[{"_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",6285273,"mediaKeyId","2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce","parentId",2573947,"title","Committee backs measure letting qualified optometrists perform certain in-office laser procedures after new credentialing","audioSeconds",1613,"startMs",8527000,"endMs",10140000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce&start=8527&end=10140","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce/thumbnail_8527000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6285273/New-Mexico/Committee-backs-measure-letting-qualified-optometrists-perform-certain-in-office-laser-procedures-after-new-credentialing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285273-9bcc54529364bc8d209b4431a593a5bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770751277&Signature=nJJGJAVUMlEdetSUtqiKe9~DBnwUV8H7c0SvoZlp61fJ3nWMP5~CgSy7~G8nIt2b-SbfTc9TN4asGF19XOdvqDvHyTdI1mnt-8Mopz6~h7nxRHeIaQ0~bSXT9jEY6Kof4MxVTqQiKTVQE9B1H8h--o60yfgaHdsqzqf7IAhg6BexK5br6NmxGO8y1A-Jp5XWdw0ZP3Cb~qNCQtApNwnV1rwGNb00psbecXR6hFKjB4Dz2xv9~T0Xze2gqqoEgjAjC12x6auM-dyWZdHJHeJy1RTgPUfywtNAMkXeRfyXPL~91582UFa76mOndkTGJ1vzyAEAKn-U~MVhTRpszKmIuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Mexico Legislature","date","2025-03-12T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate committee recommended passage of House Bill 36, a scope-of-practice measure directing the New Mexico Optometry Board to develop credentialing for optometrists to perform certain in-office laser procedures.

Sponsor Representative (name in record) and optometry witnesses said the proposed procedures — laser treatment for capsular clouding after cataract surgery and several laser interventions for glaucoma and pressure control — are outpatient, microscope-based procedures already performed by optometrists in 12 other states and by New Mexico optometrists under existing practice patterns. Proponents emphasized training in modern optometry programs, cited a record of low adverse-event reporting, and argued credentialing will expand timely access to vision-preserving care in rural areas where patients can face multi‑hour travel to Albuquerque or Santa Fe.

Nut graf: The committee heard strong, split testimony: dozens of optometrists and patients described access benefits and delays in current care; the New Mexico Academy of Ophthalmology, the New Mexico Medical Society and several physician groups opposed the bill, saying the eye is delicate, some procedures carry risk, and current ophthalmology practices can schedule the procedures within weeks. Opponents asked for explicit training, credentialing and adverse-event reporting requirements in statute, and objected to expanding surgical privileges outside of physician training pathways.

Key points from testimony
- Proponents: Optometrists noted that they already perform more-complex in-office procedures and that patients in rural communities face long trips and wait times; representatives said other states allow these laser privileges and that statewide malpractice rates did not spike in states with optometrist laser privileges.
- Opponents: Ophthalmologists and physician groups argued the procedures are not risk-free, urged statutory specificity for credentialing standards, minimum training hours, and mandatory reporting of adverse outcomes.

Committee action and next steps
After hearing about 20 witnesses on both sides and extended questioning, the committee voted to report HB 36 with a do-pass recommendation (recorded as unanimous in the transcript roll call). The bill now heads to the Senate floor; members and witnesses said details of credentialing will be set by the Optometry Board rules, and several senators requested clear rule-making standards and reporting requirements in follow-up work.

Ending: Supporters said the change will reduce patient travel and speed treatment for conditions that can threaten vision; opponents said patient safety requires strict training and oversight. The bill advances with direction for focused credentialing and oversight work by the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Mar 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate committee recommended passage of HB 36, which would let the Optometry Board create credentialing for optometrists to perform specified in-office laser procedures for post-cataract and certain glaucoma treatments.","taxTitle","Senate, Legislative, New Mexico","taxId",78419,"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},6285277,"Senate panel OKs bill to fund statewide education technology infrastructure and move oversight to broadband office",704,2936000,3640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce&start=2936&end=3640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce/thumbnail_2936000.jpg","/articles/6285277/New-Mexico/Senate-panel-OKs-bill-to-fund-statewide-education-technology-infrastructure-and-move-oversight-to-broadband-office","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285277-29a1d795bed62f20548f532cddfae9a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770751277&Signature=gDdgS0kdujid3Q52xF3KHw-pfujwVsTNFFJ0N5WczpxKxSp-6CdGOQCgb9Np7PhemE7EEo9vRu1Rf1GEFvxJ8pno9lT4AiJm71o~npI7CjXI9kzEdDQ18hjLffGrworGevMahLRRQpbUFgLLgE2ks5nhmOYkjbpp7OaN2xbZeov8242w-FTVQVJqOZvQFzrkMLzvH4rO1M1XikaXiOHxDTnj2DcVPtsQ8JKZ4zcxnSCheLTrMFL0H3R6UOIbWighdhOVDkn5Oz30RWriWv3dXCo6s5Q0m9rRMvFQXzFX7kdyxtUPkecGxkCEzr7Xc8D78y3-vaoBKKFR7sDzIlRyaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee gave unanimous do-pass approval to Senate Bill 401, a bill that moves responsibility for the state Education Network and related funding authority into the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion and authorizes supplemental severance tax bonds to fund education-technology infrastructure.

Sponsor Senator Michael Padilla and acting broadband director Drew (last name in record) said the change consolidates stewardship of broadband infrastructure used by schools and reduces administrative friction after a year in which personnel and operating responsibilities were already being coordinated by memorandum of agreement. The office has launched the State Education Network and contracted node locations across the state; the bill formally transfers oversight and establishes an Education Technology Infrastructure Fund to receive bond proceeds.

Nut graf: Committee members pressed on local match, capacity and whether transferring authority affects federal E-Rate and other matching rules. Broadband staff said the change preserves eligibility for federal programs and that the office has expanded staff and operational expertise, including engineers and network operators, and expects to connect the last two New Mexico schools without fiber by June 30, 2025.

Supporting details
- Sponsor said the fund will leverage severance tax bonding to finance educational technology projects and help leverage federal E-Rate funds and other federal opportunities.
- The Office of Broadband has been operating the State Education Network (launched July 1 of the prior year) and contracting with university-hosted node locations; the office has connected multiple entities and expects additional growth.
- Committee discussion noted recurring versus nonrecurring appropriations and that the bond authority ($10 million referenced in the FIR) has been used in prior years; the office seeks to streamline asset management and avoid stranded assets.

Outcome and next steps
The committee issued a do-pass recommendation unanimously and sent SB 401 to Senate Finance. Committee members said technical questions about local matching and the Zuni litigation should be addressed in follow-up with the sponsor and agency.

","Senate Tax, Business and Transportation unanimously moved SB 401, which would authorize severance tax bonds for an Education Technology Infrastructure Fund and transfer oversight of the State Education Network from the Public School Facilities Authority to the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion.",{"_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},6285283,"Senate committee advances bill to let state create fairgrounds redevelopment district, with limits and oversight",2750,129000,2879000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce&start=129&end=2879","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce/thumbnail_129000.jpg","/articles/6285283/New-Mexico/Senate-committee-advances-bill-to-let-state-create-fairgrounds-redevelopment-district-with-limits-and-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285283-4297be46e5152f95f0447ffd286382c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770751277&Signature=goY2dx1lKEwPUWP9Frcql16iCgb6ncuVybhRG2dOgO2sxA46XV14l-J5HA~XrbEn3lTY3uDOe8MhnziYttkBl1Ce-nFBRTSDyYT6jWa9fDqrsNToaQ67CmlyOCMaTyxCUNikaSKIMeQ50n8oz~ARCg3M5j5gkIlNwR0yJdTLZWGBC0E-H7SnlQpbAxLhXegKpFWnpbRBWw9P7HQTU0vxMVuX~ijxTfbgF2nmz4rDW~VsFr-E8L0Xt0VYF4xGAVfvVSA1mo22n-cs0G~0GygoL2j8Lex3dBCgLdiQH9gkw1y8WgdSF32PRHaYoXJZn3I10xjUZeMxJasoI0zn5ZK2Nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Tax, Business and Transportation advanced a substitute for Senate Bill 481 on a 6-3 vote after more than two hours of testimony and debate about oversight, procurement exemptions and community protections.

The bill would authorize a State Fairgrounds District covering the 236-acre fairgrounds in Albuquerque. The district could capture gross receipts taxes generated on site, including a share of racino receipts the sponsor estimated at about $12 million per year, to issue bonds and fund infrastructure and development, subject to approval by the New Mexico Board of Finance and the New Mexico Finance Authority. The bill sets a sunset condition: if the district does not issue bonds by June 30, 2029, tax distributions to the district would terminate and any funds would revert to the state; bond series must mature no later than 25 years and state funding would terminate no later than June 30, 2054.

The sponsor, Senator Michael Stewart, said a master plan funded by a $500,000 RFP already issued by the general services department will propose alternatives for the site and could include moving the fair. \"No decision has been made ahead of time,\" he told the committee, and he described the proposal as a state-level version of a tax increment development district tailored to state-owned land.

Nut graf: Supporters said the tool could finance redevelopment and community benefits for a high-crime, disinvested area east of Central Avenue in Albuquerque. Opponents and several senators pressed for stronger guardrails on procurement, board composition, public reporting and limits on authority.

What the bill would do and guardrails included
- Create a State Fairgrounds District that can contract, manage property and impose taxes within its boundaries, and use locally generated gross receipts for district projects. The sponsor said the bill contemplates up to $1 billion of bonding capacity but requires approval by the Board of Finance and NM Finance Authority before bonds may be issued.
- Require a district plan that lists estimated costs, maps, financing approaches, anticipated private investment and a timeline; the plan must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Finance. The sponsor and counsel said the legislature would also have to approve bond issuances under the substitute adopted in committee.
- Include public transparency requirements: open meetings, published minutes, published budgets and annual reports to the Board of Finance, and a reversion of revenues if bonds are not issued by 06/30/2029.

Key questions raised by senators
- Procurement exemption: Senator Sher raised alarm that the substitute exempts the district from the state procurement code. Counsel and the sponsor said many special districts have procurement exceptions but acknowledged members' concern; Senator Figueroa pressed to restore anti-fraud / anti-bribery procurement provisions and asked to see statutory language before floor action.
- Oversight and bonding approval: Senators sought clarity about the sequence of approvals. Counsel Justin Horowitz outlined multiple checkpoints — a district project plan, Board of Finance approval of the plan and bond issuance, New Mexico Finance Authority approval of bond documents, and final legislative approval — and said annual reporting and reversion provisions were included to protect state interests.
- Board composition and elections: Senators requested that staggered terms and a requirement to hold an election (instead of permissive language) be added so the entire board would not turn over at once.
- Use of revenues and initial base: Senators asked how the district would generate sufficient gross receipts to repay bonds; sponsor and counsel said the district could use gaming and GRT generated onsite and the initial bond proceeds would help spur development that in turn creates additional taxable activity.

Public testimony and community input
Supporters who testified included Roger Valdez of the Center for Housing Economics, Bernalillo County economic development staff, and Terry Cole, CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. They framed the district as a tool to invest in housing, grocery/pharmacy access and neighborhood revitalization and underscored the need for local community benefits language in the district plan.

Committee action and next steps
A motion to issue a \"no recommendation\" failed 4-5; the committee then voted 6-3 to report the committee substitute with the two rolled-in amendments as a do-pass. The bill advances to Senate Finance with members and staff expecting further amendments addressing procurement, board elections and additional guardrails before floor debate.

Ending: If SB 481 continues to advance, staff said the project plan and RFP process will shape whether the fair stays in central New Mexico and what mix of housing, commercial and public space would be proposed; final bond authority will require multiple state approvals and legislative action.

","A Senate committee voted 6-3 to advance a substitute for Senate Bill 481 that would allow a state-created redevelopment district over the New Mexico State Fairgrounds to capture state gross receipts tax revenue for infrastructure and development, subject to Board of Finance and New Mexico Finance Authority approval and a 2029 bonding deadline.",{"_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},6285263,"Committee hears competing claims over horse-racing bill; panel holds Senate Bill 323 for further work",1442,7058000,8500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce&start=7058&end=8500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce/thumbnail_7058000.jpg","/articles/6285263/New-Mexico/Committee-hears-competing-claims-over-horse-racing-bill-panel-holds-Senate-Bill-323-for-further-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285263-b913bc8159687055217fa3fb229a4fed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770751277&Signature=oui1d6BBY9ESCM5iPVEwK2zVLfUPYDSEf856eFLcoLvj~ed8ULDsNU1rBQdVAzUA5gz9q0CwIsGR5022Su~~TEJRFjEw51dyluqKTSLnVaKcO2Sphdep2TDPBXJ09so2lnTYg1vj6qHQ7CBGf6Vksqbs8wz2SEJ587OmQdEKJ5EBV4OYHfdtO4Gc~g5YOuTggWygpRcsXSbazWOBkZoGy6Ape~LCBDHvSAUxiZ33psPqXuZv~4MV0f2yiurNWMcHN5vR7oAe-PZFeBoeAxjHG5ZeO9omV6UA6SEVZCcKjl85c30NnUBi8jIKAvE29kkEbVP0vL8S~XtVbc7zPHTU~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Tax, Business and Transportation heard extended testimony on Senate Bill 323, a measure that would change race-day scheduling language, require state-auditor audits of racetracks and identify the New Mexico Horsemen's Association as the recognized horsemen's group for purposes of interstate simulcasting and related distributions.

Sponsor Senator Zell (presenting) said the bill resolves inconsistencies between the horse racing act and the gaming control statute, aligns simulcast rules with the intent of earlier legislature and restores statutory recognition to the New Mexico Horsemen's Association (an organization the sponsor said has existed since 1966). The sponsor and supporters argued the changes would help revitalize live racing, increase purses and protect the horsemen's role in negotiations over signals.

But witnesses from the New Mexico Racing Commission, tribal gaming interests and several racetrack and casino operators opposed the bill. They argued the measure conflicts with the federal Interstate Horseracing Act, undermines a recent federal court interpretation that the tracks and multiple horsemen groups can be recognized, and could reduce racing animals available for live race days by pushing additional race-day demand onto a shrinking national breeding pool. Several industry witnesses warned of negative fiscal impacts to gaming receipts and cautioned that the 1990s-era number of race days cannot be restored without more horses and without economic effects on purses and gaming revenue.

Nut graf: The committee heard competing legal and industry arguments: the sponsor framed the bill as statutory cleanup and reinvigoration of racing; opponents cited federal law, a recent federal judicial decision, declining breeding numbers and potential fiscal consequences. After hearing testimony from horsemen, commission staff, tracks and industry groups, the committee placed the bill on hold for further review.

Key details and concerns
- Sponsor wants weeks-based race-day language and state-auditor auditing authority over races and machine-related records; sponsor says the goal is to protect New Mexico's racing industry and the horsemen's association that has historically handled benevolence functions.
- Opponents include the New Mexico Racing Commission (which has authority to manage racing matters), casino operators and the horsemen's association's judicial opponents; they cite a federal judge's recent finding and argue naming a single group in statute is legally fraught.

Outcome
Committee held the bill to allow for more study; the fiscal-impact report showed a negative revenue impact under some interpretations and committee members requested further legal and fiscal review before moving forward.","Senate Bill 323, which would change rules around race-day weeks, authorize the state auditor to audit racetracks and name a recognized horsemen's group for interstate simulcasting, drew sharply opposed testimony and was held for further consideration.",{"_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},6285268,"Committee advances funding request to expand mobile-home replacement and senior home repair program",384,4846000,5230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce&start=4846&end=5230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2573947-d27c2d1b1d0a042db890180cda3326ce/thumbnail_4846000.jpg","/articles/6285268/New-Mexico/Committee-advances-funding-request-to-expand-mobile-home-replacement-and-senior-home-repair-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6285268-3613e8ab120f16f9d14b28c2c5f3edfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770751277&Signature=aMne1a81lc3d8qK7rx63LAzrqrpc2LG32w~hxHPjrw6sBMsBD67HUTD2MhbiHs~bKSUulLPVxhAPhPxffNvxBTuZsBHe~g7xQhKP45JneLHM~NgHxD2v10N~UW~4PQXFYW5iMMPo2Cf8r7c9ZHdoKwanBBF0AgVTvYHaFbuDc8ZrP4bQIQZi~p3FidD18kx~Q4vX5idgxbEemFSNLJ8sdtAVW-ibFA1Bc6vV-~AR~WskydBAfnimzeI5e7Qw4do5AXJmb4ay~93fraKmdvZLGXhFMzi~8Ti2mdSSIjG10jyeb1B8uXMYxQflISoi~fKagUnvcnfre0Gw0ENT8q9WHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Tax, Business and Transportation reported a do-pass recommendation for a funding measure that would add $2 million (nonrecurring) to expand mobile-home replacement and senior home repair services operated by the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District in partnership with the Mortgage Finance Authority.

Witnesses from the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District and MFA described a program that repairs unsafe homes for low-income seniors and in some cases replaces dilapidated mobile homes — an intervention that can cost roughly $100,000 per replacement after site work, disposal and utility reconnection. The district said it has repaired 22 homes in a year across many counties, has a wait list and faces contractor capacity constraints. The requested $2 million would replace roughly 18–20 mobile homes statewide and is intended as a nonrecurring appropriation.

Nut graf: Supporters emphasized immediate health and safety threats — lack of indoor plumbing, collapsing roofs and other substandard conditions — and the inability of seniors to afford travel for repairs; the program partners with MFA for fiscal oversight and requires contractor procurement and licensing checks before work.

Committee action
The committee voted 9-0 to report the measure do-pass; legislative staff recorded no opposition in the hearing record. The Mortgage Finance Authority testified it can provide fiscal oversight; program leaders said they are ready to scale but need more contractors and funds.

Ending: The program targets vulnerable seniors living in mobile homes across multiple counties and aims to reduce homelessness and unsafe housing conditions by funding replacement where repair would displace the occupant.","The committee gave a do-pass recommendation to a measure (House/agency language) asking for a nonrecurring $2 million to support mobile-home replacement and senior home repairs statewide, to be administered via the Mortgage Finance Authority and the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee backs measure letting qualified optometrists perform certain in-office laser procedures after new credentialing

Senate panel OKs bill to fund statewide education technology infrastructure and move oversight to broadband office

Senate committee advances bill to let state create fairgrounds redevelopment district, with limits and oversight

Committee hears competing claims over horse-racing bill; panel holds Senate Bill 323 for further work

Committee advances funding request to expand mobile-home replacement and senior home repair program