Transcript Highlights:

• So you have to use it on roads, bridges, conduit services, funding agencies, everything we use for our
• So once you eliminate the taxes that we are spending on for roads and bridges and broadband deployment

Summary: The Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs held public hearings on three measures. House Bill 2289, sponsored by Rep. Owen, would create a real estate fund to let the state more quickly sell and buy property, with proceeds from sales and other monies deposited for future real property acquisitions. Rep. Owen and Office of Administration witness Hanna-Swan said the current process is too slow and cumbersome, especially when the state needs to consolidate or relocate offices; Rep. Walshmore raised concerns about siloing funds during tight budget years, while supporters said the fund would improve flexibility and efficiency. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 189, sponsored by Rep. Wellenkamp, proposing a Missouri sovereign wealth fund, or “Show Me Prosperity Fund.” Wellenkamp argued the state needs a long-term investment vehicle to address infrastructure and fiscal pressures, with the Treasurer investing in private markets under strict controls and the fund eventually replacing tax revenue once it matures. Members questioned the source of initial funding, the investment rules, the audit provisions, and whether the fund could be used for broader state spending; no witnesses testified in opposition or support, and no action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2906, sponsored by Rep. Mayhew, which would raise dollar limits for certain Office of Administration construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair contracts and authorize master agreements for architecture, engineering, and land surveying services. Mayhew and OA said the changes would account for inflation and reduce delays by prequalifying vendors for two-year periods instead of repeating the RFQ process for small projects. An engineering industry witness supported the bill as an efficiency measure, and committee members asked about the contract limits, the master agreement structure, and how the numbers were chosen. The hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amending Section 63-2412, Idaho Code, to revise the distribution to the local bridge inspection fund
• Amending Section 63-2412, Idaho Code, to revise the distribution to the local bridge inspection fund

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 69 members present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal. Members also received notice of a temporary substitute appointment for Legislative District 3, Seat B, and a Senate message transmitting enrolled Senate Bill 1225 for the Speaker’s signature. Committee reports then referred a large number of bills and resolutions to standing committees or to second reading, and several measures were advanced from committee with do-pass recommendations, including House Bills 620, 532, 629, 503, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, while House Bill 627 was placed on general orders and House Bill 648 was re-referred. On the floor, the House passed several bills. House Bill 528, on self-directed or directed blood donation, passed 52-17. House Bill 521, which moves fingerprinting/background-check authority for non-criminal-justice private entities into a new code section, passed 69-0. House Bill 498, allowing the Legislature to hire private counsel to initiate lawsuits in certain circumstances, passed 61-8. House Bill 539, tightening rules around temporary administrative rules and their justification, passed 67-2. House Bill 516, correcting an accidental leftover reference in the parental rights/education law, passed 59-10 after debate over its effect on instruction and parental opt-in rights. House Bill 522, addressing drones near correctional facilities and penalties for restricted-airspace violations and contraband drops, passed 62-7. House Bill 635, requiring the Education Professional Standards Commission to report possible criminal conduct to law enforcement, passed 66-8. House Bill 594, codifying a court decision on distribution of penalties and interest from late tax payments to subjurisdictions, passed 69-0. House Bill 610, preserving the homeowners exemption for people temporarily away on religious or community service missions, passed 48-20. The House also held House Bill 639 on the third reading calendar until February 20 and House Joint Memorial 12 for one legislative day. During announcements, members highlighted the Simplot Games in Pocatello, Idaho Food Bank outreach in the rotunda, Whammy Kids on the fourth floor, an Energy Caucus meeting, lunch hosted by the Idaho School Board Association, and girls’ state basketball tickets. The House then adjourned until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trigger bridges innovation at our national labs to real-world solutions here in New Mexico.
• Trigger bridges innovation at our national labs to real-world solutions here in New Mexico, which will

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

Transcript Highlights:

• going to come dollar for dollar, penny for penny, out of police, teacher pay, special ed, road and bridge
• They need roads and bridges. They need water infrastructure. They need police.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 63 members present, approved the journal, and received Senate messages transmitting Senate Joint Memorial 108 and Senate Bills 1225, 1226, and 1227 for first reading. Standing committee reports also advanced House Bill 557 and House Concurrent Resolution 25, and several newly introduced House bills were referred to committees, including HB 575 on civil asset forfeiture reporting by the State Controller, HB 576 on the Idaho Consumer Asset Recovery Fund, HB 577 on license plate expiration rules, and HB 578 on incarcerated juveniles’ transition services. The House also filed HB 504 and HB 559 for third reading, then later returned to consider HB 559 immediately after suspending the rules by a two-thirds vote. House Bill 559, the main item of debate, would conform Idaho tax law to portions of the federal tax changes described as the “one big, beautiful bill,” including provisions on tips, overtime, senior deductions, and research and experimentation expensing, while excluding bonus depreciation. Supporters argued it would provide tax relief to working Idahoans and seniors, help businesses, and keep Idaho tax law aligned with federal returns. Opponents argued the fiscal note was uncertain and too low, warning the bill could worsen an already strained budget and force cuts to services such as health care, education, infrastructure, and public safety. Questions were raised about omitted tax impacts and whether businesses that underpaid based on expected conformity would face penalties and interest. After extended debate, the House passed HB 559 on a roll call vote of 59-9, and the bill was transmitted to the Senate. The House then held remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, made several announcements and introductions, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• With this funding, the Department of Veterans Services can bridge the gap between clinical help and actual
• With this funding, the Department of Veterans Services can bridge the gap between clinical need and actual

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee met with a quorum and heard two bills from Representative Martinez. House Bill 56 would appropriate $1 million to the Department of Veterans Services to expand behavioral health and suicide prevention efforts for veterans. Supporters, including the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Veterans Services, the Disability Coalition, New Mexico Professional Firefighters, the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus, and NAMI New Mexico, said the funding would help veterans navigate a difficult system, improve outreach in rural areas, and address New Mexico’s high veteran suicide rate and related alcohol and drug deaths. Committee members asked about whether the program was new or an expansion of an existing effort, how services would be delivered, and whether outreach would reach homeless and rural veterans. The secretary explained that the bill would augment an existing Suicide Prevention Act program, use contracts with outside providers rather than direct services, and require two term employees for contract management and outreach. The committee voted 7-1 to give HB 56 a due pass and send it to the next committee. The committee then heard House Bill 55, which would create an income tax deduction for retirement income earned by first responders, similar to an existing benefit for military retirees. Supporters argued it would help recruit and retain firefighters, law enforcement, and other first responders, and could encourage retirees to move to New Mexico and contribute economically. Several members raised concerns about the fiscal impact, the lack of a sunset, the narrow definition of first responder, and Taxation and Revenue Department concerns that the bill could reduce general fund revenue by about $6.1 million in the first year and might not attract retirees on its own. The sponsor said he had not yet met with Tax and Rev but would do so, and noted he was open to a sunset if it helped the bill move forward. Despite concerns, the committee voted 7-1 to pass HB 55 to the next committee, with members explaining their votes and emphasizing that the bill would receive further vetting in Tax and Revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what taxpayers want are safe roads, secure bridges and they want their kids to be safe when they're
• Whatever big bridge projects, that kind of stuff.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• probably going to be somewhere in the $50 million to $60 million in cash received from that program, the bridge
• here from that survey, there was a narrative that some of those funds that are received from the bridge

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee approved the January 14, 2026 minutes and then heard a University of Idaho presentation from extension economist Brett Wilder on the financial condition of Idaho agriculture in 2025. Wilder said Idaho agriculture remains a major part of the state economy, with livestock outperforming crops: he projected record cash receipts of about $12.1 billion, with cattle and calves surpassing milk receipts for the first time since 2003. He also said ag exports were strong, net farm income was expected to rise modestly, and livestock receipts were benefiting from low cattle inventories and strong beef prices, while crop sectors such as potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, and barley were under pressure from weak prices and large global supplies.

Transcript Highlights:

• King across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
• When we learn each other's languages and cultures, when we build bridges instead of walls, we create

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call, then proceeded with prayer, the pledge, and routine motions. Members approved several procedural requests, including moving AB 362 to the inactive file and allowing the Natural Resources Committee to hear AB 34 on January 16. The chamber also recognized guests and paid tribute to retiring Republican caucus consultant Daryl Thomas, with remarks from multiple members praising his long service and legal analysis work. The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from several caucuses and both parties spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, and unfinished work. After opening the roll for coauthors, the resolution received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly then took up ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day; members highlighted Korean American history, community contributions, solidarity with other communities, and the significance of Koreatown and Korean American civic life. That resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The consent calendar was then adopted on a 64-0 vote, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The chamber also held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative work on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The Assembly announced the upcoming Martin Luther King Day recess and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• could include just Cape Cod, even though you have Wareham and Onset, those are communities before the bridge
• , not after the bridge.

Summary: The meeting focused on the Cape Verdean Cultural Center Commission’s work to build a feasibility study and expand its membership. Members reviewed and approved the prior meeting minutes, then discussed draft nomination criteria meant to ensure geographic, generational, gender, and sector diversity, along with needed expertise such as arts and cultural programming, history, museum work, architecture, fundraising, nonprofit governance, language preservation, community organizing, economic development, government/policy, legal expertise, and communications. The commission also discussed designating seats for organizations such as the Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Culture at Bridgewater State, Mili Mila, the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Advisory Board, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. A long list of potential nominees was reviewed, including people with backgrounds in education, community advocacy, museums, maritime history, arts, law, and economic development. Commissioners raised concerns about gaps, especially legal expertise and representation from Taunton and Cape Cod, and noted that some nominees might need to serve as organizational designees rather than individual members. Several commissioners supported the overall slate but asked for more time to vet the candidates against the criteria. The commission then voted to create a three-member nominating committee consisting of the chair, Senator Miranda, Commissioner Monica Vega, and Commissioner Manny Lopes, with Vega and Lopes accepting the assignment. The committee was tasked with narrowing the 16 additional nominees down to 12 open seats and reporting back at a special meeting later in the month, with the goal of finalizing appointments before the February meeting. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So nice walking bridge on point. Washington State Forest is is over in the panhandle.
• provide contracting for the hydrological restoration work installation of culverts maintenance of bridges

Transcript Highlights:

• First Step communities are a bridge between apartments and traditional single-family stick-built homes
• First Step communities are a bridge between apartments and traditional single-family stick-built homes

Bills: HB1532, HB2731, HB3483, HB4308, HB4580, HB4582, HB5509, HB5663

Keywords: Lake Houston, dredging, maintenance district, flood control, environment, public works, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code, unincorporated areas, right-of-way, public highway, parking lot, livestock sales, live animals, vendor regulation

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several local-government-related bills, mostly with committee substitutes. House Bill 2731 would let certain border counties regulate roadside vendors selling live animals in unincorporated areas and along public rights-of-way; the substitute narrowed the bill to live animal sales only and excluded livestock and other roadside commerce. House Bill 3483 would streamline TCEQ review of special utility district revenue bonds by removing tax-bond requirements that do not apply to SUDs. House Bill 4308 would create a county industrial development district framework, limited in the substitute to certain counties including Fort Bend County, to help finance industrial sites and related infrastructure. House Bill 5663 would create a Wood County Hospital District memory-care-focused district with no taxing power, intended to help pursue grants and other funding for a new facility. House Bill 4582 addressed attainable housing in Dallas and Tarrant counties, allowing local reimbursement tools for developers under a uniform, optional framework. House Bill 5509 would let municipalities suspend or revoke a hotel’s certificate of occupancy if law enforcement and a criminal court both find probable cause of human trafficking, with the substitute adding due-process protections. House Bill 1532 created a Lake Houston dredging and maintenance district funded by revenue from dredged material sales and revenue bonds, with no taxing authority or eminent domain. House Bill 23, heard as pending business, would revise the process for local governments to rescind development documents and adjust third-party reviewer liability and eligibility rules. House Bill 4580, concerning property tax exemptions for charitable organizations such as the Houston Rodeo, was amended to remove language about exempting revenue from property use and instead focus on land used for agricultural, youth, and educational support. Public testimony was generally supportive on the bills heard, with witnesses including county officials, utility and water association representatives, hotel industry representatives, and housing developers. Several speakers emphasized the need for faster financing or permitting tools, flood mitigation, housing affordability, anti-trafficking enforcement, or local economic development. Some members raised concerns about scope, precedent, consultation with affected senators, and due process, particularly on House Bill 4582 and House Bill 5509, but the committee largely accepted the committee substitutes as improvements. No public testimony was offered on several bills, and most measures were left pending before later being voted out. The committee took recorded votes on multiple pending bills and reported them favorably, often with committee substitutes adopted in lieu of the filed versions. House Bills 1532, 2731, 3483, 5509, 5663, and 4580 were reported out, with 1532 and 5663 passing unanimously and 3483, 2731, and 5509 also receiving favorable votes despite one present-not-voting on 3483. House Bill 23 and House Bill 4582 were left pending subject to call of the chair. The committee then recessed until adjournment or later.

Transcript Highlights:

• DFL Senator Liz Boldon's Bridges to Healthcare program helps close that gap. And she joins us now.
• Senator, Bridges to Healthcare was one of the first bills you ever carried in the legislature.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SALE FINANCING IS OFTEN COMBINED WITH FEDERAL LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN
• ONE EXAMPLE IS THAT GAP FUNDING BETWEEN PROVIDING THAT LOCAL AND MATCHING IT WITH OTHER FUNDING TO BRIDGE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• classes from Tai Chi to chair yoga and mental fitness programs, a variety of board games, mahjong, bridge
• programs, a variety of board<00:42:02.560><c> games,</c><00:42:03.040><c> maang</c><00:42:03.680><c> bridge
• <00:42:04.240><c> along</c><00:42:04.480><c> with</c><00:42:04.640><c> the</c> board games, maang bridge
• along with the board games, maang bridge along with the classic<00:42:05.280><c> senior</c><00:42:05.680

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 4, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Patricia Bridges, I believe that's an S. Bridges. Bridgio.
• Patricia Bridges, I believe that's an S. Bridges. Bridgio.
• Patricia Bridges, I believe that's an S. Bridges. Bridgio.
• Patricia Bridges, I believe that's an S. Bridges. Bridgio.
• Patricia Bridges, I believe that's an S. Bridges. Bridgio. Thank you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Roll call continued with senators being called: Amabile, Baisley, Ball, Benavidez, Bridges, Bright, Carson
• Kipp, Jodeh, Wallace, Gonzalez, Benavidez, Cutter, Snyder, Weissman, Sullivan, Danielson, Kolker, Bridges
• Weissman, Sullivan, Sullivan, Sullivan, Danielson, Danielson, Danielson, Culker, Culker, Culker, Bridges
• , Bridges, Bridges, Ball, Ball, Ball, Henrikson.
• Danielson, Senator Kipp, Senator Jodeh, Senator Snyder, Senator Cutter, Senator Lindstedt, Senator Bridges

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 107 is the spending authority for federal funds related to the Blatnik Bridge project in 2026 of
• </c><01:07:29.119><c> project</c><01:07:29.599><c> in</c> related to the Blotnik Bridge project in related
• to the Blotnik Bridge project in 26<01:07:30.559><c> of</c><01:07:30.880><c> 650</c> 26 of 650 26 of
• temporary and permanent barriers, suicide deterrent barriers, on the Washington Avenue pedestrian bridge
• </c> the Washington Avenue pedestrian bridge. the Washington Avenue pedestrian bridge.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pleasure of visiting two elementary school classrooms—one in Monroe and one in Sonis—that use the Bridge
• pleasure of visiting two elementary school classrooms—one in Monroe and one in Sonis—that use the Bridge
• going to two different elementary school classrooms, one in Monroe and one in Sonis, that use the Bridge
• going to two different elementary school classrooms, one in Monroe and one in Sonis, that use the Bridge
• to read um curriculum which now bridge to read um curriculum which now just<00:35:53.319><c> after</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So FFA also is doing a really good job in telling that story and bridging that gap between urban and
• that gap between urban and and bridging that gap between urban and and Rural<00:53:52.760><c> any</c
• The high-cost program was developed over four decades ago to bridge that gap and make rural telephone
• The high-cost program was developed over four decades ago to bridge that gap and make rural telephone
• </c> are collaboratively working to bridge are collaboratively working to bridge the<01:17:33.920><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• COLA is $112 million, which includes COLA costs for all CalWORKs stages and the Emergency Child Care Bridge
• COLA is $112 million, which includes COLA costs for all CalWorks stages and the emergency child care bridge
• it in testimony for the Governor's budget, but yes, the CalWORKs Child Care Program and Emergency Bridge
• So that's a helpful bridge during the immediate transition process.
• We urge the Legislature to consider a short-term bridge strategy for individuals who lose coverage.

Summary: The committee first heard May Revision child care and human services items. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the analyst supported. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a reduction in federal and Proposition 64 funding absorbed through a shift from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment program, a 2.01% child care COLA, disaster-related infrastructure grants, a new administrative support cost structure for Alternative Payment agencies, the removal of prospective pay funding after a federal rule change, a reappropriation for existing infrastructure grants, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended asking for more justification for shifting reductions to CAP, supported the COLA reduction but wanted consistency across programs, recommended removing prospective pay funding, opposed the administrative cost shift, and suggested further review of disaster grant alignment. Members pressed the administration on why more slots would be cut for the same savings, why the COLA was reduced, and whether the administrative percentage would grow over time. The administration said the changes were intended to avoid disrupting currently enrolled families, reflect point-in-time relinquishments and unspent funds, and stabilize contractor operations. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, and county representatives, urged full COLA funding, rejection of child care slot reductions, preservation of prospective pay, and continued investment in child care infrastructure and access. The subcommittee then recessed before moving to health items. In Part B, the Department of State Hospitals presented its May Revision proposals, including a central utility plant replacement project at Metropolitan State Hospital, funding for a continuum electronic health record system, reduced county bed billing authority to reflect phase-in of additional LPS beds, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscription services, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal to use Behavioral Health Services Act funds instead of General Fund for training programs. The department said the EHR would modernize records and improve continuity of care, and that the contract exemption would prevent delays in essential clinical information services. No votes were taken in the excerpt provided.