[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6302956,"mediaKeyId","2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5","parentId",2475722,"title","Committee advances bill to restore broad industrial exemption for utilities; engineers and co-ops clash over public-safety and cost","audioSeconds",1125,"startMs",1671000,"endMs",2796000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5&start=1671&end=2796","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5/thumbnail_1671000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6302956/New-Mexico/Committee-advances-bill-to-restore-broad-industrial-exemption-for-utilities-engineers-and-co-ops-clash-over-public-safety-and-cost","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302956-e248d430bad0005d7191daf3aae58103/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412731&Signature=L8oPinNsQN~gNrjPzRIWqPLY4DoCkjZyV8DXAs7g2L8NLuKp2OYsPvinF2KdeJX~F21jrJWnBqulVqF4kyJ6v5rtATesN3pvmWl0jpouzr0xdSOzty9AEndrn7PMioOdpdR0x3FdOsPeM7gzdwwLGYrJPY59sj9XTbUYMIBBCloO3iH1w1~UpL81CRbyvbJ~8mcYtji9yRzT~mWt-gHTuHn5NAsVj4q43FUayXzCdUQcaaczWOLnuZWWBtWL~PlscjNNMOXLsUmtXrC6pTp9rw8A-Ur4tm~4JPN9bvYfa67znIK327qnqBRtS7xfKXl6c2blVIjoknOOXCg10sXlWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Mexico Legislature","date","2025-03-03T00:00:00Z","article","House Bill 323, proposed to clarify and restore an ‘‘industrial exemption’’ in engineering practice law, advanced from committee after sharply divided testimony from rural electric cooperatives, utilities and engineering regulators.

Sponsor Representative Sanchez said the measure is a ‘‘cleanup’’ to return to long-standing practice so rural co-ops can use national standards and routine design drawings without obtaining a professional engineer’s stamp for every distribution-line change. Sanchez said cooperatives have been using U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) standards for decades and that requiring a PE stamp on routine distribution work would add cost and delay.

The nut graf: cooperatives and utilities argued the exemption keeps electricity affordable and avoids project delays in sparsely populated service areas. The New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and several local co-ops testified that distribution-line modifications, pole replacements and routine maintenance are done to national safety standards and that requiring PE-stamped designs would increase project costs by an estimated 10–20 percent in witnesses’ testimony and potentially delay service to customers.

The New Mexico Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors and board members testified in opposition, saying the bill is too broad and could decrease public health and safety. Board chair Emily Dolman said the board “feel[s] that this bill is too broad,” and argued many utilities have secured licensed engineers or had standards reviewed; the board urged a narrower approach that targets specific, limited activities rather than blanket exemptions.

Representatives of co-ops described practical impacts. Vince Martinez of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association said cooperatives serve large land areas with few customers and that the extra engineering costs would be passed to ratepayers. Representative Sanchez said the change is meant to return to prior practice and noted the amendment includes a sunset provision through July 1, 2030, in the draft under discussion.

Witnesses discussed specific hazards: the board cited examples from other states of infrastructure-related accidents; cooperative witnesses said many incidents involve vegetation and right-of-way management, not routine design. Engineers warned the exemption could touch projects that cross tribal easements, rights of way and other lands; sponsors said the exemption applies to work within the utility’s control and right of way.

The committee took testimony from multiple stakeholders, debated the scope and whether the bill should be narrowed to co-ops only, and ultimately moved the measure forward with a committee substitute and a vote. The transcript records a roll-call and an announced committee action; the sponsor and supporters said the bill restores prior practice and prevents added costs for rural customers.

Ending: The committee advanced HB 323 as amended; further floor debate and possible narrowing were discussed by members who expressed unease about the bill’s breadth and public-safety implications.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House - Judiciary Mar 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 323, intended to restore an industrial exemption that allows utilities and cooperatives to rely on standard engineering specifications without a professional-engineer stamp for routine distribution work, advanced from committee after divided testimony.","taxTitle","House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, New Mexico","taxId",29060,"location","New Mexico","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6302973,"Committee gives do-pass to bill joining Interstate Medical Licensure Compact",1012,50000,1062000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5&start=50&end=1062","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5/thumbnail_50000.jpg","/articles/6302973/New-Mexico/Committee-gives-do-pass-to-bill-joining-Interstate-Medical-Licensure-Compact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302973-d4d4bd8063cb08266aaebcd090bbab68/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412731&Signature=S1-yoZI6KHFU75AszAt~xDbZz0NrKRzsXfqz59WAT4bbtuXkFUtYNVyvxzBpi~Nio9Zf3e9tpnXJfiSlEFLO9~w3NKeQehNyeuxV6p6khjp3oPP0~NHnQDmXyNj1f58F97VIYhOxDE38ha5tdSTYLYwTHONUEH5SuIcXyeaEuxYOX-1QksxzNNYYeFnt30zIp6U5VMwDTYePZm2P1IaLQk0OkItoAm-RdcRleaFgjQuc3beOlKkvg27rKVbDBDMbGX2T0WrzgEG94acE8TbsEGXAA7ks396~E4DHGUC2L3ze8d9LHwu0-W40HAH1ODiWPnFfJfh80POYtISJxl2dww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 243, which would authorize New Mexico to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, received a do-pass recommendation from the committee after proponents said the agreement would streamline licensure and help address a shortage of physicians.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Matthews, told the committee the compact “is for physician format and so forth” and that the measure was amended to address earlier concerns about protection for physicians providing reproductive health care. Matthews said the state has lost physicians in recent years and noted “we are now 334 short just to primary care physicians.”

The nut graf: supporters said the compact shortens administrative barriers for physicians who want to practice across member states, which supporters said could increase access to care in New Mexico. Speakers representing the New Mexico Medical Board, Think New Mexico, Planned Parenthood, county governments and medical associations testified that joining the compact would make it easier for out-of-state physicians to obtain New Mexico licensure and help alleviate provider shortages.

Think New Mexico’s executive director, Fred Nathan, said New Mexico is “at a major competitive disadvantage in attracting doctors” and noted many neighboring states already participate. Nathan said 40 states plus the District of Columbia participate in the compact and added, “States keep joining these compacts and none have left.”

Megan Dela Rosa, testifying for the Military Based Planning Commission, said the compact “reduces employment barriers when relocating and improves their access to stable careers,” calling the bill “a win for all.” Linda Siegel of the Greater Albuquerque Medical Association said the compact “will allow physicians to have pretty much one license if they come to another compact state.” Jack Teeter, director of government affairs for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, said the compact “won’t solve all of these infrastructure issues, but we do believe it will help.”

Committee members pressed for specifics about protections for physicians whose practice in other states may involve care that is legal in New Mexico but restricted elsewhere. Representative Romero asked where the protections are in the bill; the sponsor pointed to language on pages 12 and 15 indicating safeguards for physicians providing lawful care in New Mexico. Representative Martinez and others said they appreciated the revisions and noted the compact board had addressed the earlier concerns.

Members also discussed how the compact’s licensing process differs from “home state” models. Committee testimony explained that under the medical compact a physician applies for licensure in each state but the compact streamlines the process by permitting states to accept an applicant’s verified packet rather than repeating document collection.

The committee recorded a roll-call review of the bill and the chair announced a do-pass recommendation for House Bill 243. The transcript does not list a mover or seconder for the motion in the recorded minutes.

Ending: The committee advanced HB 243 to the next stage with a do-pass recommendation. Supporters said joining the compact could speed licensure and improve provider access, while members had sought and received reassurances that the bill includes protections for physicians providing care that is legal in New Mexico.","House Bill 243, which would authorize New Mexico to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, received a do-pass recommendation from the committee after proponents said the agreement would streamline licensure and help address a shortage of physicians.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6302953,"Committee approves update to Public Accountancy Act; sponsors say changes will ease CPA pathways",146,5054000,5200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5&start=5054&end=5200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5/thumbnail_5054000.jpg","/articles/6302953/New-Mexico/Committee-approves-update-to-Public-Accountancy-Act-sponsors-say-changes-will-ease-CPA-pathways","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302953-48587123988c83e7b75deb2217e2ddec/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412731&Signature=GRzMsANlz14wIxmt0xJMzNkAzrUMxKU1m5K95cdZ5Tl-2gVR1KmVBj5zMXQABi5ZE1K2Nsg3JRoIRjZQK3GhZdTKmDTUTIC74lnX6u0wEghlKI~b6hh6JBDiHEluDSpmMvAgz4wG-0yonyypXNajyizf7O~tNdW-J1Wz0MPRzrN5k-m5T7OBbYwrgGNbM6~bbXkuiqumfbL1XzURaH4lv1nhKrwBxUmrOI6F0beDn50FRn--vdDjrfc8Dzpodn7fsI0ehsCRakj~xzhfswh6cWzKBx1SQJJIXspfVvwYMSVPXhXahOvx6noultNk8Ei0L8lTZqDDrvtFw8x18B4XTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A committee substitute to update the Public Accountancy Act moved forward after supporters said the bill modernizes education, examination and experience pathways for certified public accountants.

Sponsor testimony and supporters from the New Mexico Society of CPAs and accounting firms said the 1999 law needed modernization to reflect changes in the uniform accountancy model. The bill adjusts education pathways, extends the period that CPA exam results remain valid from 18 to 30 months, and aligns experience and reciprocity requirements, the sponsor’s testimony said.

Jeanette Contreras, president and CEO of the New Mexico Society of CPAs, testified the update “will positively impact the future of the accounting profession in New Mexico.” A former CPA society chair, Richard Anklam, said previous changes unintentionally worsened shortages of accountants and that the substitute would preserve standards while expanding practical paths into the profession.

The Regulation and Licensing Department noted a fiscal impact of $50,000 in its fiscal impact report that was not included in the department’s budget request. The agency requested an extension until Jan. 1, 2026, to carry out rulemaking and update the NMPlus licensing system if the bill passes.

The committee recorded a motion and roll-call; members adopted a do-not-pass on the original draft and a do-pass on the committee substitute. The chair announced the committee recommendation on the committee substitute.

Ending: The committee advanced the judiciary committee substitute for the Public Accountancy Act modernization. Supporters said the changes will make it easier for candidates to become CPAs while maintaining standards; the licensing department requested funding and time for implementation.","A committee substitute updating the Public Accountancy Act advanced after supporters, including the New Mexico Society of CPAs, said the bill modernizes education and exam timing requirements to help recruit accountants. The Regulation and Licensing Department said a $50,000 implementation cost will be needed and asked for rulemaking time.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":44,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":50,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6302962,"Panel consolidates civil investigative-demand authority for attorney general; supporters call it accountability tool, critics worry about scope",1205,2876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5&start=1671&end=2876","/articles/6302962/New-Mexico/Panel-consolidates-civil-investigative-demand-authority-for-attorney-general-supporters-call-it-accountability-tool-critics-worry-about-scope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302962-20317b738d036a723f7d960c659f15ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412731&Signature=eIXBRKzwA0Vv20~LN2cenEjTU9ZNNnzY09kP9u8lwik63i7i06x5apvWIBSQzUCAp741JJpUqHAnp9fUEpp8S3kQdKDD-IaLp14it8OBsalUitcDmg73uoUDtRgvJnlnZtU2p7I~RU2HBintVBwu5K4JUxYY55KwUs0MIGtgfj-YiZKNx5syhm-q6RG8Gb3qlcmmn3fiZjALjNG1JvoeI1LKxOkzScPmoGkyA0QSyZKzMa9YL8BuQ-2o7qIjbuC9f9-4zOtdBLFK75GXJBGVKT0zflV9gsqKQHRyXdjpjQPyF8OCEb1CbdHK31-QpgUijRbWs2CHqFxCqSKcxh3JkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 62, which would centralize civil investigative demand (CID) authority under the attorney general’s general enforcement powers, advanced from committee with a do-pass recommendation as amended following significant discussion about scope and judicial oversight.

Sponsor testimony described HB 62 as a ‘‘cleanup’’ measure to create consistency across statutes that currently grant investigatory authority in a piecemeal way. The sponsor said the bill would place CID authority in a single statutory framework so the public, courts and regulated entities understand the process for compelling documentary evidence prior to filing civil actions.

Julie Mead, general counsel for the attorney general’s office, testified that CIDs are ‘‘a useful tool’’ that allow the office to gather evidence before filing a lawsuit, narrow issues and reduce wasteful use of judicial resources. She said the bill removes scattered CID provisions from several statutes and places them under a unified procedural process.

Supporters included the ACLU of New Mexico, which said a structured investigative demand process could identify and address systemic civil-rights violations; the group urged careful monitoring of investigatory authority but noted the bill could strengthen accountability. The ACLU’s testimony referenced recent state investigations and high-profile accountability concerns.

Opponents and skeptical members of the committee raised several concerns. Committee members pressed for clarity on which statutes would be affected; Mead and the attorney general’s office provided a list that includes provisions in the Tobacco Escrow Fund, Affordable Housing Act, Charitable Solicitations Act, Unfair Practices Act, Pyramid Promotions Schemes Act, False Advertising Act and the Subdivision Act. Members also noted that the bill specifies Santa Fe district court as the venue for court review of CID applications and asked whether that would force witnesses and out-of-state entities to appear in Santa Fe for the court review. The attorney general’s office said the Santa Fe provision was intended for efficiency because many CIDs are directed at out-of-state companies and that, if a civil action were later filed, venue would lie in the jurisdiction where the subject entity resides.

Several lawmakers voiced political and practical concerns about concentrating investigatory authority, with one member saying the change felt “very broad” and expressing unease about potential political uses of expanded investigative power. Supporters argued the unified procedure adds judicial review and an appeal process that provide checks on investigatory authority.

The committee amended the bill and then passed HB 62 as amended. The transcript records a motion and roll-call; the chair announced that the committee will pass House Bill 62 as amended.

Ending: The committee advanced HB 62 with amendments. Supporters said the change would streamline investigatory procedure and provide judicial oversight; several members requested clarifying language on venue and statutory scope and noted the bill’s breadth warranted continued scrutiny.","House Bill 62 would consolidate civil investigative demand authority under the attorney general’s general enforcement powers; the committee recommended the bill after hearing supporters who said it streamlines investigations and critics who raised concerns about breadth and forum selection (Santa Fe district court) and potential political misuse.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6302968,"Committee advances Counseling Licensure Compact after supporters cite telehealth, military spouse benefits",572,1094000,1666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5&start=1094&end=1666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2475722-62910b47a8c6fad60479bdd87f2fc0a5/thumbnail_1094000.jpg","/articles/6302968/New-Mexico/Committee-advances-Counseling-Licensure-Compact-after-supporters-cite-telehealth-military-spouse-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302968-10704ee6dc204a3a6c11aded8a711829/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412731&Signature=YAXvvowW7-UjoSROnXVZ7pOBBAhNr0mGm3vcG8ViDlgDDM8ktD9DE1MqHWVWf9JsUyC0GaMjMqCoh6s3nbkf93ktQmgiGkMRy1JqnbdADoDZaexe8-3TdkoclgP5YAOcygJcNmb-1aGc7DRqiixxDJFI4Iy-TfUz0iOKiCUjfsK4VdN5xHuIW1urX0mp8qsMQlJU0u5pBEyCv6mojT4aGE~a0eRMwdbFYWty7j2saiBsbNPS-hPuN9EBKv3PTUukpyCfP~NNy3jAiZgFR8Z1HdMux4N8UBbAEiSDjM0RIEP2jSTqRUzc1KfMDqmnOzfQskvhlwLoGZaZPoEBe7~ZCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 217, which would adopt the Counseling Licensure Compact, advanced from committee with a do-pass recommendation after testimony from mental health advocates, the Regulation and Licensing Department and military-affiliated groups.

Sponsor Representative Herndon introduced HB 217, saying the compact “facilitate[s] interstate practice of licensed professional counselors” and aims to “improve public access to professional counseling services.” The sponsor noted the compact preserves state regulatory authority while enabling counselors to obtain compact privileges to practice in other member states.

The nut graf: proponents said the compact will increase access to behavioral health services—particularly via telehealth—and help military spouses maintain employment when they relocate. Several witnesses, including Think New Mexico and NAMI New Mexico, urged passage; the Department of Defense and the Military Based Planning Commission also testified in support.

Quindy Otero of the Regulation and Licensing Department said the department “does not speak in favor or against” but highlighted an operating budget impact: the agency’s fiscal impact report estimates $56,000 to implement the bill, and that amount was not included in the department’s current budget request. The department requested an extension to Jan. 1, 2026, to complete rulemaking, implement background-check and fingerprinting requirements and update the NMPlus licensing system.

Christina Fisher of Think New Mexico said counseling can be provided effectively via telehealth and that “by allowing counselors to do that from the other compact states of which there are 37, we can open up more care to our New Mexicans.” Betty Schover of NAMI New Mexico said the bill “aligns with our efforts to enhance the access to mental health services across the state.” Supporters also emphasized benefits for military spouses: Megan Dela Rosa testified that more than 30 percent of military spouses in the workforce hold a professional license and that the compact would “create more job options for spouses.”

Committee members asked logistical and membership questions. Representative Martinez asked how many states had joined the counseling compact; sponsors responded “35” in the hearing. Members also asked about when the compact would take effect; witnesses cited an effective date of June 20, 2025 once statutory membership thresholds are met. The Regulation and Licensing Department’s requested implementation timeline and fiscal note were noted as conditions the committee should monitor.

The committee recorded a roll-call and the chair announced a do-pass recommendation for House Bill 217. The transcript does not record a named mover or seconder for the motion in the minutes.

Ending: The committee advanced HB 217 with a do-pass recommendation. The licensing department flagged a $56,000 implementation need and requested extra time for rulemaking; supporters said the compact would expand telehealth access and help military families maintain careers.","House Bill 217 to enter New Mexico into the counseling licensure compact received a do-pass recommendation. Supporters said the compact will expand telehealth access and help military spouses keep employment; an agency warned the bill will require a $56,000 operating increase and asked for additional time to implement rules.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances bill to restore broad industrial exemption for utilities; engineers and co-ops clash over public-safety and cost

Committee gives do-pass to bill joining Interstate Medical Licensure Compact

Committee approves update to Public Accountancy Act; sponsors say changes will ease CPA pathways

Panel consolidates civil investigative-demand authority for attorney general; supporters call it accountability tool, critics worry about scope

Committee advances Counseling Licensure Compact after supporters cite telehealth, military spouse benefits