Transcript Highlights:

• years, grapes have grown along the banks of the Rio Grande, from the first vineyards planted at Puro Pueblo
• And today, the vines growing along I-25 at Santa Ana Pueblo.
• know we had, Madam Chair, quite a nice conversation about it, was including conversations with the Pueblos
• It was including conversations with the Pueblos, now that they are in partnership with the wine growers

Bills: HM45, HB276, HB300

Keywords: Taos County, Questa, produced water, treated produced water, water reuse, water quality control commission, freshwater conservation, rural communities, acequias, Indian nations, tribes, pueblos, water rights, industrial water use, data centers, artificial intelligence, AI, quantum computing, economic development, renewable energy

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the tribes, pueblos, and nations—no, I don't think; tribes, pueblos, and nations have to be at
• I'm proud of the Pueblo.
• The All Pueblo Council of Governors is comprised of 20 Pueblos: 19 Pueblos here in New Mexico and our
• They're on our Pueblo property at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
• BIE schools that the Pueblos have.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am also from the Pueblo of Acoma.
• But for the Pueblos, not a written language.
• When we visited the Hames Pueblo...
• Like you said, the Pueblo you're from, it is way different than another Pueblo.
• Like you said, the Pueblo you're from, it is way different than another Pueblo that's literally right

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am also from the Pueblo of Acoma.
• And again, that is determined by the Pueblo Tribe and Nation.
• tied to each Pueblo Tribe and Nation.
• My last question pertains to Jemez Pueblo. Mr.
• Like... you said, the Pueblo you're from, it is way different than another Pueblo that's literally right

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We still do require reporting from our Pueblos, tribes, and nations.
• In terms of what each Pueblo tribe or nation may need, that will vary depending on the Pueblo tribe or
• That versus the Pueblo of Zia, for example, I think they're getting like $11,000 per Pueblo with IEP,
• and then $17,000 per Pueblo with non-IEP.
• It is determined by each Pueblo, tribe, and nation.

Transcript Highlights:

• My family is from the Pueblo.
• What Pueblo are you from?"
• The Pueblos need them; the Apache nations need them.
• Pueblos who are traditional forms of government.
• allows a non-Pueblo member to come on to the tribe, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, my, uh, clans are, uh, my, my mother's side is the Zia Pueblo people.
• of Laguna, of which I am a citizen, uh, the Navajo Nation, Alamo Chapter, Zuni Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo
• , Acoma Pueblo, um, and I live in Akimo Pueblo, so I'm proud to live in one of our tribal communities
• So there are 24 tribes, nations, and pueblos in the state of New Mexico.
• Yeah, we did a tour at the Pueblo. I like Taos too.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Edwin Concha, Governor at Taos Pueblo.
• The Heritage Center, which I hope you will see if you visit the Pueblo, is located within Taos Pueblo
• Pueblo water rights are not a mere claim on paper, but reflect a long historic Pueblo presence and cultural
• Will the Taos Pueblo, will you be?
• We're doing the same thing with Taos Pueblo.

Transcript Highlights:

• The respective leadership of those nations, pueblos, and tribes.
• We are also looking to continue our communication with the Pueblo of Cochise.
• happening, as well as Governor Archis at San Felipe Pueblo.
• Some of them, like some of the Pueblos, have Head Starts.
• Using the Pueblo of Cochiti as an example.

Transcript Highlights:

• rights of the Pueblos.
• We've been in these negotiations for a number of years with these Pueblos.
• That's the sixth middle Rio Grande Pueblo.
• of Acoma, the Canoncito Band of Navajo, and the Pueblo of Laguna.
• Bringing over to the Pueblo has not been done yet.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have great places in the Pueblos.
• into Isleta Pueblo and is identified.
• overseeing Santa Ana, Cochiti, and Zia Pueblo Head Starts.
• That is the tradition that we follow at the Pueblo with my husband, who is a member of the Pueblo of
• There is a very strong tradition held at the Pueblo of Laguna, as well as other Pueblos and the Navajo

Transcript Highlights:

• I come from the Pueblos of San Felipe and Taos.
• For these repatriations, those pueblos will work together, and they will identify a pueblo to be in the
• That's a huge benefit for us, and it's a huge benefit for the pueblos in New Mexico.
• To tribes, pueblos, and nations, especially in this state.
• I'm Rachel Lorenzo, I'm from the Muscular Apache tribe in the Pueblo of Laguna.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a registered lobbyist for the Pueblo of Pojoaque.
• My name is Conroy Chino, and I represent the Pueblos of Acoma and Taos. Good morning, Mr.
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the Pueblo of Pojoaque. My name is Anna Hansen.
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the Pueblo of Pojoaque.
• This bill would help the cultural integrity of northern New Mexico and the Pueblos.

Bills: SB201, SB226, SB242, SB249

Keywords: rural libraries, education, cultural funding, library services, community resources, contaminated sites, environmental cleanup, uranium mining, state funding, abandoned sites, tribal affairs, Indian Child Welfare Act, appropriation, children, youth, compliance, field liaison, Indigenous rights, missing persons, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• Charlie, by the way, is from the Pueblo of Tuskegee. Beno, one of my fathers, Pueblo of Isleta.
• Governor Stuart Paisano, Pueblo of Sandia. Governor Earl Salazar, Pueblo of San Juan.
• Governor Jeff Cisneros, Pueblo of Santa Clara. Governor Fred Espayo Sr., Pueblo of Acoma.
• San Diego Pueblo, my Pueblo, we have built a health center and a wellness center.
• I'm looking for Taos Pueblo.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many from the land grant and the Pueblos are interested.
• It will be easy for the Pueblos or land grants to access. To get use of it.
• Otherwise, if you know Española, we're not land-bound by the Pueblos.
• And the Pueblos are acquiring land throughout the valley, left and right.
• Very tribal Pueblo and state lands to a great extent.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the IAAA. are the Pueblos and Apaches.
• The adult day centers that the Secretary was referring to are in the Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of Zuni
• , Pueblo of Santa Clara, and the Pueblo of Santa Ana.
• I have three Pueblo senior centers.
• Our tribes, nations, and pueblos on lands...

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Melena Ortiz, registered lobbyist for the Pueblo of Zia.
• The Pueblo of Zia stands in strong... ...registered lobbyist for the Pueblo of Zia.
• But you did hear an individual on behalf of the Santa Clara Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo... indication
• laguna pueblo Akima Pueblo.
• An individual on behalf of Acoma Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, and Acoma Pueblo spoke to their support, and

Keywords: 996, all

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:

• The rule amendment proposes school districts consult with all Pueblo tribes and nations in New Mexico
• The proposed rule amendment would make these awards available to Pueblos, tribes and nations, as well
• The proposed amendment would provide allocation-based awards to Pueblo tribes and nations with 80% of
• Um, my question is, were tribes, pueblos, and nations consulted in this rule-making process? Mr.
• Um, each Pueblo tribe and nation will also be eligible to apply for competitive grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• 37 on behalf of the Pueblo of Puaque.
• I am the first Senate governor of the Pueblo of Acoma.
• It is at the core of who we are as Pueblo people.
• I'm here on behalf of Taos Pueblo.
• I'm from the Pueblo of Acoma.

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• forcibly displaced from New Mexico after the Pueblo revoked in 1680.
• This is not just a Pueblo issue. This is a Texas issue.
• Um, do the Pueblo have issues with illegal border crossings being located along the border?
• Their priority is, is that the other communities, not the pueblo.
• Um, and you are representing the, forgive me, Cleta del Cer Pueblo tribe, is that correct?

Bills: HB176, HB180

Keywords: tax, ad valorem, voter-approval, local government finance, property tax, repeal, tax rates, school finance, tax reduction, compressed tax rate, education, funding