[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6632064,"mediaKeyId","2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25","parentId",2676008,"title","Insurance industry opposes change to offset rules; committee vote rejects amended uninsured/underinsured motorist bill","audioSeconds",2153,"startMs",486000,"endMs",2639000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25&start=486&end=2639","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25/thumbnail_486000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6632064/New-Mexico/Insurance-industry-opposes-change-to-offset-rules-committee-vote-rejects-amended-uninsuredunderinsured-motorist-bill","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632064-3d6a70317ea5646535fd25ec31206719/orig.mp4?Expires=1775317222&Signature=BQ9nSrEocNVAYVYn7hSVAjUXYmhY6FQKd9hoPtfpuGroPI9jbXJsCj3v5Y5vbmlv1rloOGskSgksPzxkcAOvKRh1y3bQJlblta0~9UNOElN8TNvEOZiWt~eEePPy10H7FrPGDZ9rZmabQT35e5pxLIs3mDXc1izvFENKWoXykUs-sZ5LScc2ESTM7ZnbKrJYZLxkWZJ3OZqXxvv2QZ0zh1dY7kmZmZHav0TZjIePuFDOiAkPBxzrQ5Jts6lFnx-yhcy--6fjJLbGkEBmI65zlb-CWG~5QOgl6hcANZnfoMM3F5Attzb4cxIBR4gBC4AVmgYXmGUn5xcitSXI2rqC2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Mexico Legislature","date","2025-03-17T00:00:00Z","article","The committee heard extended testimony and debate on the committee substitute for House Code 97, which concerns uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance. The sponsor explained that the revised bill no longer mandates UM/UIM coverage but would prevent insurers from offsetting an at‑fault driver’s liability policy against an injured party’s UM/UIM coverage — a change the sponsor described as ensuring consumers \"get the product that they're paying for.\" (Representative (sponsor)).

Attorney Andrea Harris, who said she practices insurance litigation in Albuquerque, described how current offsets can render underinsured coverage effectively illusory. Consumer advocates and the sponsor provided scenarios in a handout illustrating cases where a policyholder pays for UM/UIM coverage yet receives little or no recovery because of offsets.

Representatives of State Farm (Anne Conway), the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (Jason Espinosa), and other business groups (Larry Sonntag, New Mexico Business Coalition; Mike Morris, mayor of Clovis and licensed insurance agent) testified in opposition, saying the change would raise premiums. Anne Conway told the committee that analysis by her company predicted premium increases for customers and that removing offsets “could be up to...63%” for many policyholders. Jason Espinosa warned that prohibiting offsets could increase premiums and exacerbate the existing uninsured-driver rate in the state.

Committee discussion focused on whether the sub (amended in Transportation earlier) had removed a prior mandate to require UM/UIM coverage; the sponsor confirmed the mandate had been removed and that the substitute merely removes offsets so that consumers who buy UM/UIM “receive the benefit of that underinsured coverage.” Several committee members asked whether premiums would rise; the sponsor said that premium-change estimates cited by lobbyists referred to an earlier version of the bill that would have mandated coverage and did not apply to the current committee substitute.

The committee took a roll call on a motion that the committee substitute (as amended) \"do pass.\" The roll call recorded five yes votes and six no votes; the motion failed in committee. Yes votes were cast by Representatives De La Cruz, Patajone, Serrano, the vice chair, and the chair. No votes were recorded from Representatives Armstrong, Hernandez, Valente, Mason, Matthews and Murphy.

The committee did not advance the measure; members also discussed obtaining additional data from other states on premium outcomes and the bill’s potential effects before future consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Commerce and Economic Development - Mar 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee rejected a substitute for House Code 97 that would have barred insurers from offsetting at‑fault liability policies against a policyholder’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.","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},6632068,"Committee approves short‑term rental work group composition after sponsor amendments",489,87000,576000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25&start=87&end=576","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25/thumbnail_87000.jpg","/articles/6632068/New-Mexico/Committee-approves-shortterm-rental-work-group-composition-after-sponsor-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632068-f243344727b26f865d05cabc9ded11f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775317222&Signature=TGNn5ksa9JNPva~AS0oh4Bf90PEdVYL-Zbs6h5Z2evh5Z~tAYr0a58Iu1EFRN~m3OIz4n-3wc6m2GWV3Cv3MFmp9-~zQYzr788q3yzADNwQogO127cuN3OpzQLbZzbRfiK4sMFEDm1fI6RtEp7iEu~tMbMMwz1SpX3Ma0n8UufzE6WYkbcCs3bCp0uKA6dF2pvJBxDICOHNZmy~IhoELJ2d4PxaxCNV2gkolITp7UKdn1qq~XgB0H7D8rOsHvA1xgfX7aah2z-bzwoeJOn~NAucXj8yVho4fMt2svncUTRMtrARFz6jq63BFsTlWfNeI9NsyQcOvz~OxhYtl88kRbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative (sponsor) presented House Memorial 52 and explained amendments requested after a prior hearing. The committee substitute adds representatives from the Economic Development Department, the Tourism Department, the Taxation and Revenue Department, the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, the New Mexico Office of Housing, the New Mexico Short Term Rental Association, the New Mexico Association of Realtors and an assessor-affiliate of the New Mexico Association of Counties to a work group charged with evaluating short‑term rental policy.

The memorial as amended directs the work group to ensure a collaborative, data‑driven approach to short‑term rental policy evaluation. Representative Serrano thanked the sponsor for the changes and said she appreciated the effort; Representative Patajone also thanked the sponsor. The sponsor said the addition of the New Mexico Office of Housing was one of the biggest changes requested and that the group was intended to be collaborative.

Committee leader Patrick conducted a roll call on a motion to \"do pass\" the committee substitute. The motion passed with nine yes votes and zero no votes.

The committee did not take public comment on the memorial during this hearing because public comment had already been held at an earlier time. The sponsor and committee members said they stood ready to answer questions and that staff would circulate the amendment language before the vote.","The House Commerce and Economic Development Committee voted to give a \"do pass\" recommendation for House Memorial 52 after the sponsor amended the memorial to add several state agencies and industry stakeholders to a short‑term rental work group.",{"_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},6632048,"Committee approves memorial asking legislature to explore trade links with Ireland",361,4326000,4687000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25&start=4326&end=4687","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25/thumbnail_4326000.jpg","/articles/6632048/New-Mexico/Committee-approves-memorial-asking-legislature-to-explore-trade-links-with-Ireland","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632048-4794e92a6e0005dbfca5b791b9286e8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775317222&Signature=PPxZ3bkH2kaqj8i-TXaI1Loi2nEngsTh8Wh3YwVMPu2SkU-~gpBVaDUPaL1tysh702USPUi2PlniTjGaHMups2gL9AwRtOodgL6z-42PY3~BIbUwbUxea9eOErP~kuVCEJiOfcZgPfnUCnkM5M5fx3KoS-be9UBlLO~ibHjM6hmltF1V763NIU0gJT7rQwYZMt~66lrwEFVjMnoEtskfjszv5vz8Qtq-lKq-FJr~gbcZbxB8Pbv3FpFM4gXxFMO4DrK8yInLMG6Xs2g1lvFyszz9Y4fVMpNwpCDNp4dVDTr0NwJNcrbPn2h76qCGuq92XW9hIouMDBg0Mb87Brc6Yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative (presenter) introduced House Memorial 59, a measure asking the Legislative Council to request that the appropriate interim legislative committee study establishing a formal economic relationship with the Republic of Ireland and consider creating a New Mexico‑Ireland trade commission. The presenter described potential economic ties in agriculture (dairy/formula processing), energy and technology and suggested New Mexico higher‑education institutions could collaborate with Irish partners.

The presenter referenced recent Irish investments such as Glampia’s investment in a cheese facility in Clovis and said links in technology and AI also present opportunities. No opposition appeared in the room; the presenter thanked committee staff and invited further information and recommendations. The roll call recorded a unanimous 10‑0 \"do pass\" recommendation.

Committee members praised the concept; the presenter invited the committee to follow up in the interim study process. The committee adopted the \"do pass\" recommendation and closed the item with informal plans to celebrate the passage.","The committee voted 10‑0 to recommend House Memorial 59, directing the Legislative Council to request an interim committee study formal economic ties and the possible creation of a New Mexico‑Ireland trade commission.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6632053,"Committee approves bill to speed utility site‑readiness process and loan fund for co‑ops",952,3356000,4308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25&start=3356&end=4308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25/thumbnail_3356000.jpg","/articles/6632053/New-Mexico/Committee-approves-bill-to-speed-utility-sitereadiness-process-and-loan-fund-for-coops","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632053-e7f5e348d7ecc940b81e9393ca89fe36/orig.mp4?Expires=1775317222&Signature=G7avCoVtJJTJ~fG6ujmKmq58sS8aG3oz1vzFARJUqowtj2HBKM08gaNO3XFXcHXrAR5xcug5cxQH1T0fe5JMtMiiHuVgYNQx~tz74Kr4hONg6a21NnYFzNhADeoRPP065K6nSV2adxGdmsDbIwA~hDKzGd1bD~2mzlDOLzygHMXympbhF49gDV9eIndBX9VgJ5~pAoWI9YwjiMLS1z5byJckPq~qlnNDZLK2R7f-Df2EXh5LSlvxZIxJm6PhNgcCO0w8XGATNJKoLIUwZfDt5~QO8Iu5hTmzMozEhWVadC-5Hkai4Kr4EGwEyV6KA09eNrxR0t-qA~URzU0GCyY0Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 170, sponsored by Senator Michael Padilla, would create an expedited process for the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) to approve utility infrastructure necessary to prepare industrial and commercial sites (\"site readiness\"). The bill authorizes earlier PRC action to advance utility certificates of convenience and necessity and includes a financing mechanism — a public project revolving fund — to allow rural electric cooperatives to borrow to prebuild infrastructure essential to attracting industry.

Secretary-designate Rod Black and PRC Chief of Staff Choi Acquire provided technical context. Choi told the committee PRC standards, approvals and rate review authority would remain unchanged; the bill shortens review timeframes but does not eliminate regulatory oversight. Supporters including El Paso Electric (Enrico Gonzales), Xcel Energy (Mike D'Antonio), Public Service Company of New Mexico (Carlos Lucero), New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association (Vince Martinez) and economic development groups testified that the bill would shorten timelines that can currently extend multiple years and make New Mexico more competitive for large employers and data centers.

Opponents on Zoom from New Energy Economy argued that fast‑tracking could curtail community input and permit utilities to build generation without prior PRC evidence of cost‑effectiveness; they asked the committee to consider unintended consequences described in the fiscal impact report. The sponsor and PRC staff responded that the bill preserves PRC authority over rates and does not change substantive approval standards — it is intended to accelerate, not bypass, regulatory review.

The committee adopted a clarifying amendment that set a fixed sunset date (replacing a ten‑year sunset phrasing) and added technical clarifications, including use of \"industry standard guidelines for site selection\" and certification language. After adopting the amendment and additional clarifications, the committee voted 10‑0 in favor of a \"do pass\" motion. Committee staff and the sponsor indicated further technical adjustments can be made in subsequent stops, including appropriations because the measure includes financing elements.","Senate Bill 170, which would expedite public regulation commission review and create financing tools to prebuild utility infrastructure for economic development sites, received a unanimous \"do pass\" recommendation after sponsors and PRC staff clarified scope and safeguards.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6632057,"Committee backs expanding broadband funding priorities, passes SB126 substitute",558,2784000,3342000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25&start=2784&end=3342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676008-1738802e8ad44140d82714ba5ed52c25/thumbnail_2784000.jpg","/articles/6632057/New-Mexico/Committee-backs-expanding-broadband-funding-priorities-passes-SB126-substitute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632057-5d026904b9518b9014713c81892955c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775317222&Signature=U8D9~sKlPct2kqxbksHG2oJ5CqOnX8KKf4z61y4nLA6x60CSnuMiGS1JNBhRFF9kwxNIdmWQErNmwa-XgK8em80lnh96wtjKLdMQT6EOR7K2sw0UxC-osd5Sfvbv2MZUm3NXvlQdk3wsarLz-9neiZgUsPinsfGa29-EqOKUL8pZnQVcyvcw1oGJhch~ef99O6xsmrYrVWfh2VeZcWgEauUegrFwDmu2qcJVB~zQKcEQ2g05eeiKnEWYPWGiR4l63sdDGeP5k9qi2Izyjtdw4E41VxJMEMULzLTprJ-bwTzsAEYfTqjp5Xqfi8MEfCLeTdXHXkQX~H9eAmAXrjXcQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Michael Padilla presented Senate Bill 126, a measure to adjust distribution of the state universal service fund toward broadband development and to modernize eligible recipients. The sponsor said the bill would shift a greater percentage of the fund toward broadband projects and, through the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, prioritize projects that expand service in rural New Mexico.

The sponsor described an amendment that replaces the term \"eligible telecommunications carriers\" with \"broadband providers,\" allowing providers that meet current broadband definitions to apply for fund dollars. Supporters from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (JD Bollington) said the change would support distance learning, telehealth and economic development. Opponents, including the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, said removing the ETC designation could have regulatory and eligibility implications; the sponsor indicated willingness to work with carriers and to refine language in later stops.

Leader Armstrong and others discussed the technical implications of ETC status and the fund’s focus; Senator Padilla agreed to work with stakeholders and suggested further cleanups could be made in later committees (appropriations). The committee adopted the amendment and moved the bill. The roll call recorded 10 yes, 0 no on the do‑pass motion.","The committee voted 10‑0 to give a \"do pass\" recommendation to Senate Bill 126 after the sponsor and stakeholders negotiated language to broaden eligible recipients and update program language for the Universal Service Fund allocation toward broadband.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Insurance industry opposes change to offset rules; committee vote rejects amended uninsured/underinsured motorist bill

Committee approves short‑term rental work group composition after sponsor amendments

Committee approves memorial asking legislature to explore trade links with Ireland

Committee approves bill to speed utility site‑readiness process and loan fund for co‑ops

Committee backs expanding broadband funding priorities, passes SB126 substitute