Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Arizona, Ms.
• Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Tennessee, Ms.
• Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Tennessee, Ms.
• Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Tennessee, Ms.
• Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Tennessee, Ms.

Bills: HR1202 , SB1020 , HB2493 , HB5201 , HB3419 , HB2319 , HB6387 , HR1189 , HR1201

Keywords: H.Res. 1202, HR1202, House resolution, committee assignment, standing committee, House Committee on Homeland Security, Homeland Security Committee, committee membership, committee ranking, seniority, Ms. Mejia, Mr. Walkinshaw, House organization, procedural resolution, internal House rules, congressional committee, hydropower, construction, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, license extension

Transcript Highlights:

• I thank Ms. McMahon for appearing before our committee last week. I have confirmed Ms.
• Throughout the nomination process, Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms. McMahon is the partner this committee needs to improve the nation's education system.
• I proudly support Ms. McMahon's nomination. I urge colleagues to vote yes.

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Keywords: Department of Education, Ms. McMahon, educational reform, public testimony, federal responsibilities, local governance

Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee encompassed discussions on key bills including HB22, SB4, and HB2214, with significant focus on the implications surrounding the Department of Education. Members expressed varying opinions on the nomination of Ms. McMahon to lead the department, underlining the need for reform and accountability. The committee witnessed passionate exchanges regarding educational values and the responsibilities of the federal government versus local authorities. Public testimonies contributed to the discussions, highlighting the community's concerns about educational policies and their impact on students from diverse backgrounds.

Bills: HR93 , HR837 , HR836 , HR108 , HR107

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug scheduling, legislation, health policy, fentanyl-related substances, Controlled Substances Act, CSA, drug enforcement, opioids, synthetic opioids, House Rules, procedural resolution, rule, amendment, previous question, motion to recommit, H.R. 27, firearm violence, domestic violence

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes the gentleman from North Dakota, Ms. Fedorch, for 5 minutes.
• The chair now recognizes the gentlewoman from North Dakota, Ms. Fedorch, for 5 minutes.
• Raised in a working-class Puerto Rican family, Ms.
• Res. 519 by Ms.
• Speaker, I yield three minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota, Ms. Fischbach.

Bills: HR519 , HR538 , HR530 , HR537

Keywords: Minnesota lawmakers, political violence, domestic terrorism, assassination attempt, state legislators, Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman, Yvette Hoffman, Mark Hortman, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, public safety, law enforcement response, civil discourse, democracy, gun violence, elected officials, House resolution, condemnation, bipartisan unity

Transcript Highlights:

• Mejia. Mr. Mejia. Mr. Mejia. Good morning, Madam Chair and members of the committee.
• Ms. Magdua. Good morning, Chair and members.
• Ms. Fitzgerald. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony, Ms. Fitzgerald. Good morning.
• Okay, I see Ms. Zepeda. Please proceed. Okay, I see Ms. Zepeda. Please proceed. Good morning.
• Thank you, Ms. Magdua. Ms. Magdua. Ms. Magdua. I forgot I was on mute. My apologies. Good morning.

Bills: HB2447 , HB1364 , HB2632 , HB2637 , HB2520 , HB2235 , HB2401 , HB2574

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: shark conservation, marine life, state symbol, ecological importance, biodiversity, bingo, raffles, charity, nonprofit, amusement games, revenue threshold, licensing, fundraising, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, public records, public disclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Mejia? Here. Thank you. Representative Mejia? Here. Representative Ortiz, here.
• Thank you very much, Ms. Green. And I'd like to go ahead and proceed with questions.
• So at this time—thank you, Madam Chair, thank you, Ms.
• On this, I guess you... ...could talk about it in terms of seasonal, but I'll let Ms.
• Thank you, Representative Mejia. You're next. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and first heard House Memorial 7, which asks Legislative Council Service, the State Personnel Office, DFA, and GSD to study the use of temporary, term, seasonal, casual, on-call, and other non-regular classifications in state government. The memorial was presented as a response to concerns that some workers are repeatedly terminated and rehired, sometimes after a one-day break, to avoid regular status and associated benefits. Testimony from CWA and AFSCME described long-term temporary workers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and other agencies who allegedly do full-time work without health insurance, retirement, leave, or consistent pay progression, and who in some cases were denied union coverage. Committee members questioned the scope, definitions of temporary employment, and whether the issue should instead be referred to the state auditor; the sponsor said the study would gather data and recommendations first. The committee voted due pass, and House Memorial 7 passed unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 177, which appropriates funds to the Veterans Services Department to contract for shelter and care of service and companion animals so veterans can access housing, medical care, and other services without fearing separation from their pets. Support came from the Veterans Services Department, Animal Protection New Mexico, and the Veterans and Military Families Caucus/Veterans Integration Center, all of whom said pets are often a barrier to veterans seeking care and that existing community-based animal boarding models could be used. The bill received no opposition, and the committee voted due pass with no opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill intended to update and clarify the Public Employees Retirement Act and align it with administrative practice. Testimony focused on a provision allowing PERA to use licensed physicians, including out-of-state physicians who can be licensed in New Mexico, to serve on the disability review process when needed so disability cases are not delayed. Committee members raised concerns about ensuring medical expertise and avoiding abuse of the licensing flexibility, but PERA explained the change was meant to address recruitment difficulties and maintain timely review. The committee voted due pass on House Bill 43.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Ms. Leatherman? Yes. What grade are you in?
• Mejia.” “Mr. Mejia. Good morning, Madam Chair and members of the committee.
• Ms. Magdua. Good morning, Chair and members.
• Ms. Fitzgerald. Thank you.” “Thank you for your testimony, Ms. Fitzgerald. Good morning.
• Thank you, Ms. Magdua. Ms. Magdua, Ms. Magdua. I forgot I was on mute. My apologies. Good morning.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 1364 would raise from $5,000 to $15,000 the gross revenue thresholds for charitable and nonprofit organizations to conduct bingo, raffles, and amusement games without a gambling license, and would also raise related local tax thresholds; supporters said it is an inflation adjustment that helps volunteer nonprofits, while no opposition was heard before the hearing closed. HB 2632 would replace most uses of “alien” in state law with “non-citizen,” with exceptions for federal-law requirements and non-human uses; the sponsor described it as a dignity and accuracy measure rooted in refugee experience, while supporters and opponents debated whether it is respectful and clearer or instead unnecessary and potentially confusing. HB 2447 would designate the blunt-nosed six-gill shark as Washington’s official state shark; testimony from the sponsor, children, marine advocates, and scientists emphasized education, conservation, Puget Sound ecology, and local pride, and the hearing closed without opposition testimony. HB 2637 would exempt certain personal information from Public Records Act disclosure, including age, address, birthplace, precise location data, government identifiers, and consumer utility data; supporters framed it as privacy and safety protection, while opponents argued it would reduce transparency and could interfere with federal immigration enforcement. In executive session, the committee took action on three bills. HB 2235, concerning Public Records Act exemptions for concealed pistol licenses and permit-to-purchase firearm applications, was reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. HB 2401, establishing the Boys and Men’s Commission, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 5-2 vote, with some members supporting the concept but expressing concern about funding. HB 2574, which addresses removal of deceased candidates for nonpartisan office from ballots and related vote-count procedures, was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote after members discussed the need to clarify election procedures in rare cases. The committee deferred action on HB 2520.

Transcript Highlights:

• I yield to the gentleman from California, Ms.
• Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California, Ms.
• was elected RECEIVED FROM MS.
• We're finding, Ms.
• I now yield to the representative from Illinois, Ms.

Bills: SCR29 , HB7380 , HB5200 , HB1681 , SB98 , HB5201 , HR1343 , HB7022 , HB7386

Keywords: internet freedom, Iran, cybersecurity, VPN, DTC technology, information access, human rights, digital tools, Emergency Reporting Act, FCC, Federal Communications Commission, Disaster Information Reporting System, DIRS, network outage reporting, outage notifications, 9-1-1, public safety answering point, PSAP, emergency communications center, broadband

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Mejia. Thank you. Representative Lujan. Representative Mejia. Here.
• Representative Mejia: no. Representative Szczepanski: no.
• Ms. Samoa: Madam Chair, I move, but do not pass. Second.
• Senator Mejia and then Representative Block for a second time.
• Representative Mejia? No. Representative Kapanski? Yes. Representative Kapanski? Yes.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 254, which would allow investor-owned electric utilities to include avoided greenhouse gas emissions in evaluating the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency resources. The sponsor explained an amendment making the emissions calculation optional for utilities, while requiring the Public Regulation Commission to consider it if a utility elects to use it. Utilities, energy efficiency advocates, and environmental groups supported the bill, saying it would help expand energy efficiency programs, lower bills, and better reflect emissions benefits. After brief questions about prior concerns, the committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill on a unanimous due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 185, which would change the process for suspending school board members so the Secretary of Education could suspend individual members rather than only an entire board. The sponsors and supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, protect good board members from being punished for others’ misconduct, and create a clearer process with notice, remedial action, and appeal rights. School superintendents and some current and former school board members supported the bill, but the New Mexico School Boards Association and several board members opposed it, saying it was vague, threatened local control, and gave too much power to an appointed official. After extensive debate, the committee voted 4-5 against the do pass motion, and the bill failed in committee. The committee next considered House Memorial 29, condemning the U.S. invasion of Venezuela. The memorial sponsor said it was intended to oppose the administration’s actions and affirm democratic norms. A supporter from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry backed the memorial on moral and legal grounds. Representative Block raised multiple factual objections, arguing the memorial mischaracterized Nicolás Maduro’s status and the events in Venezuela. The committee amended the memorial to add the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, and the New Mexico congressional delegation as recipients, then passed it on a 6-3 vote after debate and vote explanations. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 93, which would raise the state income tax standard deduction to 205% of the federal standard deduction. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce tax burdens for New Mexicans and noted that staff and the tax department had determined nonresidents would only receive a prorated benefit under existing rules, so no amendment was needed. With no public testimony and no opposition, the committee moved the bill forward on a do pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ananornu, Representative Block present, Representative Lujan, Representative Borago here, Representative Mejia
• I'd like to introduce Ms. Jean Whitehorse, if she would please give a few words. Ms.
• Representative Mejia? Thank you. Representative Lujan? Yes. Representative Mejia? Yes.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Advisory members will be Representatives Alan Martinez, Cullen, Lord Ree Mejia. Thank you, Mr.
• OK, Block chat field razas Mejia. Advisory will be Lord Silva Seana. Susan Norela.
• Montoya, Chatfield, Mejia, Pettigrew, Armstrong, Mirabal Moya, and Lord. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• to, to political representation, uh, with existing staff of the Legislative council, and thank you, Ms
• Ms. Casebeer, back to you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: House Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Mejia? Here. Representative Sampansky. Representative Zamora? Here.
• Representative Mejia: pass. Representative Spansky: yes. Representative Zamora: yes.
• Representative Mejia: thank you. Representative Mejia: yes. Madam Vice Chair: Madam Chair. Yes.
• As Ms.
• Ms. Anna Brago. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Representative, and your guest.

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would create a stakeholder working group to study utility-service problems in manufactured and mobile home parks and recommend solutions. The sponsor described repeated water and utility outages in large parks, said current law places maintenance responsibility on park owners, and argued that the state needs clearer standards and alternatives to costly attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty backed the memorial as a step toward better oversight and protections for residents. The committee asked about existing landlord obligations and whether rent withholding is available; the sponsor said current law does not clearly provide that remedy. HM 54 was reported out with a due pass. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses while preserving local zoning authority. The sponsor and an industry witness said businesses face inconsistent local permitting, delays, and added costs, and that the bill would provide uniform standards and security options. Several members raised concerns that the bill appeared to favor a specific product type, could override local code differences, and might not address mixed-use areas, historic districts, or homeowners associations. After debate, the bill passed on a 4-3 vote, with one member explaining support but urging further work with local government experts before floor consideration. House Bill 20, a bipartisan measure, would allow Native American applicants to request a voluntary Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, without naming a specific tribe, and with documentation requirements tied to tribal cards, certificates of Indian blood, or affidavits of birth. Supporters said it would recognize tribal political status, help with law enforcement and Turquoise Alert verification, and assist with education, health, and child welfare matters; tribal representatives and State Police testified in favor. Several members expressed concern about racial profiling, privacy, and possible unintended consequences of marking IDs, while others noted the designation is optional and tied to political status rather than race. Members also flagged drafting language that appeared to require multiple documents, and the sponsor agreed to clarify it. The bill ultimately passed, with some members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the state constitution to allow school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot rather than being limited to separate school elections. Sponsors said the change would reduce special-election costs, increase turnout, and remove outdated language dating to 1910; school board and education groups supported it. Members asked about ballot crowding and local election timing, and sponsors emphasized that the measure gives school districts a choice rather than a mandate. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, which would create an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting, provide technical assistance, and produce annual reports on accessibility of state buildings and websites. Disability advocates largely supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and consistency, while one webcast commenter opposed it, arguing that without enforcement authority it would not produce meaningful change. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 295, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marisol Enriquez is our committee assistant, and I will have Ms. Enriquez call the roll.
• Representative Mejia. Representative Johnson. Representative Mejia. Here. Representative Ortiz.
• Because the need for apprenticeship, as Ms. Joan Baker has stated, is growing substantially.

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee met to hear House Bill 7, sponsored by Representative Garrett and Representative Cates, which would continue and support apprenticeship and workforce training funding. The sponsors and the Department of Workforce Solutions described strong growth in apprenticeship participation, especially in the building trades, and said the fund has helped expand programs while maintaining high retention and employment outcomes. They emphasized that the bill would provide predictable, sustained investment in skilled labor needed for construction, infrastructure, and other growing sectors. Supportive testimony came from contractors, chambers of commerce, trade unions, and a small business owner, all of whom said apprenticeship funding is essential to meeting workforce shortages and keeping workers in New Mexico. Committee members asked about program demographics, geographic distribution, rural participation, reentry and high school dropout data, and how apprenticeships connect to displaced workers from energy and industrial closures. The secretary explained that the department uses Rapid Response and economic transition programs for layoffs and closures, and also surveys current energy workers to gauge retraining interest. Several members praised the bill’s return on investment and retention of workers in the state, while Representative de Rassas suggested adding more public transparency and performance metrics. Representative Ortiz asked about future funding after 2031 and whether the program could scale with more money. After discussion, Representative Hall moved a do pass, Representative de Rassas seconded, and the committee approved House Bill 7 with no opposition. The chair also announced upcoming committee meetings and asked members to consent to sharing contact information for committee purposes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would Mary Mejia please stand? Would Mary Mejia please stand? And then also Eugenia Vega Perez.
• And then also Angelina Mejia. And then also Esmeralda Mejia. And then Andrea Roja.
• Camio Mejia Sr. was 37 years of age.
• Camio Mejia Sr. was 37 years of age, and he recently passed, leaving behind his wife, Validia Mejia,
• His mother is Mary Mejia, and his father is Ernie Mejia.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would Mary Mejia please stand? Would Mary Mejia please stand? And then also Eugenia Vega Perez.
• And then also Angelina Mejia. And then also Esmeralda Mejia. And then Andrea Roja.
• Camio Mejia Sr. was 37 years of age.
• Camio Mejia Sr. was 37 years of age, and he recently passed, leaving behind his wife, Validia Mejia,
• His mother is Mary Mejia, and his father is Ernie Mejia.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call, then approved the journal and spent much of the early session on personal privilege remarks, guest introductions, and proclamations. Recognitions included Arcadia High School’s 2026 state championship boys basketball team, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Diné College and Navajo sovereignty/Indigenous higher education, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, and Route 66’s centennial. The chamber also honored Senator Lela Alston for her long legislative career and retirement, with remarks from colleagues and a musical tribute after recess. The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three House bills. HB 2048, dealing with orders of protection and process service, was amended and recommended do pass. HB 2398, concerning watercraft insurance requirements and penalties, was amended after debate over a floor amendment exempting some infrequent boat rentals; the amendment was adopted over opposition from Senator Epstein, and the bill was recommended do pass as amended. HB 2611, relating to child welfare and group home safety, was amended with changes requiring DCS reporting and standards for group foster homes, and was also recommended do pass as amended. On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2198, HB 2434, HB 2764, HB 2772, HB 2837, HB 2868, HB 2906, and HB 2996, with HB 2772 drawing a 17-9 vote after Senator Gonzales objected that it could affect emergency responders seeking driver’s licenses from patients. HB 2868 passed 25-1, HB 1668 passed 25-1, and the rest passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to SB 1168, SB 1254, and SB 1668, then passed SB 1168 and SB 1254 on final reading and sent them to the Governor; SB 1668 also passed final reading and was sent to the Governor. The chamber then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee is now called into order, and will Ms.
• Ms. Miller. Yes, I'm here. Proceed, Ms. Miller. Good afternoon.
• But I know Ms.
• I don't know if Ms. Green would like to chime in. Thank you.
• Madam Chair, Representative Mejia.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Galvao, Sarah Karubi, Lori Melman. Who's gonna start? Sophia has to be. Thank you.
• Councilor Mejia said it would be helpful to produce a PSA in collaboration with Boston Public Schools
• Councilor Mejia said they all have blind spots, and that barbershops and hair salon owners could help
• Councilor Mejia said the committee should think about what will resonate with undocumented people and
• Councilor Mejia said there is an opportunity to do work in that space and thanked the committee.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Summary: The Senate Committee on the Census held an early planning hearing on how Massachusetts can maximize participation in the 2030 census, with Chair Will Brownsberger and Vice Chair Rebecca Rausch emphasizing the need to start well in advance. The first panel, made up of leaders from the Massachusetts Voter Table, MassVOTE, MIRA, and MESA, stressed that grassroots community organizations are trusted messengers and should be funded early to do multilingual outreach, training, and direct assistance in hard-to-count communities. They described lessons from 2020, including the shift to internet response, reduced federal census infrastructure, the importance of coordinated statewide networks, and the need to begin messaging several years before Census Day because building trust and staffing outreach takes time. Panelists repeatedly warned that immigrant communities are facing heightened fear because of federal immigration enforcement and the possibility of a citizenship question or other federal changes, making census participation more difficult. They said 2020 funding arrived too late to fully staff and train outreach teams before the pandemic, and argued that future resources should be deployed earlier and more flexibly. In response to committee questions, they estimated Massachusetts should invest roughly $8 million to $10 million or more in state census outreach, with one proposed model of about $3 million to $5 million at the start, additional funding in the middle years, and a larger final push closer to 2030. They also suggested that funding should support communications infrastructure, translation, social media and ethnic media outreach, and possibly a permanent complete count structure or trust fund to preserve institutional knowledge. A second panel from Common Cause Massachusetts and the ACLU of Massachusetts echoed the call for stronger, earlier investment and stronger privacy protections. They urged the legislature to expand existing census line items, consider a trust fund or other dedicated funding stream, and coordinate census outreach with other state programs that already work through trusted community messengers. The ACLU testimony focused on racial inequities in census counts and warned that federal efforts to exclude non-citizens or add a citizenship question would deepen distrust and undercount immigrant communities. Committee members asked about the 2020 overcount/undercount results, funding levels, timing of grant distribution, and whether census outreach should be routed through the Secretary of the Commonwealth or other state mechanisms; no votes were taken, and the hearing moved on to a later panel on immigrant-community outreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Johnson, Representative Mejia—here. Representative Ortiz—please.
• Representative Mejia—here. Representative Ortiz. Representative Reeb. Ranking Member Terrazas.
• We have a motion for a due pass by Representative Tevasa, second by Representative Mejia, and I do have
• We have a motion by Representative Tavasa, second by Representative Mejia.
• We have a motion by Representative DeVasse, second by Representative Mejia.

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee heard House Bill 29, which would appropriate $8 million to the military base impact fund. The sponsor and supporters said the money would help local communities around New Mexico’s military installations compete for federal grants and fund mission-readiness infrastructure such as utilities, roads, water treatment, and other defense-critical projects. Support came from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus, the Kirtland Partnership, and others, who argued the investment would strengthen military readiness, protect jobs, and bring federal dollars into the state. Committee members asked about the types of projects eligible, whether data centers or clean-energy projects could be involved, how water and local regulations would apply, and how the grant process would work. The bill was reported out with a due pass recommendation and no opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 221, which would remove the $30,000 cap on the New Mexico income tax deduction for military retirement pay. The sponsor said the change would cost about $6 million annually but would help attract and retain military retirees, many of whom retire relatively young and may start businesses or remain active in the state economy. The Department of Veterans Services and the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus testified in support. Committee questions focused on how many retirees would be affected, the fiscal impact, and longer-term projections; department staff said the veteran population in New Mexico is gradually declining over time based on VA modeling. HB 221 also received a due pass recommendation with no opposition. After both bills were approved, the chair announced the committee was nearing its dinner hour and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Mejia? Here. Representative Spansky. Representative Zamora? Here.
• Representative Mejia? No. Representative Spansky? Representative Zamora? No. Madam Vice Chair?
• Representative Mejia? Pass. Representative Szczepanski? Yes. Representative Zamora? Yes.
• Representative Mejia? Yes. Madam Vice Chair, Madam Chair. Yes. Senator Brego to explain your vote.
• As Ms.

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would ask the Public Regulation Commission to convene a working group on utility service problems in manufactured home communities. The sponsor described repeated water, electricity, and gas outages in mobile home parks and said current remedies are too slow and often require attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty said manufactured home communities are an important source of affordable housing and that clearer coordination and oversight are needed. The memorial passed on a due pass motion with no opposition. House Bill 166 then drew substantial debate. The bill would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses, while sponsors said municipalities would still retain zoning authority. Supporters argued the measure would reduce confusion, provide uniform standards, and help businesses deter crime without taxpayer cost. Several members raised concerns that the bill would override local zoning practices, favor a specific product type, and create conflicts with existing local codes and historic or mixed-use districts. Despite those objections, the committee advanced the bill on a 4-3 vote, with members noting it should be worked on further before floor consideration. House Bill 20 proposed allowing Native American applicants to request a Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, using tribal documentation but not naming a specific tribe. Supporters, including tribal representatives, State Police, and the sponsor, said the designation could help with law enforcement, turquoise alerts, child welfare, health and education verification, and recognition of tribal political status. Opponents and some members expressed concern about racial profiling, stigma, and whether the designation could create unintended consequences or extra bureaucracy. The bill ultimately passed, with several members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would remove constitutional language requiring school elections to be held separately from partisan elections, allowing school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot. Sponsors and school board advocates said this could reduce special-election costs and increase turnout, while some members questioned ballot crowding and whether county clerks had been consulted. The resolution passed by due pass motion. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, a committee substitute creating an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting and technical assistance on ADA compliance for state buildings and websites. Disability advocates and supporters said the office would improve coordination and accessibility, while opponents argued it lacked enforcement power and would not by itself change compliance. The discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Mejia? Here. Representative Gapansky. Representative Zamora. Here.
• Representative Mejia. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'll be brief. Thank you, Representative.
• Madam Chair and Representative Mejia, I think it's going to vary on the sources that are available.
• Representative Mejia? Yes to table. Representative Sopanti? No to table.
• Representative Mejia? No. Representative Szczepanski? Yes. Representative Zamora?

Bills: HB70 , HB93 , HB95 , HB139 , HB140 , HJR4

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Keywords: Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup