florida’s system has not kept pace with increased responsibilities, inflation, or neighboring states. He also criticized restrictions on booster-club support, minimal coaching certification requirements, and turnover among coaches, and urged changes that would allow coaches to negotiate fairer compensation and receive external funding. Hickman and Ward emphasized the long hours, family strain, and mentoring role of coaches, while the superintendents said districts face finite budgets and must balance coach pay against teacher, bus driver, and other staffing needs; they also warned that booster-funded pay could create inequities between wealthy and less affluent communities. Senators discussed whether booster-club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should vary by performance, and whether any new funding should be categorical. Public comment followed from Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, both of whom stressed the broader educational and safety impact of coaches and asked lawmakers to support the next generation of coaches. After the presentations, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, by a single roll-call vote, recommended all appointees favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have with me to testify on the importance of this legislation are Steve Cruz on behalf of CBIA and
• Steve Cruz, on behalf of the California Building Industry Association, and we are the sponsors of the
• Steve Cruz, on behalf of the California Building Industry Association, and we're the sponsors of the

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long agenda focused largely on housing, permitting reform, transportation governance, and local fiscal issues. Early in the hearing, AB 24 by Assembly Member DiMaio proposed changing one SANDAG county board seat to be selected by the Association of Planning Groups to give rural and unincorporated San Diego communities more voice. Members raised concerns about local input and the effect on county representation, and the bill initially lacked a second; later the chair clarified it had been held rather than defeated, but no final action was taken during the main discussion. Several housing and permitting bills drew broad support. AB 671 by Assembly Member Wix would streamline restaurant permitting through front-end plan self-certification; AB 920 by Assembly Member Calosa would require large jurisdictions to create centralized online housing application portals; AB 1061 by Assembly Member Kirk Silva would allow SB 9 housing development in historic districts with limits to preserve character-defining features; AB 818 by Assembly Member Nabila Farias would speed temporary manufactured housing and utility hookups after disasters; AB 660 by Assembly Member Wilson would tighten timelines and remedies for post-entitlement housing permits; AB 1308 by Assembly Member Hoover would allow third-party inspections for small residential projects if local inspections are delayed; and AB 1445 by Assembly Member Haney would expand downtown recovery financing tools for mixed-use housing. Testimony from builders, housing advocates, restaurant groups, and local business organizations generally supported faster approvals and more predictable processes, while some local government and utility groups sought amendments to protect local authority, school funding, or fee structures. AB 1156 by Assembly Member Wicks sought to modernize the solar use easement program so land with water constraints could transition from Williamson Act contracts to solar development. Supporters said the current program is underused and could help farmers and clean energy goals, while rural counties and the Farm Bureau opposed or remained opposed pending further changes, especially on mitigation authority and nonrenewal provisions. AB 964 by Assembly Member Hadwick would let local governments offset state mandate reimbursements against amounts they owe back after audits; county auditors and local government groups supported it, citing large unpaid mandate balances. The committee also took up consent items AB 36 and AB 1131. Most bills were reported out on bipartisan votes, with amendments accepted on several measures; AB 24 remained unresolved in the main hearing discussion, while the rest of the agenda advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• NEXT UP WE WILL HAVE ELIZABETH REPRESENTING AUDUBON FLORIDA SPEAKING AGAINST HIM AFTER THAT DAVID CRUZ
• THANK YOU. >> Vice Chair Fine: NEXT UP DAVID CRUZ BEGIN AGAINST FOLLOWED BY DEBBIE.
• GO AHEAD. >> DAVID CRUZ WITH THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES GIVEN THE TIME CONSTRAINTS I WILL BE EXTREMELY

Transcript Highlights:

• The pilot program would serve eligible children in Doña Ana, Chavez, San Juan, McKinley, Bernalillo, Santa
• Doña Ana, Chavez, San Juan, McKinley, Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and other counties.
• How did you come up with the counties here of Doña Ana, Chavez, San Juan, McKinley, Bernalillo, Santa
• of some of these professionals that could be considered, because I've seen during my tenure here in Santa
• And a specific example, there's a family here in Santa Fe that are same-sex and ICWA, and they do foster

Summary: The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee heard several measures focused on health and child welfare. House Bill 65 would codify and fund CYFD’s foster care plus short-term stabilization pilot for children in state custody with behavioral health needs, using clinical experts and specialized foster parent training to reduce office stays, hotel placements, and multiple placements. CYFD and child welfare advocates supported the bill, while senators raised concerns about cultural competency, ICWA/IFPA compliance, LGBTQ youth placement, and the need to spell out protections in statute. The bill passed 9-0 to the next committee. The committee then considered House Bill 13 and House Bill 14, joining the occupational therapy compact and the dentist/dental hygienist compact. Both bills drew support from health agencies, chambers of commerce, and professional groups as workforce tools to improve licensure portability and recruitment. Members, however, were uneasy about late-arriving amendments, venue provisions, commission authority, and how much control New Mexico would retain over compact rules and enforcement. After debate, HB 13 advanced 6-3 and HB 14 advanced 7-3, both to Judiciary. House Bill 256, which would require school emergency response plans to include cardiac emergencies during athletic activities, received support from the American Heart Association and nursing advocates, who cited survival benefits from rapid AED use and CPR. Questions centered on travel across state lines, private and religious schools, homeschool athletics, and enforcement, but the bill passed 10-0. House Bill 66, which updates the health care professional loan repayment program to increase physician awards and broaden recruitment incentives, was backed by provider groups and business organizations; dentists noted concerns about equity, but the bill passed 5-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hadn't gotten to Santa Fe yet.
• I'm not used to this Santa Fe traffic. Actually, I was lying, so I'm a little bit lost.
• We've got two New Mexico school districts really taking M&V to a whole new level: Santa Fe Schools and
• As we progress and meet with New Mexico school districts that already have this, Santa Fe is a prime
• Santa Fe uses this program, and they've paid for their energy management salaries.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members of the committee, my name is Florian Strix, and I am a junior at Santa Fe High
• At Santa Fe High School, we have a teen health center that provides condoms to any student who comes
• Representative Santa Cortez? No. Madam Vice Chair? Yes. Madam Chair?
• So, we have Representative Santa Cortez (member_20815), Martínez (member_12610).
• Okay, so I have a motion from Representative Santa Cortez (member_20815) and a second from Representative

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Sylvia Solis Shaw, on behalf of the cities of Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Beverly
• We are the lead agency for the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System.
• In 2017, we partnered with Destination Home to launch the Santa Clara County homelessness prevention
• And thank you for platforming some of the work being done in Santa Clara County.
• There are interventions for under $10,000 a year in Santa Clara County, keeping people in their homes

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I can speak to the Santa Fe and Albuquerque area.
• I live south of Santa Fe, so I sometimes go to Albuquerque, sometimes Santa Fe.
• President, I can speak to the Santa Fe and Albuquerque area.
• I live south of Santa Fe, so I sometimes go to Albuquerque, sometimes Santa Fe.
• Go to Albuquerque, sometimes Santa Fe.

Bills: SB273 , SB37 , SB100

Summary: The Senate convened on the 30th day of the 2026 session, established a quorum, heard an invocation from Chaplain Harry Eberts, and received several announcements and House messages. The chamber then took up multiple concurrence and third-reading items, including Senate Bill 273, Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 100, Senate Bill 41, House Bill 34, House Bill 20, House Bill 43, House Bill 38, and House Bill 256. The body also heard that House Joint Memorial 2 was moved from the President’s table to the calendar, and later received messages from the House on several other Senate and House measures. The most contentious action was concurrence on Senate Bill 273, which concerns correction facility loss of revenue for counties affected by the loss of ICE detainees. Senators debated the economic impact on Torrance, Otero, and Cibola counties, with supporters arguing the bill provided partial relief and critics saying it did not come close to replacing lost jobs and revenue. The Senate ultimately concurred with the House amendments by a vote of 22-18. On Senate Bill 100, which would have expanded burglary-related definitions to include an “extension of a dwelling,” several senators argued the House language was too broad and legally vague, and the Senate voted not to concur, sending the bill back to the House. Senate Bill 41, with a technical correction and addition of second-degree criminal sexual penetration, was concurred with by voice vote. Among the bills passed on third reading, House Bill 34 updated school nurse licensure rules and supervision pathways and passed 38-0. House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, clarified retirement and survivor-benefit provisions, and passed 39-0 after questions about whether it affected PERA’s unfunded liability; sponsors said it did not. House Bill 38 expanded insurance coverage for powered mobility devices and prosthetics, including coverage for batteries and in-state provider requirements, and passed 38-0. House Bill 256 expanded cardiac emergency response planning and AED requirements to athletic activities and schools, including private schools on a phased-in basis, and was debated over cost and scope before passing. House Bill 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and IDs, prompted extended discussion about tribal support, documentation, and possible profiling concerns; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members of the committee, I am Christina Gennario Gill, a 52-year resident of Santa Fe and
• My name is Tony Long, and I'm a Chief Deputy District Attorney here in Santa Fe.
• I can tell you from professional experience, the last trial that I did here in Santa Fe involved the
• I'm a Santa Fean for 40-some years.
• I've got it here in Santa Fe. It's not in the building for security.

Bills: SB4 , SB7 , SB9 , SB17

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, medical education, salaries, graduate education, clinician pay, health sciences, education funding, faculty salary, University of New Mexico, healthcare funding, general fund, state budget, New Mexico legislation, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks

Transcript Highlights:

• We somehow have gotten away and think that we in Santa Fe here are going to fix our schools or not.
• Today, I'm proud to serve as a full-time teacher in Santa Rosa Elementary School.
• I am the principal at the Academy for Technology and the Classics here in Santa Fe, and I'm here to comment
• Thank you all for joining us here in Santa Fe. We got some folks on Zoom, so I hope...
• I'm a governing council member of the Academy for Technology and Classics at ATC in Santa Fe, and a proud

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on strategic resource management in public education. LESC staff and PED officials argued that New Mexico has increased school funding, but local budgeting and planning remain fragmented and overly compliance-driven. They described long-term pressures including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, falling cash balances, changes in federal funding, and leadership turnover, and said schools need more intentional multi-year planning tied to student outcomes. They also outlined the many disconnected planning requirements schools must complete, compared New Mexico’s current approach with Ohio’s three-year budget forecasting model, and recommended continuing multi-year appropriations, adding $2.5 million for state grants in the unified application, and directing LESC, LFC, and PED to develop a long-term financial planning proposal. PED said it is working to reduce administrative burden through school accreditation, a unified application for federal and state funds, and internal alignment of guidance and coaching, with pilot schools reporting time savings and better alignment. Members raised concerns about four-day school weeks, the burden on small districts, the need for outcomes and return on investment, and whether the state should move toward a two-year or three-year planning cycle; staff clarified that the proposal was to streamline or eliminate redundant requirements, not add another layer. The committee then received an update on the Educator Fellows program. PED described it as a Grow Your Own pipeline that employs candidates as supplemental educational assistants while they work toward licensure, providing salary, benefits, paid leave, mentoring, and coursework support. Officials said the program helps address teacher shortages, improves student-to-teacher ratios, increases workforce diversity, and supports the Martinez-Yazzie action plan. They reported 370 current fellows across 86 LEAs and about 180 schools, with many fellows being people of color, first-generation college students, or second-career educators; roughly 85 are expected to become certified this year. A local HR director from Belen testified that the program has been especially valuable in small communities, where fellows are already rooted in the community and several have moved into teaching roles. Members asked about high school recruitment, tuition, retirement and benefits, the relationship to the Higher Education Department’s Grow Your Own scholarship, and the role of university partners. PED said fellows choose among accredited higher education partners, the program is separate from the scholarship but complementary, and the state is also building an apprenticeship model and seeking to expand the program to more LEAs, though some districts are on a waiting list because of funding and local match requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have three offices from Las Cruces, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and we have over 23 employees across the
• who was raised in southern New Mexico and then got to grow professionally between Albuquerque and Santa
• Fe for a long time, I found it deeply problematic that people, even those who were like-minded in Santa
• Being able to use those skills in Santa Fe, none of them might be transferable.
• You're having the same conversation of how are we gonna clean... up Santa Fe's drinking water because

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, sponsors of the bill, as well as Vice Chairman Robert Jeff of the Santa
• My name is Robert Jeff, and I'm the vice chairman of the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokuts Tribe, home
• My name is Robert Jeff and I'm the vice chairman of the Santa Rosa Ranch Ria Tachi Yokuts tribe, home
• Mark Landgraf, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, in strong support. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Mark Landgraf, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, in strong support. Excellent.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention. AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also up in the gallery, members, is the entire Palm Team squad from Edmond Santa Fe. Go Wolves.
• It started from an idea with Arlie Miller, one of the team captains of the Edmond Santa Fe Palm Squad
• That might have been the end for some, but not for Arlie and her teammates from the Edmond Santa Fe Palm

Bills: HB3522 , HB4300 , HB4359 , HB4363 , HB3467 , HB2987 , HB3076 , HB4427 , HB3026 , HB3288 , HB3315 , HB3711 , HB3885

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Aaron Hudkins, Psychologist of the Day Dr. Emily Corley, Doctor of the Day Dr. Jason Reagan, and a proclamation recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month. Members also honored the Edmond Santa Fe Palm Squad and Ava Garrett for assembling and funding 100 overnight bags for children entering foster care in memory of fallen Oklahoma service member Serena Butcher. On legislation, the House considered and passed House Bill 3522, a transparency measure requiring alcoholic beverage licensees to report disciplinary actions annually, and House Bill 4300, a Department of Human Services request bill aligning child-care worker assessment language with federal requirements. Both bills advanced without debate; HB 3522 passed by recorded vote and HB 4300 passed 94-0. The chamber also recognized 17 Pages of the Week and heard multiple announcements, including caucus and birthday notices, a planned Jeans Day request tied to Bob Wills Day, and the introduction of Oklahoma Task Force One members and a search dog. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The United Methodist Church here in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• Who is originally from Mexico, now from Santa Fe, majoring in criminal justice with a minor in political
• Signed and sealed at the Capitol in the City of Santa Fe, Mimi Stewart, President Pro Tem, Senator Leo

Transcript Highlights:

• It is because of those Napa vintners that Santa Barbara, Temecula, Sonoma, Yolo County, the Central Coast
• Marine Corps Lance Corporal Crespo Jorge Roberto II; Air Force Major Drero Christopher James, from Santa
• Micah, Army Sergeant, Murrieta; Salgado Jimmy, Army Sergeant First Class, Santa Ana; Sturkey Brian William
• Micah, Army, Sergeant Mirrietta, Salgado, Jimmy, Army, Sergeant First Class, Santa Ana.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending a joint rule to allow budget subcommittees to meet during blackout period and removing certain bills from inactive or consent files. The chamber confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointments, including Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board, Chris Ferguson to the California Student Aid Commission, and Brian Haynes to the same commission. The Senate also adopted several resolutions, including SR 102 recognizing National Safe Boating Week, SCR 172 proclaiming Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, SCR 177 declaring World No Tobacco Day, SR 107 for Lupus Awareness Month, and SR 115 marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris in California wine history. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills on topics including beverage container recycling fees (SB 1341), school employee misconduct procedures (SB 1083), wildfire preparedness for water suppliers (SB 1153), insurance cost-sharing accounting (SB 1199), nonprofit government liaison services (SB 1240), energy coordination and fuel supply planning (SB 1337), language access in elections (SB 1360), gaming fee transparency (SB 920), mental health evaluation in Care Court-related cases (SB 1016), reckless driving penalties (SB 1198), greenhouse gas reporting for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (SB 1213), the Go Green financing program (SB 1265), repossession transport interference (SB 1338), and wildlife coexistence (SB 1135). Most measures passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 920 passed 28-1, SB 1265 passed 26-5, and SB 1135 passed with two no votes. The session concluded with a Veterans Caucus adjournment-in-memory ceremony honoring 82 fallen service members, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.