[{"_1":2,"_119":-5,"_120":-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",[32,76,83,95,107],{"_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",6289830,"mediaKeyId","2532079-040b997bdadb49253595609d5165bf5e","parentId",2532079,"title","Votes at a glance: key Senate actions and roll calls from the day","audioSeconds",4280,"startMs",12565000,"endMs",16845000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532079-040b997bdadb49253595609d5165bf5e&start=12565&end=16845","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532079-040b997bdadb49253595609d5165bf5e/thumbnail_12565000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6289830/New-Mexico/Votes-at-a-glance-key-Senate-actions-and-roll-calls-from-the-day","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289830-62e1269756c52ef2dc8594bd8499cba1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450783&Signature=RTFCpaa2Stn0t~JGyMhtUR~RE7XW9Vh8v7f~l340XuMkkpSfd9mItbsgc-jK8CJ1n4uj6eLnPZMUra7mcXM6tBxm7js-2y3fsVcuaLmtXySAo9pjvA6Yz60ZjRR6p8njBu2rfyJE4sRSZYWAoKnrcHHKJPldYmy5LStix0dyUYtdzNW44mFZbXKbyOZ2pQVNLBoMKZcq0lolIv7YXCeGVLppgl4jCKL6DZ6UmdtN2FqaLzpDAyu2qpHRyjtYURaUalrEOrC9fwKvVm5qFrGfYeNypZz6~KQY2B~TGNw~JhR9~q8PKwTnoFbGbqTs-6-dfU30i0g1ewzwoKIsPDU5sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Mexico Legislature","date","2025-03-10T00:00:00Z","article","The session included multiple recorded votes and confirmations. Below are outcomes and the motions as recorded on the floor (transcript excerpts are cited):

- Confirmation: Melanie Kinderdine, Secretary, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department — Motion to confirm moved on the floor; reported vote: 31 affirmative, 0 negative (clerk announcement). (See committee/executive letter citation in floor record.)

- Confirmation: Elizabeth Anderson, State Engineer — Motion to confirm moved on the floor; reported vote: 31 affirmative, 0 negative (clerk announcement).

- Senate Bill 155 (embezzlement/aggregation of victim losses) — Final passage announced on the floor; clerk announced: \"By a vote of 41 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative\" (transcript). Motion language was recorded during debate as placing the bill on final passage.

- Senate Bill 53 (technical cleanup for prescribing psychologists) — Final passage: recorded vote, one senator (Senator Duhigg) was recorded voting no during the roll call; the bill passed (clerk noted the no vote during the tally on the floor).

- Senate Bill 45 (county health assistance funds: allow premium/co‑pay payments) — Final passage: floor roll-call announced as 24 in the affirmative, 17 in the negative. Sponsors said counties retain discretion; debate covered eligibility and funding sources (GRT).

- Senate Bill 290 (marriage license fee increase: add $20 to county clerks, $5 to Children's Trust Fund) — Final passage recorded as 27 affirmative, 11 negative.

- Senate Tax/Biz/Transportation substitute for Senate Bill 168 (travel insurance uniformity) — Final passage recorded as 42 affirmative, 0 negative.

- Senate Bill 170 (site‑readiness / expedited PRC processes) — Final passage recorded on the floor as 35 in favor, 10 opposed (roll call recorded on day’s transcript) after a floor amendment.

- Senate Joint Resolution 15 (constitutional amendment to restore state board that appoints superintendent) — Final passage announced as 27 in favor, 15 opposed; the resolution will go to voters if the House also approves it.

Notes and limitations: The tallies above reproduce the roll calls and clerk announcements as given in the session transcript. Some floor exchanges included estimates and county‑level figures (for example, a cited Dona Ana County health fund amount). Where the transcript presented the vote, this list reflects that recorded outcome. If a bill is a constitutional amendment (SJR15), the final step is voter approval after bicameral passage.

Ending: Readers should note that enactment timelines and implementation details vary by item. For several items the transcript records subsequent rulemaking or county‑level decisions will be necessary for implementation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate - Chamber Mar 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A compact list of final votes and motions recorded during the Senate session, including confirmations, bills and constitutional measure tallies as announced on the floor.","taxTitle","Senate, Legislative, New Mexico","taxId",78419,"location","New Mexico","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":79,"_53":80,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":81,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":82,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6289835,"Senate passes constitutional amendment to reinstate state board that appoints superintendent; advocates say it will restore stability","/articles/6289835/New-Mexico/Senate-passes-constitutional-amendment-to-reinstate-state-board-that-appoints-superintendent-advocates-say-it-will-restore-stability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289835-ee5f2c3751be67d61ec1f9f5c11a0559/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450783&Signature=JWlZMtGarZN2FYniGVAUX6aBv2-A8jjj86CqIICcp6ZoeOk7A0taqhs4ORZPwwHG4o9NLaCqAoKfEH5OsVS1kMZ1oXfG3EKKe-bKA2ER1CU5FdPR-polmRWJ-AEQ1Gz3gr6UU4hx1naqyZMGVk0xT1QAB6kc7KYbxqja2PbnKMnlmkS-6gfKbAyxsL1k8xPxHdzKuhtYMwP7-WYCf7s59FfTVUqg-r1UcBs7q0Uoteo0VGZ1BO5mN2FaYDUVilimoFhQEUGfetEb~53hExy~xRF5Rh1PRjmkr4wE0RqA92m3vhMzYZwdaDVVvn2HJJMWWrloxQ2eHjMSgsUIlCqX5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Mexico Senate voted to send a proposed constitutional amendment to voters that would change how the state selects its top K–12 education official.

Senate Joint Resolution 15 would restore a state board of education responsible for hiring and overseeing the state superintendent of public instruction; at present the governor appoints a cabinet‑level secretary/commissioner. Supporters said the change would depoliticize some decisions, provide continuity across administrations and place education stakeholders on the appointing board. Opponents warned the switch could shift accountability and create new layers of political appointments.

Why the move now: Sponsors pointed to low statewide results on national assessments and to turnover in the secretary post under recent administrations; supporters argued a board would provide longer‑term continuity for statewide education policy and for implementation of long‑term efforts.

Key floor arguments: Proponents said the restoration would help appoint a qualified superintendent and reduce the extremes of political swings in education decision‑making. Opponents said elected or appointed boards can both be politicized, that the reform could slow responsiveness to governors’ priorities, and that the enabling legislation (to be drafted if voters approve the amendment) will determine whether representation is broad and equitable. Debate also centered on how to guarantee tribal, rural and charter‑school representation on an appointed board and whether a board approach would help address court rulings and settlement obligations for educational adequacy.

Vote: The Senate approved the joint resolution on a roll call recorded on the floor, 27 in favor and 15 opposed. Because the proposal is a constitutional amendment, it will go to the voters for final approval if it clears the Legislature.

What happens next: If voters approve the amendment, the Legislature and the governor will still need to enact enabling legislation to specify appointment procedures, board composition, terms, and qualifications. Backers said they plan to work through the enabling language to ensure representation for tribal nations, rural communities and educators.

Bottom line: The vote sends a structural education governance change to New Mexico ballots; the floor debate made clear the text of enabling legislation will determine whether the amendment meets concerns about equity and accountability.","Senate Joint Resolution 15 — a constitutional amendment to reinstall a state board of education that would appoint the state superintendent of public instruction — passed after extensive floor debate over accountability, politicization and student outcomes.",{"_33":84,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":85,"_41":86,"_43":87,"_45":88,"_47":89,"_49":90,"_51":91,"_53":92,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":93,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":94,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6289839,"Senate approves expedited utility review for site‑readiness; debate over who pays infrastructure costs",2135,10540000,12675000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532079-040b997bdadb49253595609d5165bf5e&start=10540&end=12675","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532079-040b997bdadb49253595609d5165bf5e/thumbnail_10540000.jpg","/articles/6289839/New-Mexico/Senate-approves-expedited-utility-review-for-sitereadiness-debate-over-who-pays-infrastructure-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289839-7bd9c9ec7b7f837505b759e8839c1f9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450783&Signature=NHZ6pxoaZceDcyEzgcfBN1Yp9Le6MBE5OIRtDWoTHhI9mLQ7~7CGN5RIQ17bQqbW9Qy8ecRbb~Z1IZsNPJKSh3tuhL6UOdjgfWTRgQ9aZI9xMt4nSIWAnYHXTu4OZy-qlExNERVZjYP8XfaB9gR4HbsTn87I95tU7htOODKKHBfDH8t6RFby2Q1gepH27lT7M-vUcVhMHTtu0gZJjB4Pr-Q--wgMTBgl0fN4PC3dk6MK2BZRQDipox0V00OAqk7mNUmIiGr86H0iOxoTrq019jDHOG6VUE1hpM54XGkpwPMs0EGiEF5jBjssKaXcUCw91rrSD2YHswJrOHe9YfD1QQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Mexico Senate voted to approve legislation intended to speed the state’s ability to market industrially ready sites by shortening regulatory timelines and clarifying utility involvement.

Senate Bill 170, sponsored on the floor by Senator Padilla, is part of a two‑bill approach intended to make New Mexico more competitive for large industrial and data‑center investments by creating an expedited process at the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) for certain infrastructure approvals and encouraging early utility work to bring service to certified sites. Supporters said the changes will cut months — and sometimes years — from project timelines, while opponents warned about the fiscal risk to ratepayers if utilities build long lead‑time infrastructure before deals are final.

Supporters’ views: Senators including Padilla and Woods said the state loses deals because regulatory and build‑out time windows currently stretch far longer than competing states. Padilla said some approvals could take 36 months under the present process and that shortening key PRC steps to the order of months could help attract investment and jobs.

Questions and concerns raised on the floor: Several senators asked whether utilities or ratepayers would ultimately pay for lines and generation capacity built to service target sites, whether projects would require a firm deal before infrastructure is advanced, and whether accelerated permitting could encourage utilities to add fossil generation rather than renewables. Senator Steinborn and others pressed for protections to prevent ratepayers from carrying long‑term costs if a prospective investment failed to materialize. Several senators also asked whether rural electric cooperatives and other non‑investor‑owned utilities would participate; the bill’s amendments did add co‑ops to the framework discussed in committee.

Vote and implementation: The Senate passed SB170 after floor amendments that broadened who could participate and clarified some procurement language. The roll call was recorded on the floor; the transcript records the final vote as 35 in favor and 10 opposed on the motion for final passage (roll call recorded on the day’s transcript). If enacted, the bill will trigger rulemaking and further interagency work — including PRC rules — to define how sites are certified and how infrastructure costs are allocated.

Bottom line: The legislation shortens authorization timeframes and aims to deliver site readiness more quickly, but the floor debate indicated significant concerns about consumer protection and how costs will be apportioned if projects fall through.","Senate Bill 170, aimed at speeding approvals and utility build‑out for certified ‘site‑ready’ properties, passed after debate on whether utilities or ratepayers would shoulder long‑term infrastructure costs and how projects would be selected.",{"_33":96,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":97,"_41":98,"_43":99,"_45":100,"_47":101,"_49":102,"_51":103,"_53":104,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":105,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":106,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6289845,"Senate passes bill allowing counties to use indigent GRT funds for premiums and co‑pays after heated debate",3256,5834000,9090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532079-040b997bdadb49253595609d5165bf5e&start=5834&end=9090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532079-040b997bdadb49253595609d5165bf5e/thumbnail_5834000.jpg","/articles/6289845/New-Mexico/Senate-passes-bill-allowing-counties-to-use-indigent-GRT-funds-for-premiums-and-copays-after-heated-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289845-05f211049afa1972fe7d1eb1f7751462/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450783&Signature=UPday1J3iO3j~Y2K2Wcruew5u22GWwyp4JS85S5YzlJvB13Lg67F5N~7--YcZkYmkOBmR-h1ocyuYRWWl7H4~cDqQZAZj0UYE18VMGlyap4nGJL8Lx4W5nuDrBN-k7ae61su7B~tl-97Do2Fv6D-39KgEHwqbHhpujdh~8M25Upd9jMTUWBsqj7NMKeRuh5n5q4at6ziNRvJR1zHcdzYRGUOzKeTCm5BzB-T453ggoiD4slgpx37XraDDpI36jWsik4KBBSgjlfnqIdcgtW4UzYgfmhovctnzeO~zOtGrC2azVtxBOtBUWsGm18zFwM7y4sp~YXxn8cUV3BmyzFY9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Mexico Senate narrowly approved a bill Wednesday that expands how counties may use locally‑authorized indigent health funds, drawing extended floor debate about local control, eligibility and whether the measure will shift costs onto county taxpayers.

Senate Bill 45, sponsored on the floor by Senator Soules (Senator Steinborn was the floor sponsor during debate), adds premium assistance, co‑payments and other out‑of‑pocket costs to the list of permissible uses for county health assistance funds derived from locally authorized gross receipts tax (GRT). The bill passed on a recorded vote the clerk announced as 24 in the affirmative and 17 in the negative.

Why it mattered on the floor: Supporters said the change would let counties help working‑poor residents keep insurance coverage and avoid expensive emergency‑room care. Senator Steinborn and backers described county health funds as already authorized by law, discretionary, and implemented under local resolutions; they framed the bill as restoring the flexible uses originally intended when counties established the funds.

What opponents said: Critics pressed technical and equity questions: how would counties define eligibility, how many residents could be covered, whether the expansions would meaningfully strain county funds, and whether counties could be incentivized to subsidize premiums for undocumented residents. Several rural and county‑government speakers said many counties oppose the bill or had not yet taken a position; some raised concerns the bill could obligate future county resources without new revenue. Senators also worried about monitoring and whether private insurers would raise premiums if counties regularly paid policy costs.

Clarifying details from the floor: Sponsors and several county officials said the funds are drawn from locally imposed GRT (not state general fund) and that each county must set eligibility rules via local resolution; Bernalillo County was noted as operating differently (via a mill levy) than the GRT counties. Supporters said the proposal is optional — counties must choose whether to adopt the expanded uses.

Vote and next steps: The chair moved final passage and the journal reflected the roll call result announced on the floor (24 in favor, 17 opposed). If enacted, counties will retain discretion over implementation; the record shows no statewide eligibility standard would be imposed. The floor debate pointed to likely rulemaking or county‑level ordinances to spell out eligibility and program details.

Bottom line: The bill gives counties a new option to use indigent funds for insurance affordability measures, but floor debate made clear sizable concerns remain about budgetary impacts, transparency and equitable access across counties.","Senate Bill 45, which allows counties to use county‑level gross receipts tax (GRT) indigent funds for premium assistance, co‑payments and some out‑of‑pocket costs, passed after debate over eligibility, funding sources and potential impacts on county budgets and undocumented residents.",{"_33":108,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":109,"_41":110,"_43":111,"_45":112,"_47":113,"_49":114,"_51":115,"_53":116,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":117,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":118,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6289850,"New Mexico Senate confirms Kinderdine as energy secretary, Anderson as state engineer",597,2134000,2731000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532079-040b997bdadb49253595609d5165bf5e&start=2134&end=2731","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532079-040b997bdadb49253595609d5165bf5e/thumbnail_2134000.jpg","/articles/6289850/New-Mexico/New-Mexico-Senate-confirms-Kinderdine-as-energy-secretary-Anderson-as-state-engineer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6289850-cebb7748c613f4591079f63e9f0358e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450783&Signature=Hj8tZAkHEX725PypKb5W1g5E6pia6gtPReX1zKZm4Pw0g5tnwrvJk7qyo5ZZq7rpFw-d9RDELMx208xkYctvA0oKaG1iGmFtGiRxfQTrG38SShvk3uQ5AhALOpcE2fCYSJ5CfTlhJGhqmqK4vUViXOGqO1vvXncvlLfzpBnrp8QfhuEKFggSLMAGjvzIl7QOL8lcZWPxdEQvQDz-G0si5pdYRyRQyTcNMFBZcxYRLi4TVGICFoOSWv1D0hRFf4n8r9wjYxyXLoE3Cnha1puT2Bh2zKS-HLtS5mmOW6ufnGkO8Bkk0HnmdS-y81YXN4dTM76ZoJDop6iUPocF9zdZfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The New Mexico Senate confirmed two top state officials on the floor Wednesday, advancing the administration’s energy and water leadership.

Melanie Kinderdine was confirmed as secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department after senators debated her record and accomplishments. The vote was recorded as 31 in favor, 0 opposed. Kinderdine’s record cited by supporters included launching in-state programs to expand solar access, updating state parks and helping create new wildland firefighting hotshot crews.

The chamber then confirmed Elizabeth Anderson as state engineer by the same recorded margin, 31-0. Anderson, a licensed professional engineer who has worked on water projects across the state, was introduced by senators as experienced in rural water systems, acequia issues and drinking- and wastewater operations. Speakers emphasized her hands-on experience with water planning and operations and called the nomination historic; Anderson was described in debate as the first woman confirmed to the post.

Why it matters: Both positions are central to state responses on energy transition, wildfire readiness and long-term water planning. Senators said the two confirmations will help the state pursue renewable energy goals while addressing water-supply and infrastructure challenges.

How the votes went: On Kinderdine, Senator Stewart moved confirmation and several senators — including Wirth, Trujillo, Padilla and Woods — spoke in support. The roll call was taken by show of hands with the clerk announcing 31 affirmative, 0 negative. On Anderson, Senator Stefanik’s moved confirmation and a number of senators from across the state described her engineering and water-management experience; the vote was reported as 31-0.

What supporters said: Senator Stewart said Kinderdine had worked on tax incentives and “solar for all” programs and had a national reputation that would help New Mexico. Senator Stefanik and others said Anderson had direct operational experience in water systems and acequia communities and would be effective in implementing the state’s 50-year water plan.

Next steps and context: The confirmations were taken following committee reports read earlier on the floor that transmitted the governor’s executive letters to the chamber. No further formal actions on these appointments were recorded in the session transcript.

Ending note: Senators framed both confirmations as operational steps to secure technical leadership for energy and water policy; supporters from both rural and urban districts emphasized the nominees’ practical experience.","The New Mexico Senate voted to confirm Melanie Kinderdine as secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and Elizabeth Anderson as state engineer after floor debate and committee reports.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key Senate actions and roll calls from the day

Senate passes constitutional amendment to reinstate state board that appoints superintendent; advocates say it will restore stability

Senate approves expedited utility review for site‑readiness; debate over who pays infrastructure costs

Senate passes bill allowing counties to use indigent GRT funds for premiums and co‑pays after heated debate

New Mexico Senate confirms Kinderdine as energy secretary, Anderson as state engineer