Transcript Highlights:

• Rep Perez, Rep Ward Johnson, Rep Davis. And Rep Schaffner. All right, Mr.
• Representative Ward Johnson.
• Represent Ward Johnson. Thank you, Chairman.
• Uh, Brett Ward Johnson. Rep Davis. And Rep Schaffner.
• Rep Perez, Rep Ward Johnson, Rep Davis. Rep Shotner.

Transcript Highlights:

• current budget. ...which is wholly inadequately funded in the current budget, and so far nothing proposed
• , we have labor and maternity wards...
• , we have labor and maternity wards in those rural hospitals that are being completely closed down.
• Plumas County under their public hospital district to ensure that there is maternal and maternity ward
• And there are a couple of colleagues that really talked about the closure of maternity wards, and I am

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to read the the end of my proposal. to read the the end of my proposal.
• I'm openly wards, 115,000 people.
• County, overlapping with Senator Ward. County, overlapping with Senator Ward.
• </c> The sole purpose of this proposed The sole purpose of this proposed statute<01:22:24.800><c> is<
• So, Senator Ward, if I may, I'll cases.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 12 measures proposed for consent. Actually, one of those is Senator Grove's bill.
• Christine Ward Waller, representative. Thank you. Next witness, please.
• Jeannie Ward Waller, representing People for Bikes.
• There weren't any amendments proposed. I want to thank the committee staff for their work.
• Jeannie Ward-Bowler on behalf of People for Bikes, in support.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on local transportation funding, roadway safety, e-bike regulation, veterans’ parking access, high-speed rail reporting, autonomous vehicle oversight, and wildlife-vehicle collision planning. SB 1408 would authorize Contra Costa County to place a countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot; supporters said it would continue funding highways, transit, bike/pedestrian projects, and paratransit, while CalTax opposed it over affordability and tax burden concerns. SB 990 would allow targeted Caltrans business-logo signage for Ridgecrest along Highway 395; supporters framed it as a rural safety and economic access measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1167 would tighten consumer protections by clarifying what qualifies as a legal e-bike and requiring clearer labeling and disclosures; supporters included bicycle advocates, medical groups, local governments, and auto clubs, while no opposition testified. SB 1034 would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanent and total by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, with strong support from veterans’ organizations and no opposition. SB 1177 would require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information on revenue options, timelines, and international comparisons; the City of Burbank opposed, while the sponsor argued the bill preserves a historical record and transparency. SB 1246 would impose new remote-operations, response-time, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicles; first responders and labor groups supported it, industry and business groups opposed it as duplicative of recently enacted law and DMV rules, and the committee discussed possible amendments and coordination issues. The committee also considered SB 1279, which would extend Long Beach’s speed camera pilot to Pacific Coast Highway; supporters cited fatal crash data and pedestrian safety, while the CHP association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions. The committee then took up SB 1250, a planning bill to integrate wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation into transportation planning, with the author emphasizing targeted crossings and fencing at known hotspots. Several consent items were approved on a 10-0 vote, and SB 1246 was reported out 7-2, while other bills were held on call pending quorum or later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's my understanding that the original proposed governor's budget proposal had a $60 million General
• So it's my understanding that the original proposed governor's report or budget proposal had a $60 million
• They are maternity wards that literally don't have any money; they're closing.
• Because that's what we did to these hospitals that are closing these maternity wards.
• Rural hospitals have labor and delivery wards.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 prohibition on Medicaid funding. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants through the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which lasts through July 4, 2026. Members also discussed why the amount increased from an earlier $60 million estimate, with Finance saying the figure was updated based on additional claims data and provider information. The committee debate focused heavily on the policy implications of the funding. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and related family planning services, emphasizing that the funding would backfill non-abortion services such as cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, mammograms, and prenatal care. Opponents questioned the use of General Fund dollars, the grant structure versus loans for other distressed providers, the Public Records Act exemption, and the bill’s priority compared with rural hospitals, developmental services, public safety, and other budget needs. Finance clarified that the federal funds at issue do not pay for abortion services and that the grant program would be open to eligible providers meeting criteria set by the department. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from Planned Parenthood affiliates, Essential Access Health, Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Medical Association, family physicians, OBGYN groups, and others, while some commenters used the opportunity to raise unrelated budget concerns such as Medi-Cal dental cuts, IHSS, and CalHome funding. After discussion, the committee approved AB 106 on a 12-4 vote and reported it out. The chair also noted that a later hearing would examine broader H.R. 1 impacts in more detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no. Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no.
• </c> Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no. Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no.
• </c> Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no. Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no.
• Representative Ward, yes. yes. Representative Ward, yes.
• Representative Ward, yes. Yes. Yes. Representative Ward, yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the public hearing on SP 523 and welcome up Grant Bossy to introduce the bill on behalf of Senator Ward
• Grant Bossy was welcomed to introduce SB 523 on behalf of Senator Ruth Ward, the bill's prime sponsor
• Here to introduce SB 523 on behalf of Senator Ruth Ward, the bill's prime sponsor.
• The New Hampshire Homebuilders Association came to Senator Ward with an idea to prevent this sort of
• </c> commerce committee and Senator Ward commerce committee and Senator Ward agreed<00:04:43.360><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's my understanding that the original proposed governor's report or budget proposal had a $60 million
• They are maternity wards that literally don't have any money; they're closing.
• Because that's what we did to these hospitals that are closing these maternity wards.
• What was previously included in the Budget Act and what we're proposing to fund now.
• Rural hospitals have labor and delivery wards.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 Medicaid funding prohibition. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants by the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which runs through July 4, 2026. The Legislative Analyst’s Office had no additional comments. Members also discussed related budget context, including the broader estimated loss to California providers, the use of grant funding rather than loans, and provisions exempting some contract and records information from public disclosure. Committee debate focused on whether the funding was an appropriate priority amid other budget pressures. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers, emphasizing that the clinics provide broader primary care services such as cancer screenings, STI testing, contraception, and prenatal care, and that the funding is not for abortion services because federal Medicaid dollars cannot be used for abortion. Opponents questioned the size of the appropriation, the use of General Fund dollars, the transparency exemptions, and why similar aid was not being directed to rural hospitals, disability services, Proposition 36, or other budget needs. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from reproductive health, medical, and health equity organizations, with some unrelated comments urging funding for dental care, disability services, housing, and county health systems. After public comment, the committee voted on AB 106 and passed it on a 12-4 vote. The bill was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:51:32.240><c> several</c> 216 um it makes uh proposes several 216 um it makes uh proposes several
• I'm not saying anything proposed isn't reasonable.
• I'm not saying anything proposed isn't reasonable.
• I'm not saying anything proposed isn't reasonable.
• <01:42:10.560><c> amendment</c> proposed amendment proposed amendment 0620<01:42:13.880><c> um</c><01

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would now like to invite Chair Ward to make any opening comments. Well, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you, Chair, and Chair Ward. Would any other committee members like to make a statement?
• Assemblymember Ward. Thank you both for putting this hearing on together.
• Ward and to the entire committee. Looking forward to a robust presentation here today.
• All unincorporated areas, and that's going to include stretches of the proposed game route.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would also like to recognize Chair Chris Ward and members of the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports
• I would now like to invite Chair Ward to make any opening comments. Well, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Assemblymember Ward. Thank you both for putting this hearing on together.
• Ward and to the entire committee. Looking forward to a robust presentation here today.
• All unincorporated area, and that's going to include stretches of the proposed game route.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, with opening remarks from Assembly Members Tina McKinnor and Chris Ward emphasizing the Games’ cultural, economic, and statewide significance. Members highlighted opportunities for arts and culture, tourism, and community participation, while also noting the need for orderly proceedings and public cooperation. LA28 leaders Reynolds Hoover and Janet Evans described the organizing committee’s structure, the scale of the event, and its goals of delivering a fiscally responsible, no-build Games centered on athletes, sustainability, and legacy benefits. LA28 testified that the Games will be the largest in Olympic history, with more than 15,000 athletes, over 800 events, more than 50 venues, and a budget of $7.2 billion. They discussed venue plans, the athlete village at UCLA, the addition of new sports such as cricket, flag football, lacrosse, squash, and baseball/softball arrangements, and the first Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Members asked about fashion and merchandising, faith-based participation, venue upgrades, housing, small business opportunities, environmental goals, and athlete mental health. LA28 said it is prioritizing local and small business participation, has launched youth sports and volunteer initiatives, and is working with the IOC on mental health support and with venue owners on improvements. City of Los Angeles representative Paul Corcoran outlined the city’s role in maximizing economic benefit and long-term legacy through the Mayor’s “Games for All” vision, including accessibility, human rights, youth sports, arts and culture, and transportation improvements. He said the city is using tools like RAMP, Compete for L.A., business source centers, and procurement and financing programs to help local businesses participate, and that the city is seeking broader support for arts and culture programming tied to the Cultural Olympiad. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins described transit planning for a “transit-first” Games, including the Games-Enhanced Transit Service, borrowing about 1,700 buses from agencies nationwide, and asking the state for $379 million in construction funding for legacy transit projects. She said all projects are environmentally cleared and expected to be ready in time for the Games, while members raised concerns about traffic, multilingual wayfinding, and the need for strong public messaging to reduce congestion. Public comment urged that the Games be experienced beyond venues and across communities, and no formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And noting the excuse absence of Representative Ward, Chair, your recommendation is adopted.
• </c><01:02:05.319><c> for</c> the absence of Representative Ward for the absence of Representative Ward
• I'll note that Representative Ward is excused for the absence. Representative Loen votes aye.
• </c> representative wards representative wards ABS<01:09:56.520><c> excuse</c> absence<01:10:00.440><
• Representative Quinlan is excused, as is Representative Ward.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Very recently, the governor just submitted an energy affordability bill that proposes to eliminate the
• Very recently, the governor just submitted an energy affordability bill that proposes to eliminate the
• And Ian, Ian Ward. Hopefully you can hear me. I've got my phone and my computer.
• Ian Ward, appointed by the House Minority Leader.
• Ian, Ian Ward, appointed by the House Minority Leader. Ian Ward, how do you vote? Yes.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting was the final session of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century, convened to adopt its final report. The chairs described the report as the product of extensive public engagement, research, and collaboration, focused on challenges and opportunities for Massachusetts agriculture, including climate resilience, farmland access, workforce development, food security, and farm viability. Several members and stakeholders thanked the chairs and staff for the multi-year process and emphasized the value of hearing directly from farmers and industry participants. Senator Barrett offered a detailed set of draft corrections and concerns for the record, including the report title, outdated references, repeated definitions of MDAR, the need to better reflect suburban communities, and a possible tension between recommendations supporting anaerobic digestion and a governor’s proposal affecting the alternative portfolio standard. The chairs noted that comments had been circulated for written review and said substantive feedback would be considered, while also indicating the document was nearing finalization. The commission then held a roll call vote and unanimously voted to adopt the final report, with all members present voting yes. The chairs said the final report would be formatted, published online, and distributed to stakeholders and the public, with a public rollout and media briefing planned for the fall. They also noted that the report was intended to support related legislation already filed or expected to be filed in the Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<01:45:32.000><c> Ward,</c> Senator Ward, Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; yes. &gt;&gt; yes.
• Senator Ward. Senator Ward: Thank you, Madam President.
• Senator Ward. Senator Ward: Thank you, Madam President.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<10:57:48.080><c> Ward,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; no
• &gt;&gt; Senator<10:59:17.840><c> Ward,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; yes

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, Senator Ward.
• </c> Senor thank you very much Senator Ward Senor thank you very much Senator Ward and<00:31:31.039><
• I represent the village of Penacook, which is a ward of Concord.
• </c><01:06:07.319><c> of</c> Penacook which is a ward of Penacook which is a ward of conquered<01:06:
• Senator Pce thanked Chair Ward and Representative Perez for taking his question.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we see something in the city or in the ward area, we're going to take action.
• I serve two wards in addition to that. So it's wide-ranging what you have here.
• So if we see something in the city or in the ward area, we're going to take action.
• He can go put lights in his car and start writing tickets in that ward.
• They have no... can go put lights in his car and start writing tickets in that ward.

Summary: The committee first approved the April 28 minutes and announced that Senate Bill 499 was voluntarily deferred. It then heard several House bills, beginning with HB 168, a reentry/transitional housing program for female parolees near release; supporters said it would improve public safety and reduce recidivism, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 322, a cleanup bill from the Maggie Grace Act clarifying that victims or families requesting transcripts would not be charged, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 622, which aligns Louisiana criminal history information practices with federal rules, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 821, moving the School for Safe Centers from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, was reported favorably as well. The committee then took up HB 364, which directs State Police to partner on public awareness efforts about the illegality of discharging firearms, especially around holidays. An amendment removed a proposed printing cost and shifted the bill toward PSAs; the bill was reported favorably with amendments. HB 568, which strengthens enforcement of drug-free school zone laws by creating a clearer offense for openly smoking or vaping illegal drugs in school zones and setting a specific penalty for marijuana, drew extensive debate. Supporters, including the author and governor’s office, said it was needed to protect children and families and to give law enforcement a workable deterrent. Opponents argued it would impose harsh, geography-based penalties, sweep in medical cannabis patients and veterans, and worsen racial and fiscal disparities. After roll-call, the committee reported HB 568 favorably by a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved HB 296, a cleanup bill removing long-defunct programs from statute, without objection. HB 823, creating an Orleans Parish DA pilot diversion program for unhoused people accused of nonviolent offenses, was supported by Covenant House and others as a way to avoid criminalizing homelessness and was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1038, a major bill revising the authority and liability structure of city marshals and local governments, prompted extensive testimony. The bill and amendments would limit some marshal powers in smaller jurisdictions, require local approval for certain staffing/insurance matters, and allow local governments to restore powers by ordinance. Supporters said it would reduce liability, clarify authority, and address problems in some marshal offices; opponents, including multiple marshals and law enforcement supporters, said it would undermine elected marshals, hurt small offices, and was too broad and under-studied. The transcript ends amid that hearing, with no final committee action shown on HB 1038.

Transcript Highlights:

• Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Mr. Speaker.
• By line number 55, that's AB 1070 by Assembly Member Ward.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. AB 1349. Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors, community college delegations, students, caregivers, a retired Assembly staff member, and a championship high school football team. Members also observed an adjournment in memory for Alex Preddy, a VA nurse killed in Minnesota, and later for Kathy Wooten and Rowena Ramos. The chamber then moved through the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. Among the bills taken up, AB 34 on renewable portfolio standard exemptions for publicly owned utilities passed 55-0; AB 35 to accelerate implementation of Proposition 4 climate resilience funds passed 62-0; AB 52 on food and agriculture equity passed 50-6; AB 72 creating an EV economic opportunity zone passed 58-0; AB 96 removing a diploma requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialists passed 55-0; AB 230 extending Pierce’s disease control programs passed 64-0; AB 277 requiring background checks for behavioral health employees passed 59-0; AB 647 clarifying a county RV disposal pilot passed 54-0; AB 664 authorizing limited bachelor’s programs at Southwestern Community College passed 60-1; AB 673 creating a support grant for unaccompanied homeless youth passed 55-1; AB 710 on dynamic electricity pricing passed 54-0; AB 748 streamlining pre-approved housing plans passed 65-0; AB 767 expanding protections around sexually violent predator placements near schools and daycares passed 65-0; AB 883 protecting officials’ personal information from data brokers passed 66-0; AB 946 expanding 30x30 conservation efforts to urban areas passed 65-0; AB 1054 creating a deferred retirement option program for CHP and Cal Fire passed 61-1; AB 1070 on missing middle housing code simplification passed 66-0; AB 1159 strengthening student data privacy passed 54-4; AB 1204 revising the Local Control Funding Formula passed 54-1; AB 1265 extending the historic building tax credit passed 64-0; AB 1349 banning speculative ticketing passed 61-0; AB 1359 allowing seniors 80+ to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note passed 67-1; AB 643 on organic waste procurement credits passed 48-4; AB 685 creating a small business resiliency fund passed 63-0; AB 714 tightening oversight of commercial driving programs passed 65-1; and AB 805 establishing a youth apprenticeship bridge program passed 66-0. Several other items were passed and retained or continued without debate. Debate on AB 1054 drew the sharpest disagreement, with opponents warning about pension costs and supporters arguing it would help retain experienced CHP officers and firefighters. AB 767 also prompted strong comments about public safety and placement of sexually violent predators in rural communities. On AB 1349, supporters from both parties backed the anti-speculative ticketing bill as consumer protection, while AB 664 drew support from members emphasizing access to higher education in underserved regions. The Assembly then adjourned until January 29, 2026, after announcing upcoming session dates and recording a few vote changes from the dais.

Transcript Highlights:

• Toit is ethically obligated to represent the wishes of the ward, even if the ward has diminished capacity
• Both of them listed the proposed guardian and conservator to be Jennifer Stubbsky.
• A budget was proposed for the conservatorship of roughly $137,000 for nine months.
• The budget proposed for the conservatorship was roughly $137,000 for nine months.
• All of these parties are supposed to be acting in the best interest of the ward.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 12 measures proposed for consent. Actually, one of those is Senator Grove's bill.
• Christine Ward Waller, representative. Thank you. Next witness, please.
• Jeannie Ward Waller, representing People for Bikes.
• Jeannie Ward-Bowler on behalf of People for Bikes, in support.
• Jeannie Ward Waller, representing Pew, Climate Plan, and the National Wildlife Federation.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard a long agenda of transportation-related bills, with several district-specific measures and statewide policy proposals. Early in the hearing, SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa County to place a new countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot to continue funding highways, local roads, transit, biking and walking infrastructure, and paratransit. Supporters said it would preserve funding continuity for major projects; CalTax opposed it over affordability and sales tax burden concerns. Senators discussed that the bill would only place the measure before voters, not enact the tax itself, and a motion was made, but no vote could be taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee also heard SB 990, a rural signage bill for Ridgecrest along Highway 395, which would allow Caltrans business-logo signs to direct travelers to lodging, food, fuel, medical services, and other amenities. The author and local witnesses framed it as a safety and economic development measure for an isolated community; there was no opposition. SB 1167, authored by Senator Blakespear, would tighten consumer protections in the e-bike market by distinguishing legal e-bikes from higher-powered e-motos, requiring clearer labeling and disclosures, and improving incident reporting. It drew broad support from bicycle, medical, local government, auto club, and safety groups, with no opposition. SB 1034 by Senator McNerney would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, aligning state procedures with federal disability determinations; veterans groups strongly supported it and no opposition was heard. The committee then heard SB 1279, which would add Long Beach’s Pacific Coast Highway corridor to the city’s existing speed safety camera pilot. Supporters said PCH accounts for a disproportionate share of fatalities and crashes, especially involving pedestrians, while opponents from the highway patrol and business groups said the issue should be handled under existing or upcoming rules. The California Highway Patrol Association later moved to neutral after discussions about amendments. Finally, the chair presented SB 1177, to require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information such as revenue options and comparative project history, and SB 1246, a bill to impose stronger remote-operations, response-time, training, reporting, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicle operators. SB 1177 drew support from the U.S. High-Speed Rail Association and opposition from the City of Burbank, while SB 1246 drew strong support from firefighters, labor, and many drivers and cyclists, but opposition from the AV industry, Chamber of Commerce groups, and a retired CHP official who argued the bill was too prescriptive and conflicted with new DMV rules. Members debated safety, data reporting, first responder access, and whether the bill should wait for rulemaking; the hearing ended with motions and discussion, but the transcript does not show final votes being taken on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 12 measures proposed for consent. Actually, one of those is Senator Grove's bill.
• Christine Ward Waller, representative. Thank you. Next witness, please.
• Jeannie Ward Waller, representing People for Bikes.
• There weren't any amendments proposed. I want to thank the committee staff for their work.
• Jeannie Ward-Bowler on behalf of People for Bikes, in support.

Keywords: 987, senate, all