Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:07:57.840><c> I</c><00:07:58.400><c> Senator</c><00:07:58.720><c> Ward,</c><00:07:58.960><c> do<
• I Senator Ward, do you have any issues.
• Senator Ward, do you have any feedback given your experience?
• Senator Inis, would you like to propose a committee amendment, or would you like to put off the bill?
• /c><00:12:24.000><c> a</c><00:12:24.320><c> committee</c> like to propose a a committee like to propose

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Assembly Member Ward has been a leader on criminal justice reform.
• And Assembly Member Ward has been a leader on criminal justice reform.
• And also, Assembly Member Ward, who is the chair?
• I'm kidding, Assembly Member Ward.
• A second proposal I want to plant in your minds...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Jason Kraft, and I'm a captain of the Ward County Sheriff's Department of
• Captain Kraft, in light of the amendment that was proposed earlier, assuming that amendment would make
• Captain Kraft, it sounds like the Ward County State’s Attorney has dealt with the court side as far as
• And I guess I would add to that, that it would seem to me that the Ward County State’s Attorney has hit
• And I guess I would add to that, that it would seem to me that the Ward County State's Attorney has hit

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on HB 1596, which would change low-level marijuana and THC possession and paraphernalia offenses into non-criminal citations or infractions, with fines and court procedures varying by amount and age. The bill’s sponsor said it was intended to reduce burdens on law enforcement, prosecutors, indigent defense, and the courts, while still deterring possession; testimony from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents supported the bill but suggested an amendment to keep those under 21 in infraction status rather than non-criminal citation status, to align more closely with alcohol laws. Committee members questioned whether the bill was based on weight rather than potency, how it would affect criminal records, and whether the proposed amendment would treat 20-year-olds with marijuana similarly to 20-year-olds with alcohol. Opposition came from the Chiefs of Police Association, Ward County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association, which argued the bill would decriminalize a Schedule I substance and move North Dakota toward legalization contrary to voter decisions. They also said existing local plea practices already reduce workload and that the bill would still leave law enforcement with evidence handling and reporting duties. After debate, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation on HB 1596 by a 5-2 vote. The committee then took up HB 1416, a gaming-related bill involving charitable gaming and the ability to conduct multiple gaming activities at a site. Members discussed concerns about rural facilities, local flexibility, and whether the bill was necessary given that gaming activities can be paused or covered during another event. Senator Myrdal moved a do not pass recommendation, which passed on a 5-2 vote. The committee then adjourned until the next morning, with two bills still pending for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the representative of Ward 5 in Manchester, which is a working class neighborhood and this is my
• I'm the representative<00:10:51.720><c> of</c><00:10:52.160><c> Ward</c><00:10:52.480><c> 5</c><00:10
• of Ward 5 in Manchester, which<00:10:53.720><c> is</c><00:10:53.839><c> a</c><00:10:53.920><c> working
• The current proposal under consideration was House Bill 1484, introduced on February 5th of this year
• </c><00:58:47.640><c> 5</c> working-class neighborhood like Ward 5 working-class neighborhood like Ward

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, thank you, Chair<01:39:43.520><c> Ward.
• And once again, thank you Chair Ward.
• My name is Janet Ward.
• I have spoken to Senator Ward. I am Patty Long.
• I am the person Ward. I am Patty Long.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and how do you propose to do that? and how do you propose to do that?
• Ward, &gt;&gt; no.
• in Ward 2.
• in Ward 2.
• in Ward 2.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward being absent today, we do have a substitute to present the bill. Please step forward.
• Ward. Following the halt of the production, the shortage of the penny and, to Ms.
• AB 1793, Ward. The motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Valencia? Yes.
• CBA is currently reviewing all of the committee's proposed amendments.
• To resolve this, we propose removing that provision.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an amendment to the proposed sub.
• There's a proposed substitute Foxtrot and an amendment to the proposed substitute.
• But yeah, I move proposed substitute Foxtrot. Proposed substitute Foxtrot is now before us.
• There's a proposed substitute Juliet and an amendment to the proposed substitute.
• There's a proposed substitute Kilo and amendments to the proposed substitute.

Bills: SB5925, SB6086, SB6074, SB5962, SB6296, SGA9272, SGA9255, SGA9256, SGA9271

Keywords: Attorney General, civil investigative demand, CID, subpoena-like demand, investigative authority, consumer protection, civil enforcement, pre-suit investigation, document production, interrogatories, deposition, oral testimony, confidentiality, trade secrets, judicial review, enforcement action, Washington RCW, law enforcement powers, government transparency, due process

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee met on February 3 to consider several bills on executive action, along with gubernatorial appointments. On Senate Bill 5925, which would expand Attorney General civil investigative demand authority, members debated amendments narrowing the bill for small businesses, law enforcement use-of-force matters, criminal investigations, and response deadlines. Amendment Charlie was adopted, Amendment Delta was rejected, Amendment Echo was withdrawn as duplicative, and the bill ultimately received a do-pass recommendation to Rules. The committee also confirmed Kristen Ferrer, Lisa Mannion, Kate Ben Ward, and Rochelle Cleland to their respective appointments. The committee then considered Senate Bill 6086 on judicial officer safety and threat assessments. A proposed substitute retained threat assessment authority and removed internet personal-information provisions, while amendments to limit consultant authority and tighten threat standards were debated. The amendment to remove security consultants was rejected, and the proposed substitute was approved and sent to Rules. Senate Bill 6074 on reinstituting parole was narrowed to create a parole re-institution work group; an amendment adding two victim-advocate members was adopted, and the bill was sent to Rules. Senate Bill 6296 on involuntary treatment drew the most discussion. The proposed substitute removed some enforcement and firearms-related provisions, narrowed definitions, and adjusted law enforcement and court procedures. Amendments addressing firearms, officer liability, and warrant-entry authority were debated but not adopted. The committee noted that some language would need further cleanup, but the proposed substitute ultimately received a do-pass recommendation and was referred to Ways and Means. The meeting ended with thanks to committee staff and adjournment at the House of Origin policy cutoff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward here, or? Is Mr. Ward here or? You went to...
• Ward is here. I'm going to stay going in file order. So I think Mr. Ward is here. There he is.
• Ward putting into the bill. And I don't know if you have a response to that. Thank you, Mr.
• Ward, may close. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• And that includes acknowledging the amendments that are being proposed in the analysis and accepting

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I'll move approval of the minutes. >> Moved by Senator Long, seconded by Senator Ward.
• >> Second. >> Move to approved by Representative Schmidt, seconded by Senator Ward.
• Schmidt, seconded by Senator Ward. All Schmidt, seconded by Senator Ward.
• We're going to see all that happen when they follow up with the initial proposal.
• </c> follow up with the initial proposal. follow up with the initial proposal.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened its September meeting, seated alternates to establish a quorum, approved the prior minutes and consent agenda, and then moved to the regular calendar. The main substantive item was the kinship care home licensing standards rule (2025-130), which had a conditional approval request with three comments. Committee discussion focused on whether the rule and statute aligned on temporary permits, renewal, and whether a statutory amendment might be needed. Department of Health and Human Services and DCF staff explained that kinship care licenses are issued for two years and may be renewed, while the temporary six-month permit is meant to bridge applicants until licensure. They also said the rule was amended to reflect statutory language, and members suggested adding clearer language to avoid confusion. The committee then approved the conditional request, including oral amendments for clarity, and noted that any needed statutory cleanup would be added to a running list of possible changes for future filing. The committee next took up an emergency rule from the Lottery Commission concerning games of chance and video lottery terminals. Staff said the emergency rule was needed to avoid substantial fiscal harm to the state and loss of expected revenue, and that it largely builds on existing charitable gaming infrastructure. Members questioned the emergency basis and asked about precedent for using fiscal harm as justification, but staff said they did not have precedent information immediately available. The commission representative said regular rulemaking was already underway and would be brought to the commission at its October meeting. The committee did not take adverse action on the emergency rule during the discussion. Finally, the committee reviewed Department of Safety Commissioner Emergency Rule 14357 on school bus transportation qualifications. The rule creates an exception for applicants whose driver’s license validity had a gap of no more than 30 days due to suspension or non-renewal, which staff said would help address a school bus driver shortage and reduce transportation problems for students. Members raised the possibility of a legislative fix to distinguish administrative lapses from safety-related suspensions, and staff said that could be considered. The committee noted the emergency rule is only effective for 180 days and will return through regular rulemaking for fuller review. The meeting ended with scheduling for the next regular meeting on October 17 and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• and they wanted to still vote in that ward because their parents had a home there and they were not
• ward. a Supreme Court case back in can't a Supreme Court case back in can't remember<00:04:44.080><c
• </c> a citizen had moved out of their ward a citizen had moved out of their ward and<00:04:52.880><c>
• cuz their parents had a home there ward cuz their parents had a home there and<00:04:56.960><c> they
• I represent Merrimack, District 16, which is also Concord Ward 2.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He had worked with a number of other scholars related to proposals for state regulations.
• Scholars related to proposals for state regulations and how those are administered.
• This is an effective step, and so that's why we're proposing it.
• We proposed the rules, right?
• That's certainly not what I've proposed and or it, you know, on a normal basis.

Bills: HR9, HB709, HB1011, HB1057, HB1186, HB1245, HB1247, SB49, SB425, SB479

Keywords: human rights, individual liberties, Magna Carta, constitutionalism, free speech, Uniform Construction Code, building code, construction code, inspector licensing, building inspectors, plans examiners, public inspector, private inspector, private inspector company, building official, code enforcement, Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission, state fire marshal, International Building Code, International Residential Code

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal reduces that down to $30 per month.
• Basically, I'll make it easier: the Governor's proposal of $100 a month versus our proposal of $30 a
• Ward? Ward, aye. Wilson? Wilson, aye. Ayes 18, noes 6. Thank you very much.
• LCHC opposes the proposed Medi-Cal freezes and the $30 premium.
• Those proposed cuts actually do the opposite.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The following items are proposed for consent: File item number two, AB 1640 by Assemblymember Stephanie
• File item five, AB 1954 by Assemblymember Ward; file item 13, ACR 210 by Assemblymember Jackson; file
• Assemblymember Ward. Thank you, Madam Chair and members. I appreciate it.
• AB 2772 now proposes allowing this voluntary entity to charge civil penalties.
• AB 2772 now proposes allowing this voluntary entity to charge civil penalties.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1921 on video game shutdowns. The author and Consumer Reports supported requiring game operators to give 60 days’ notice before ending server support and to offer a menu of remedies, including refunds or playable/offline alternatives, while the Entertainment Software Association opposed the bill as an unwarranted new standard for digital products and raised safety and legal concerns about community servers. Members questioned the scope of refunds, copyright, and community-server issues, and the author said he was open to further amendments. The bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. AB 1965, dealing with cannabis testing, was presented as a measure to strengthen the Department of Cannabis Control’s authority over testing labs and improve product safety and transparency. The California Cannabis Operators Association supported the bill, saying it would help ensure consistent standards and protect consumers in a market with a large illicit component. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. The committee also heard AB 2141, which would allow the Board of Pharmacy to resolve certain disciplinary matters through a voluntary pre-accusation settlement process. The author and a supporting pharmacist said it would speed resolution of smaller, technical cases and reduce costs, while a member raised concerns about transparency and whether the public would have less information about licensee misconduct. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations, with Senator Menjivar voting no, and was placed on call. AB 2163, creating strategic clean energy and critical mineral development zones, was supported by the author and Imperial County as a way to prioritize geothermal and lithium development in areas like the Salton Sea region; it passed on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. Later, AB 1990 on compounded weight-loss drug advertising drew significant debate. Supporters argued it would curb misleading ads and require disclosures about risks and non-FDA approval, while opponents from the compounding pharmacy community said it would create burdens, duplicate existing false-advertising law, and could harm patient access. Members questioned whether the bill actually addressed targeting minors and whether it would force use of FDA-approved labeling; the author said the bill was meant to add specificity and guardrails. The bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Senate Judiciary, with some no votes, and placed on call. The committee also heard AB 2783 on court reporters, which would add a national certification pathway and extend a remote reporting pilot; it drew support from court reporting stakeholders and passed unanimously on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations, placed on call. Finally, AB 2771, the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education sunset bill, and AB 2772, the interior design certification sunset bill, were presented and heard with mixed testimony: AB 2771 received support from student and borrower advocates and was moved to Senate Education, while AB 2772 drew both support and strong opposition over CCIDC governance and accountability, with the committee hearing extensive public comment before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> independent poll conducted by Ward independent poll conducted by Ward Research,<00:25:37.760><c>
• Becky Ward in support. Karen Kalanta in support. Terri Bevesman in support. Kangas Lee in support.
• Becky Ward in support. Karen in support. Becky Ward in support.
• We are going to accept DO taxes proposed amendment, and on section three, line seven.
• We're also going to pass this with HA's proposed amendments.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Solace, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Collins, Solace, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• in his budget One of the big discouragements of the Governor's proposal in his budget is that he does
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Also rise in support of H.R. 21.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.

Summary: The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then proceeded through routine floor business and several ceremonial resolutions. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules to withdraw AB 844 from committee and bring it directly to the floor; that motion received 16 ayes and 45 noes. The body also unanimously approved a request to re-refer AB 341. Members then adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding coauthors: ACR 35 recognizing Greek Independence Day, ACR 17 honoring women in carpentry and the BOOTS apprenticeship program, ACR 50 designating March 24, 2025 as Special Olympics Day, and H.R. 21 proclaiming Transgender Week of Visibility and March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility. Each resolution drew supportive remarks from multiple members, while H.R. 21 also prompted extended debate, including opposition centered on girls’ sports, locker rooms, and claims about state policy affecting transgender Californians. In each case, the resolutions were adopted after the coauthor roll and voice vote. The session concluded with adjournment in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr., who died in the line of duty on March 17. Several members spoke in tribute to his service, his work with youth football, and his family. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• What has been proposed? It's Is Okay. What has been proposed? It's Is this<01:26:45.120><c> correct?
• c> the</c><01:57:34.239><c> Senate</c> Senator Ward moves that the Senate Senator Ward moves that the
• Senator Ward for the committee.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<04:14:11.279><c> Ward,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; yes
• &gt;&gt; Senator<05:49:46.798><c> Ward,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; yes

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the financier of this proposed project has already gone up on social media.
• Kevin Ward, Amber Stelly, Vanessa Quig-Williams. Groups. Thank you.
• For the record, my name is Kevin Ward.
• Take place, and is there a defined scope of study that you're proposing?
• Kevin Ward. We will show Kevin Ward as registered for the bill, not testifying. Fine. Amber Stelly.

Bills: HB24, HB27, HB24, HB27

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it was a proposed substitute, second substitute.
• There are three amendments to that proposed substitute.
• Do we have any questions on the proposed second substitute, the second proposed substitute that Megan
• I move adoption of Ward 257, page 5, line 6.
• And in fact, the proposed substitute is specifically around developing, And in fact, the proposed substitute

Summary: The House Education Committee met in executive session on several bills, beginning with House Bill 1795 on restraint and isolation in schools. Staff described the proposed substitute as prohibiting mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints, limiting planned use of restraint to cases with written medical necessity and parental consent, and revising the definition of serious harm. Members debated amendments clarifying that serious harm can include harm to another person, barring construction of rooms designed primarily for student isolation, and adding a null-and-void clause. The committee adopted the first two amendments but rejected the null-and-void amendment, then advanced the bill as amended. The final roll call on HB 1795 was 10 ayes, 7 nays, and 2 excused, and it was reported do pass as amended. The committee then considered Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would create a statewide technical assistance and training framework for student behavioral health, coordinated by OSPI and ESDs with behavioral health agencies and community partners. A second proposed substitute removed some implementation requirements, narrowed the bill to coordination and access to services, added family-focused consultation and planning language, and removed certain reporting and needs-assessment provisions. A null-and-void amendment was offered but failed. Supporters said the bill would provide schools with flexible technical assistance rather than mandates, while opponents raised concerns about fiscal impact and unfunded obligations. The committee approved the bill on a 12-5 vote with 2 excused and reported it do pass. The committee also received staff briefings on House Bill 1662, which would require several education-related agencies and entities to transition to separate administrative services and operational independence on a delayed timeline, and House Bill 1683, which would adjust school board director-district election requirements and thresholds. No amendments were noted on HB 1683, and the committee did not reach final action on either of those bills before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur. Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
• objection, such shall be the order. to suspend assembly rule 118A to allow assembly members Erwin, Ward
• Ward to do his guest introduction from Mr. Speaker's desk. Mr. Ward, you are recognized.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member Ortega, you are recognized.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, completed the roll, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing visitors, students, and a long-serving committee secretary, Tabitha Volga-Sang, who was honored for 32 years of service. Members also took up a procedural motion by Assembly Member DeMaio to immediately consider ACA 14, the Taxpayer Protection Act, without reference to file; that motion failed on a 14-44 vote. The main policy debate centered on SB 106 by Senator Laird, a budget appropriation to provide $90 million in one-time funding for Planned Parenthood and related women’s health and family planning services after federal cuts. Assembly Member Tangipa offered amendments arguing the money should be directed more broadly to women’s health and hospitals, but the Assembly voted 41-13 to lay the amendments on the table. Supporters, including Gabriel, Sharp-Collins, Gibson, Krell, Bonta, and others, said the bill was needed to preserve access to cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, and reproductive care, especially in rural and underserved communities, and to offset the effects of federal defunding. Opponents, including Johnson, DeMaio, Patterson, and Tangipa, criticized the bill as lacking transparency, favoring a politically connected organization, and diverting attention from hospital funding and other health needs. After extended floor debate, SB 106 passed the Assembly 55-10 and was transmitted immediately to the Senate. The chamber then took up H.R. 84, a resolution condemning racism after President Trump circulated racist imagery depicting former President Obama and Michelle Obama. Members from the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, AAPI, Jewish, Native American, and other caucuses spoke in support, saying the post normalized dehumanization and had real-world consequences; Assembly Member Tangipa also stated the post was wrong and apologized on the record. The transcript ends during continued debate on H.R. 84, before a final vote is shown.