Representative Chatfield presented Senate Bill 101 as amended, saying the bill "raises the cap" on livestock inspection fees but does not immediately increase fees and that any annual fee increase would be limited to 10¢ per inspection.

Belinda Garland, executive director of the New Mexico Livestock Board, told the committee the board sets inspection and brand fees through rulemaking and a 30-day public comment period. "The increase on livestock inspection fees can only be increased 10¢ annually," Garland said, and the board intends gradual increases phased over two decades.

Industry groups and producers told the committee they support the change as modest and necessary to keep board services funded. Michelle Frost Madert, speaking for the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, said the board has "worked diligently, responsibly, and generally successfully" and urged support. Producer testimony noted the agency has not raised these fee caps in about 20 years and that higher inspection costs reflect rising operational expenses.

Committee members confirmed there was a quorum and proceeded to a motion. Representative Zamora moved a do-pass recommendation on SB 101 as amended and Representative Boboy seconded. Chair Ortez announced the committee recorded a unanimous do-pass on SB 101 as amended. "You have a due pass unanimous on senate bill 1 0 1 as amended," Chair Ortez said.

The bill leaves the specific fee schedule to the Livestock Board’s rulemaking process (in NMAC) and retains statutory limits on annual increases and special provisions noted in testimony for seasonal grazing movements, which would be charged at 50% of the standard inspection rate when applicable.

The committee did not record individual roll-call votes in the hearing transcript; Chair Ortez announced the outcome as unanimous. The measure will move forward with the committee’s do-pass recommendation.