Video & Transcript Research : 'ward'

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CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Ward. Wicks. Here. Wicks here. Wilson. Here. We have a quorum. You're ready? Thank you.
  • Ward, aye. Wicks, aye. Wilson, aye.
  • Ward. Aye. Ward, aye. Wicks. Aye. Wicks. I. Wilson. Aye. Wilson, aye. Wilson, aye. Oh, sorry.
Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard SB 53 by Senator Wiener after the bill was substantially amended on the floor and referred back under Assembly Rule 77.2. The author explained that the bill, focused on AI safety and frontier models, now applies its main requirements to models trained above 10^26 FLOPs, includes broader whistleblower protections, sets different disclosure obligations based on company revenue, removes Attorney General rulemaking authority in favor of an annual Department of Technology report, and keeps a $1 million-per-violation penalty. He also highlighted CalCompute, a proposed public cloud intended to expand access to compute and support innovation. Supporters, including Encode AI and Economic Security California Action, argued the bill would hold AI developers accountable to their public safety commitments, improve transparency, protect whistleblowers, and help democratize access to AI infrastructure. They said the measure reflects extensive negotiation with the administration and stakeholders and aligns with recommendations from the governor’s frontier-model working group. Opponents, including CalChamber, TechNet, CCIA, and Chamber of Progress, remained opposed unless amended, saying they appreciated the author’s work but still had concerns outlined in their letters. Committee members questioned whether the bill could stifle innovation, how it would address worst-case AI harms, and whether it could reach actors outside California. The author responded that the bill is intended as a light-touch transparency measure, that it applies to entities doing business in California, and that California can still lead in the absence of federal action. Members also emphasized the importance of whistleblower protections and CalCompute. The committee voted 12-1 to pass the bill, with DeMaio voting no and Patterson not voting, and the bill was sent back to the floor.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Ward? I present. Lackey? I'm here. El-Hawari? Here. Gonzalez. McKinner? Here. Ortega? Here.
  • Good morning, Chair Ward and Assembly Members.
  • Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? Aye. Lackey, aye. Lackey, aye. Elhawary, aye. Gonzalez, aye.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard SB 456 by Senator Ashby, the Community Beautification Act, which would create an exemption allowing muralists to do commissioned mural work without obtaining a contractor’s license. The author and supporters said the bill would clarify existing law, preserve public art and placemaking projects, and still leave in place applicable safety, permitting, and contract requirements. Support testimony came from the City of Sacramento’s arts manager and muralist Jaya King, who described mural projects as fine art and community engagement rather than construction, and from numerous local governments and arts organizations, including the League of California Cities, Los Angeles County, Sacramento, Stockton, Glendale, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Riverside, Escondido, and the California Travel Association. Opposition centered on concerns that the exemption could weaken consumer protections in contractor licensing law. One member of the public argued that mural projects can involve construction-related work such as surface preparation and installation, and that licensing requirements, down payments, insurance, and background checks protect consumers and should not be bypassed. A representative of the State Building and Construction Trades also expressed concerns but said the author’s office had been engaged and a follow-up meeting was scheduled. Several committee members spoke in favor, saying murals are clearly public art and an important part of neighborhood identity and local culture. The chair and other members described the bill as a common-sense clarification that would reduce barriers for artists and cities seeking to permit mural projects. The committee then voted 9-0 to pass SB 456 and re-refer it to the Business and Professions Committee.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Education (03/17/2026)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm openly wards, 115,000 people.
  • County, overlapping with Senator Ward. County, overlapping with Senator Ward.
  • So, Senator Ward, if I may, I'll make a motion.
  • So, Senator Ward, if I may, I'll cases.
  • Thank you, Chair Ward. Any other bills you want to take out?
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Emily French, and Rhonda Ward. Call Terry Putnam, Emily French, Rhonda Ward. Those are the three.
  • French and Rhonda Ward. Thank you.
  • Rhonda Ward. Ms. Ward, thank you. We've been very good. We know you've got a lot going on today.
  • My name is Rhonda Ward, eighth generation Texan.
  • Ward, and thank you for your testimony. Welcome. Welcome.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (05/22/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Ward.
  • Senator Ward seconds.
  • <01:22:18.560> Senator<01:22:18.960> Ward Senator Ward seconds.
  • Ward. The motion is ought to pass on Ward.
  • Senator Ward, yes. Senator Inis, yes. Senator Ward, yes.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Natural Resources Aug 21st, 2025

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair calls Bob Harden. 62 Kevin Ward Amber S Stelli Vanessa Puig Williams. 63 I think so.
  • For the record, my name is Kevin Ward.
  • Ward this question.
  • The Chair calls Bob Harden, Perry Fowler, Sarah Kirk, and Kevin Ward.
  • The Chair calls Kevin Ward. He's still here, I believe. He left. Kevin Ward.
Bills: HB24, HB27
Summary: The committee met to hear House Bills 27 and 24 on groundwater issues in East Texas, with members and witnesses focusing on a proposed large-volume groundwater export project and the need for more science before major permitting decisions are made. HB 27, which was within the special session call, would direct the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a hydrogeologic study of the aquifers in the affected area and temporarily pause new export permits while the study is underway. HB 24, a separate bill that would limit certain production and export permits to 5% of modeled available groundwater, was laid out but the chair said it would not be moved out of committee. Testimony on HB 27 was largely supportive, though some witnesses were neutral. Supporters, including representatives from a water supply corporation, the Trinity River Authority, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the region lacks enough hydrologic data, that the proposed pumping could affect private wells, surface water, and local economies, and that the state needs better information on sustainable yield and groundwater-surface water interaction. Several witnesses emphasized that groundwater conservation districts need clearer tools and better data, while also noting concerns about property rights and the rule of capture. Committee members discussed the scale of the proposed project, the absence of a groundwater conservation district in Houston County, and the possibility that the study should examine desired future conditions and maximum sustainable pumping rather than only modeled available groundwater. The committee adopted the committee substitute for HB 27 and voted it out favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass, be printed, and be sent to the Committee on Calendars. The roll call was unanimous, 11 ayes and 0 nays. After the vote, members briefly reflected on the complexity of the issue and the need to continue working on broader groundwater policy in the interim and next session. HB 24 was discussed later in the meeting, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • in the city, and there'll be one counselor per ward.
  • For a ward, right now each councilor is elected at large, along with the at-large school committee.
  • At a duly held town meeting, Carver voted to dissolve the North Carver Ward District by a vote of 110
  • Carver Select Board and Finance Committee also have unanimously supported dissolving the North Carver Ward
  • The ward-based representation, with eight ward-represented councilors and three at-large councilors,
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee held a lengthy hybrid hearing of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, with testimony spanning local board training, animal welfare and enforcement, municipal charters, water district dissolution, and other home rule matters. Chairs Rausch and Lewis set strict time limits because of the large number of speakers and explained that written testimony would also be accepted. Members heard from local officials, advocates, municipal employees, and residents, with many bills receiving broad support from municipal and advocacy witnesses. Several speakers supported bills requiring or expanding training for local boards and commissions, including pre-service training for planning, zoning, and other land use boards. Supporters said training would help volunteers understand complex laws, improve consistency, reduce legal challenges, and speed up housing and development decisions. Related testimony also backed a bill to modernize historic district commissions and another to allow associate planning board members to serve more broadly when needed to maintain quorums. A major portion of the hearing focused on animal legislation. Witnesses supported bills to expand citations for cruel conditions beyond dogs, update dangerous dog procedures, improve animal health inspections and breeder oversight, strengthen tethering rules, and protect pet consumers. Animal control officers, humane organizations, and some victims of dog attacks described enforcement gaps and the need for clearer standards, while several dog trainers and the American Kennel Club opposed parts of the dangerous dog bill and tethering restrictions, arguing they would limit humane training tools and professional discretion. The committee also heard strong support for a bill to create a statewide pet shop and consumer protection framework. The committee also heard testimony on several local home rule petitions. Medford officials and residents strongly supported a new city charter that would replace the current at-large council with ward-based representation and periodic charter review. Wayland representatives supported a bill to preserve the library’s Millennium Fund as intended, Cambridge officials backed creation of an employment and job training trust, and Carver officials supported dissolving the North Carver Water District due to compliance and financial problems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up materials.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zabur. Mr.
  • AB 322 by Assemblymember Ward. Clerk will read.
  • Assembly Bill 322 by Assemblymember Ward, an act relating to pupil health.
  • Assemblymember Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  • Thank you Assemblymember Ward. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll.
Keywords: 988, house, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

06/02/2026 - Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse

Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse

Transcript Highlights:
  • Toit is ethically obligated to represent the wishes of the ward, even if the ward has diminished capacity
  • Toit is ethically obligated to represent the wishes of the ward, even if the ward has diminished capacity
  • Anybody that's advocating for you, they remove them so the ward is isolated. Then they medicate.
  • independent review of repeat complaint patterns and repeat offenders; stronger protections ensuring wards
  • All of these parties are supposed to be acting in the best interest of the ward.
Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse opened by explaining it was gathering testimony on elder abuse, especially alleged misconduct involving court-appointed systems such as guardians ad litem and fiduciaries, to identify gaps in law and oversight and develop legislative fixes. The chair limited each witness’s time, asked for names and contact information for follow-up, and repeatedly noted that some allegations might warrant referral to law enforcement, the attorney general, or county attorneys if basic criminal elements were present. Several witnesses described alleged abuse in guardianship, conservatorship, and fiduciary cases. Dr. Holly Lauder said her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was subjected to allegedly deficient psychological capacity evaluations that ignored treating doctors and family input, leading to a fiduciary arrangement that later resulted in neglect. Kevin Axson described his mother’s probate case, saying a guardian ad litem and conservator were appointed after a family financial dispute, that the guardian ad litem and fiduciary had little contact with his mother, and that the estate was burdened with substantial fees and a $200,000 bond requirement. Frieda Alvarado testified about a 94-year-old client, Samuel Armento, saying he was isolated, medicated without his request, and treated without dignity after a fiduciary and care team took control. Bill Chalmers, Johnny Hamilton, and Kathy Hamilton also testified about Sam Armento’s case, alleging isolation, excessive fees, conflicts of interest, and poor oversight by fiduciaries and caregivers. Other witnesses raised broader concerns about Arizona probate practices. David Redkey said he has been under a long-running conservatorship despite earning degrees and maintaining capacity, and alleged that court-appointed professionals and fiduciaries overcharged his estate and blocked efforts to terminate the arrangement. Susan Wolfe described the Peyton case, alleging that a wife’s conservatorship and related court actions led to the loss of assets, exclusion of witnesses, and large fees for a relatively small monthly care bill. Dr. Lewis Heller, an OB-GYN and disciplinary committee member, said the medical evaluations he reviewed showed the people involved were competent and that the conduct he observed was unethical and possibly criminal. Renee Self testified that she lost her role as trustee and spent large sums defending her father’s estate, alleging that the probate process stripped her father of assets and limited her access to him despite APS findings that her actions were in his best interests. No formal committee votes or legislative actions were taken in the excerpt, but members repeatedly expressed concern, asked for documents and transcripts, and indicated they would follow up with witnesses and consider stakeholder meetings to craft legislation addressing oversight, transparency, and accountability in guardianship and fiduciary systems.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 2/25/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • She is also a legacy of the old Fourth Ward community that you've heard us speak about with such great
  • She is also a legate of the old fourth<00:22:22.880> ward<00:22:23.280> community<00:22
  • :23.679> that<00:22:23.919> you've<00:22:24.240> heard fourth ward community that
  • you've heard fourth ward community that you've heard us<00:22:24.640> speak<00:22:24.880>
  • rightfully as a ripoff for her ward rightfully as a ripoff for her words<00:22:38.799> to<00:
Summary: The Maryland Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dorene Robinson of Weman Memorial AM Church in Baltimore, followed by a quorum call showing 41 members present. The chamber then spent much of the session recognizing guests and visitors, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Morgan State Choir, the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team, the Elijah Cummings Youth Program, students from several schools, faith leaders, and other community guests. Several senators also introduced personal guests and offered birthday recognitions, including Mrs. Eliza May Robinson and the Secretary of the Senate. On the legislative side, Senate Bill 988 on judicial facilities, stops, detention, and arrest limitation rules was introduced and referred to the Rules Committee. Bond initiatives were also read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The chamber took up Senate Bill 108 on wetlands enforcement, but the minority leader said members still had questions, and the bill was special ordered until Friday without objection. The Senate also adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team for winning the 2025 4A/3A Maryland State Golf Championship, including recognition of senior captain Zoe Kusak’s individual title. Another resolution congratulated Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, North Atlantic Region, for its advocacy and community service. The session ended after committee schedule announcements and a motion to adjourn until the next day, with the Senate agreeing to adjourn until Thursday, February 26 at 10 a.m.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Chairman Ward, and members of the Select Committee.
  • Good morning, Chair Ward and select committee members.
  • Good morning, Chairman Ward and members of the committee.
  • Good morning, Chairman Ward and members of the committee.
  • And I want to thank Assembly Member Ward for bringing us together.
Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology met on August 19, 2025 to examine the effects of federal grant cuts, tariff uncertainty, and related policy changes on California’s biotech, medtech, and academic research ecosystem. The chair and panelists emphasized California’s outsized role in the industry, describing major clusters in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and explaining how research, startup formation, manufacturing, and clinical trials are interconnected across the state. Speakers from Biocom California, California Life Sciences, Farma, UC, Stanford, CSU Biotech, and UCLA all argued that NIH and NSF funding are foundational to discovery, workforce training, and commercialization, and that disruptions are already chilling venture capital, startup formation, and hiring. Witnesses described several concrete impacts: suspended or terminated grants, reduced doctoral admissions, fewer training opportunities, canceled retreats and internships, and anxiety among graduate students and early-career researchers. UC reported hundreds of millions of dollars in suspended or terminated NIH and NSF funding, while Stanford said more than a thousand training and career-development grants nationwide have been frozen or ended, affecting multiple trainees per grant. CSU Biotech said 133 federal grants had been terminated, scaled back, or canceled, totaling about $140 million, including nearly $30 million from NIH and NSF. Industry representatives also warned that proposed antitrust limits on mergers and acquisitions could undermine the standard biotech exit path and further deter investment. Committee members asked about the duration of the disruption, the possibility of state action to offset federal losses, and whether California could better support workforce development, manufacturing, and R&D tax credits. Panelists urged the Legislature to preserve and expand state support for STEM education, internships, apprenticeship pathways, manufacturing incentives, and the R&D tax credit, and to consider infrastructure and housing as part of competitiveness. They also noted that tariffs are already raising costs for medtech components and building materials, and that China is increasingly competing for R&D, talent, and licensing deals. No formal votes or bill actions were taken at the hearing; the meeting was informational and focused on testimony and discussion.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HOU-WLA Public Hearing 02-17-2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, I want to comment for the Ward Jack in the Box location.
  • For the Ward Jack in the Box location, there's really nowhere for anybody to park on the street.
  • Interesting. for the Ward Jack in the box location. for the Ward Jack in the box location.
  • >> Uh, at the corner of Ward and Capilani, the Jack in the Box site in the old Gallagher office, law
  • Ward and Capilani.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint hearing covered several housing-related measures. On SB 2068, which would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to study how to maximize housing on transit-oriented development and other state and county lands, testimony was mostly supportive from agencies and housing groups, with one opposition witness. In response to questions, OPSD said it was already working on a list of potential parcels but could not yet identify unit counts or a timeline, and estimated about $250,000 would be needed for staffing and contractual support. The committees also heard SB 2227 on rental assistance, which would require HPHA to make monthly rent supplement payments, prioritize certain tenants including kupuna, allow agreements with counties and nonprofits, and create a special fund supported by a transaction fee on recordings. HPHA supported the bill, and the Department of the Attorney General said it recommended amending the measure to describe the fee as a tax. Additional testimony included support from elder and community organizations and one opposition witness. For SB 2061, relating to residential condominiums and the 99-year leasehold program, HCDA and the project developer testified in support of amendments intended to preserve owner-occupant requirements while making the project more marketable and financially feasible. Members focused heavily on parking, affordability, and financing. HCDA and the developer said the parking stalls would be unbundled from the units, that the project would be a 99-year leasehold with 60% of units reserved for buyers at or below 140% AMI and 40% market-rate, and that the state’s $15 million equity contribution would cover only part of the parking garage and commercial component. The hearing then moved on to SB 3327, relating to HCDA and complete communities, but the transcript cuts off before that measure was fully discussed.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Education (04/23/2025)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Ward. Yes. And again, thank you for indulging me as the late comer today.
  • Senator<01:02:11.839> Ward. Senator Ward. Senator Ward.
  • Thank you, Chair Ward. I again have been part of this discussion for a few years.
  • <01:24:12.760> I<01:24:13.760> again as um, thank you, Chair Ward.
  • I again as um, thank you, Chair Ward.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Rules Committee Jun 16th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is there a motion on item number five, HR 43, by Assemblymember Ward? Is there a second?
  • And then on item number five, item number five, HR 43, Ward. Flora? Flora not voting. Patel? Aye.
  • H.R. 43, Ward. Lackey, there I go, not voting on that. Lackey, not voting. Thank you.
Summary: The Rules Committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the committee took up a consent agenda along with item number five, HR 43 by Assemblymember Ward. Members voted on the consent agenda first, and the motion passed. The committee then separately considered HR 43, which also passed by roll call vote. Several members were recorded as voting aye on the consent items and on HR 43, while some members were noted as not voting on one or both items. The chair left the roll open briefly for late-arriving members before closing the vote. After the votes were completed, the committee adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jul 14th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sanchez, Chiavo, Schultz, Sharp Collins, Solace, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
  • Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized from Mr. Speaker's desk for your guest introduction.
  • Thank you, Assembly Member Ward, and welcome Comcast Fellows. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
  • Assembly Member Soria, Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members.
  • Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member Fong, you are recognized. Good afternoon, Mr.
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, adopted the previous day’s journal, and handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee notices and moving some bills and items on and off the file. Members also introduced a number of guests and fellows on the floor, including Equality California Comcast Fellows, tribal youth visitors, interns, local officials, and community representatives. On the floor file, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1216 (TK-12 omnibus education technical changes), AB 377 (high-speed rail), and AB 951 (health care coverage), and adopted ACR 103 declaring July 14-18, 2025 as California Western Monarch Protection Week. The body also adopted AJR 18, a resolution calling for an official legislative apology to California Native Americans for historic injustices and affirming support for healing and reconciliation, and ACR 71 designating a portion of State Route 101 as the Little Saigon Freeway. Each of these measures drew supportive remarks from multiple members, and co-author rolls were opened before final adoption. The Assembly also adopted SCR 66 proclaiming Law Day, after a lengthy partisan debate over the rule of law, executive power, and recent federal and state actions; the resolution was ultimately adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added. Members then adopted SJR 3 urging Congress to reverse SNAP cuts and protect CalFresh benefits, with debate focused on food insecurity, fraud, work requirements, and the impact on low-income Californians; the resolution passed with 69 ayes and no noes after 70 co-authors were added. SB 757, authorizing local governments to use nuisance abatement liens or special assessments to collect abatement costs, also passed 68-0, and ACR 94 on anti-microbial resistance was adopted on the consent calendar. The session concluded with adjournments in memory honoring Jane Day, agricultural leader John C. Harris, and Willie Earl Arno, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the schedule for the next floor session. The Assembly adjourned until Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 9 a.m.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST

Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Ward excused. Chair, your recommendation is adopted. Thank you, Chair.
  • is to pass with amendments, noting the excused absence of Representative Lohen and Representative Ward
  • 41.599> anyone<00:44:42.160> have<00:44:42.480> voting<00:44:42.960> with Ward
  • Does anyone have voting with Ward.
  • recommendation is to pass as is, noting the excused absence of Representative Lohen and Representative Ward
Keywords: 910, house, all
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Mark Ward. Okay. Is the assistant deputy director still in place with the changes? He is, yes, sir.
  • Ward, Mark Ward. So he's running SIEC and he's running the other division.
  • Ward, Mark Ward. So he's running SCIC and he's running the other division.
  • And now it's rolled in with Mark Ward and recovery.
  • And now if you have Mark Ward, who’s now in the recovery division, and he’s the chair of the SCIC and
Keywords: 965, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster. Laura Sori of the Department of Conservation and Energy said the agency has inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the earthquakes, found no permit violations, and is requiring monthly reporting of daily injection data. LSU and Tulane researchers explained that the swarm includes about 50 earthquakes detected by USGS since December 2025, including a 4.9 magnitude event on March 5, and that better monitoring is needed because Louisiana has very limited seismic station coverage. Dr. Cynthia Ebinger said her temporary array has detected more small quakes than USGS, that the pattern looks more like a swarm than normal aftershocks, and that the data suggest pressure changes in the subsurface, though no definitive cause was identified. Keith Hall of LSU described how other states responded to suspected induced seismicity with more monitoring, more frequent reporting, injection limits or moratoria, and “traffic light” systems that escalate regulatory responses as seismicity increases. Members asked about depths, fault locations, possible links to injection or fracking, and whether more monitoring and data-sharing should be pursued; several speakers said Louisiana likely needs a denser monitoring network and more structured data collection. A Texas geoscientist, William Berger, also testified that Texas uses large-scale data analysis and AI to study injection-related seismicity and argued for secure sharing of operator data to improve forecasting and risk management. The committee then took testimony on UAV and drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base. GOSEP said the incident was logged in WebEOC and the common operating picture, but that Barksdale did not request direct GOSEP resources and that the matter was handled through law enforcement channels. Louisiana State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose, but confirmed multiple drone sightings on the morning and evening of March 9 and continued monitoring for several days. State Police said they have created a task force with the Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs Association, GOSEP, and LSP, and that officers are receiving FBI-related training to help detect and, where authorized, mitigate drones. Members discussed whether the activity was nefarious, what counts as an incursion, and the need for better public education about drone restrictions near military and critical infrastructure sites. No formal action was taken, but members said the issue will continue to be tracked alongside pending legislation. Finally, the committee received a one-year update on the merger of GOSEP with the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department. Major General Thomas Freelieu and Brigadier General Jason Maffus said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, shifted administrative functions to the Military Department, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance. They said the agency has modernized its common operating picture, returned staff to in-person work, and continued statewide preparedness exercises. Freelieu highlighted Guard missions including cyber expansion, the new Air National Guard cyber squadron at Jackson Barracks, modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing, and ongoing support for homeland security missions in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Maffus said GOSEP’s core mission remains emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and that the merger is intended to make state support to parishes faster and more efficient.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> Representative Pier Deont, Hillsboro County 20, Ward 9, Manchester. >> Representative Dale Swanson
  • from Ward One of Nashua.
  • I represent Hillsboro, District 11, which is National Ward 8. >> Thank you.
  • >> Representative Dale Swanson from Ward >> Representative Dale Swanson from Ward One
  • 48.640> 2, Representative Linda Ryan, Ward 2, Representative Linda Ryan, Ward 2, Nshawa.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee began with introductions and a description of the day’s process: a full committee work session on four bills, with no public testimony, followed by caucus and then executive action. The first bill discussed was HB 113, concerning OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor. Representative Nab presented an amendment that would require a public hearing and Department of Transportation approval, modeled on procedures used in Coös and Grafton counties. Members discussed whether Windsor had already held a local vote or hearing, whether minutes from a town meeting existed, and whether the amendment truly preserved local control. A Windsor resident testified informally that the town had not taken a final vote and that the matter had been left to the state. Committee members also raised concerns about noise, dust, public safety, and the fact that the road in question would connect OHRVs on a state road rather than a trail system. The chair closed the work session on HB 113 and said the committee would return after caucus to vote on the bill and amendment. The committee then took up HB 595FN, relative to coastal resilience zones. Representative Nat said the bill addressed flooding concerns in both coastal and inland New Hampshire, but that the sponsor viewed it as too complex and had recommended breaking the issue into separate parts in future legislation. On that basis, Nat said it was appropriate to ITL the bill, and noted that the sponsor supported that course. No further discussion followed, and the work session was closed. Next was HB 629FN, funding the operation, maintenance, and repair of state dams. Representative Darby explained that the original bill had proposed both a waterfront frontage tax and a $5 charge tied to boat registration, but that the amendment would replace the bill by removing the frontage tax, moving the $5 dam-maintenance fee to the boat decal section of statute, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2027. Darby said the larger fee had raised concerns about impacts on current-use property and enforcement, while the revised $5 fee would raise roughly $500,000 to $600,000 annually. Representative Dunn thanked Darby and said the Marine Trades Association supported the revised approach. A question was raised about whether the original prime sponsors supported the amendment; the chair said they were on board, and Darby added that the proposal reflected recommendations from a prior study committee. The committee then closed HB 629FN and opened SB 27FN, relative to dwellings over water. On SB 27FN, Representative Derby said he opposed the bill because it would take away public access rights and amounted to a one-off legislative solution for a private concern. Representative Donnelly asked how many similar structures might be affected and whether the Department of Environmental Services knew of other cases; DES responded that there was one other related case under settlement compliance and no other active cases with the same issue. In follow-up discussion, DES clarified that the proposal was not a shoreland 50-foot setback issue, but rather involved structures extending over public water. The discussion remained focused on the scope of the bill and its potential precedent-setting effect, with no vote taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

MEMBER'S OWN Apr 22nd, 2026

Arkansas All Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rawls and Demetrius Johnson, and whereas also integral to the Bears' success were managers Justin Ward
  • Whitaker, Peyton Myers, Carrington Quick, Miley Clopton, Caroline Pearson, Chloe Haddeburg, Kaylee Ward
  • And whereas Lady Tigers team member Kaylee Ward was a four-time all-state player honoree, was named to
  • Kaylee Ward ended her career with 1,962 kills and was the season team leader in kills and blocks, with
Keywords: 1204, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session Mar 28th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ward Johnson Ward Johnson is Ms.
  • Ward Johnson on the floor of the House temporarily strike her name Warton. Wilson Will He's here.
  • Miss Ward Johnson on the floor of the House, strike her name. Mr. Riddell and Ms.