Video & Transcript : 'proposed ward' :
Page 19 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Senator<00:56:44.160><c> Ward.
- </c> Senator Ward. Thank you, Madam Chair. Senator Ward. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Based on uh proposed budget cuts yes.
- Senator Ward will be it out. All right.
- Senator Ward, do you want to I. Okay.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The proposed hem tax wipe positive will like by LAO and others.
- Next up, the final item, 6, AB 474 by Assembly Member Ward.
- Ward, you may close. Thank you, Mr. Chair and members. You know, it’s been noted.
- Ward, you may close. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members. You know, it's been noted.
- We will follow item number 6, AB 474, Ward.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with members explaining that measures with significant fiscal impacts would be held for suspense or taken up later. AB 761 would let the Monterey-Salinas Transit District place a local sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board rather than needing approval from each member jurisdiction; supporters said it would preserve transit funding for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, while an opponent argued it would make it easier to raise a regressive tax. The bill was voted out 5-2 after being called for absent members. AB 1253, which would clarify property tax treatment for wildfire reconstruction beyond substantial equivalence, drew support from the Los Angeles County Assessor and the California Assessors Association but was sent to suspense. AB 8, dealing with hemp enforcement, intoxicating hemp products, and integration of hemp cannabinoids into the cannabis supply chain and tax system, drew strong support from cannabis operators and labor groups and opposition from small cultivators and public health advocates concerned about supply, tax revenue, and voter intent; it was also sent to suspense.
The committee then heard AB 1138, a major expansion and modernization of the film and television tax credit program. Supporters, including entertainment unions, workers, studios, and local officials, said the bill would help keep production and jobs in California amid competition from other states and countries; opponents criticized it as picking winners and losers and argued broader business costs were the real problem. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 829, which would create a California Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund and voluntary tax contribution program to support research and services, received unanimous support from advocates and was approved 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 474 would exempt rental income from nonprofit home-sharing programs for low-income homeowners from state income tax and protect participants’ eligibility for certain benefits; supporters said it could help older adults age in place and address housing shortages, and the bill was sent to suspense after members asked for clarification on the fiscal estimate.
The committee also heard AB 376, which would exempt wildfire settlement payments from state income tax for certain disaster survivors; supporters from rural counties said the money is meant to help victims rebuild and should not be taxed, and the bill was referred to suspense. Finally, AB 480 would allow developers using low-income housing tax credits to switch from allocated to certificated state credits after an award, with supporters saying it would maximize private investment and stretch housing dollars further; it too was sent to suspense. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance policy goals with fiscal impacts, and several bills were held or referred to suspense rather than voted out immediately.
ND
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
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
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.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> branch uh the governor's proposal branch uh the governor's proposal created<00:39:27.200><c> an<
- They are her wards as commissioner of DHS.
- They are accountable; they are her wards as commissioner of DHS.
- Um, they'd be wards of the state of Minnesota, right?
- This current setup, a current proposal, um, as I see it, is a total disaster.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The consent calendar has the following bills proposed for consent for today's hearing.
- AB 260 is an important proposal to protect safe and legal reproductive health care here in California
- AB 309 proposes to eliminate the current sunset provision.
- This proposed analysis is vital for making informed decisions to address workforce needs in specific
- We know that 46 maternity wards, actually it's more than that, 52, have closed since 2012.
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion.
The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills.
The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.
NH
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Proposed consent agenda, which is entirely of AB 2143, Irwin.
- And I think that what the chairman has proposed and the committee has proposed, which is what you're
- Ward has three bills before. For us, very much appreciated. So Mr.
- Something Member Ward mentioned in one of our investigations.
- You know, I learned them from my neighbor Chris Ward.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (09/24/2025)
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.
- </c> >> Representative Dale Swanson from Ward >> Representative Dale Swanson from Ward One
- 48.640><c> 2,</c> Representative Linda Ryan, Ward 2, Representative Linda Ryan, Ward 2, Nshawa.
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.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward, you can go ahead and proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members.
- Ward, for our conversation as well. I had a couple questions.
- Ward. Madam Vice Chair, sure. I just kind of an out-of-the-box thought.
- Ward. Madam Vice Chair, sure. I just kind of an out-of-the-box thought.
- Item 5, AB 474, Ward. Assalie? No. No. Ward. Assaly? No. Assaly, no. Item 7, AB 628, McInner.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection.
AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services.
AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations.
AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And this proposal gives us the opportunity to change that.
- , pediatric wards, mental health wards, all in order to keep the front door of the hospital open.
- > all</c><00:19:51.679><c> in</c><00:19:51.840><c> order</c> wards, mental health wards, all in order
- wards, mental health wards, all in order to<00:19:52.240><c> keep</c><00:19:52.400><c> the</c><00:19
- Well, Senator Rest has outlined the bill and provided great background on this proposal.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/17/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you represented one ward, you know, if one ward was in a county commissioner district, that whole
- So if you represented one ward, you know, if one ward was in a county commissioner district, that whole
- For the record, my name is Representative Suzanne Vale, and I am a representative from Nashua Ward 3,
- </c><00:46:29.040><c> amendment</c><00:46:30.240><c> and</c> "She has seen the proposed amendment and
- for uh an income tax by the proposals for uh an income tax by the New<01:11:21.280><c> Hampshire</c>
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Rep Ward-Johnson? Here. Rep. Davis and Rep. Schaffner.
- I wonder if by proposing and passing passing bills like this.
- Thank you, Representative Ward-Johnson, back to you, thank you.
- No, but I would like to thank Somos Tejas, Representative Ward-Johnson.
- Representative Ward-Johnson. Did you have more to add to that?
Bills:
HB232
Committee:
House Higher Education
Keywords:
disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have 21 bills on today's agenda, with two bills proposed for consent.
- called Assemblymember Ward.
- Ward. The motion is due pass as amended. AB 1793 by Mr. Ward.
- By item number 10, AB 2089 by Assembly Member Ward.
- Next we have file item number 11, AB 2222 by Assembly Member Ward.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several tax-related bills, beginning with AB 760, which would exempt settlement payments tied to the Garden Grove chemical incident from California income tax. The author and a school district trustee described evacuations, school closures, and losses to residents, businesses, students, and staff, arguing the payments should make victims whole rather than be taxed. There was support from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, no opposition, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations, with committee amendments accepted.
Members then heard AB 2319, creating a California post-production tax credit for film and television work done in-state, even when principal photography occurred elsewhere or the project did not receive the existing film credit. The author and supporters from the Motion Picture Editors Guild, California Post Alliance, and others said post-production jobs and facilities are leaving California and that the bill would help retain high-wage work; opponents were not present. The committee members generally supported the measure, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. AB 2186 followed, excluding future reparations benefits for descendants of formerly enslaved people from state income tax. The author and NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference said taxing such benefits would undermine reparative justice; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 3-0.
The committee also heard AB 762, which would ban the sale of disposable nicotine vapes and add enforcement tools. Supporters, including waste, recycling, local government, and public health groups, said disposable vapes create fire hazards, waste problems, and costs for local agencies; opponents argued the bill would mainly eliminate the legal market while leaving illicit products untouched and urged stronger enforcement instead. The author accepted committee amendments adding CDTFA enforcement, but the bill was not voted on because a motion was pending and members were absent. Later, AB 1519, AB 2172, AB 2222, AB 1793, AB 2089, and AB 1265 were heard and each received support from committee members and passed 2-0 or 3-0 to Appropriations, with amendments accepted where noted. AB 1519 clarified that the 20-year tax collection statute of limitations should not be reset by later fees or penalties; AB 2172 would let large counties use a single assessment appeals commissioner for complex property tax appeals; AB 2222 would create a temporary tax credit for local news organizations to retain and hire journalists; AB 1793 would authorize symmetrical cash rounding to the nearest nickel after the federal penny phaseout; AB 2089 would streamline the welfare exemption filing process for affordable housing; and AB 1265 would extend and revise the historic building tax credit to encourage adaptive reuse for housing and mixed-use projects.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- This proposal is not just a cost savings; it's also about fairness and accountability.
- And let me ...out of existence due to the subjective and vague language proposed here today.
- But again, I don't have a proposal or a solution for that.
- Kathy Ward, I’ve got you here on behalf of the SCJC testifying on the bill. Is that correct?”
- I think that Commissioner Ward has laid out what we’re asking for.
Bills:
HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Keywords:
constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers.
HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending.
HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending.
The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm testifying against HB 2790 because I can see my house on maps of proposed CCS facilities.
- Thank you for your time today to discuss this proposed legislation.
- The proposed legislation advances this reasoning and improves the process of receiverships.
- The proposed bill addresses this in two ways.
- This law that we're proposing in these amendments doesn't change liability, it doesn't change what you
Bills:
HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Keywords:
constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 26th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- File item 55 is AB 1070 by Assembly Member Ward.
- The clerk will read: Assembly Bill 1070 by Assembly Member Ward and relating to housing.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 13th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Before I vote on your proposal, I'd like to know who your favorite is.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Summary:
The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled a large procedural and floor agenda. Members suspended rules for adjournments in memory, guest introductions, and expedited committee action, rereferred AB 1199 to Health and AB 2728 to Local Government, and removed several items from calendars or returned bills to the Senate at authors’ requests. The chamber then moved through concurrence and third-reading files, with many measures passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including AB 230 on Pierce’s disease control, AB 1636 on a Cerritos College seamless enrollment pilot, AB 1982 on alcoholic beverages, AB 2120 on school district employees, AB 2413 on political reform and billboard use, AB 2437 and AB 2453 on vehicles, AB 2596 on housing, AB 1760 and AB 1873 on technical clarifications, AB 2312 on tidelands, AB 2390 on housing cleanup, AB 2685 and AB 2778 on agriculture, and ACR 194 on Women’s Equality Day.
The Assembly also adopted several resolutions and Senate measures. HR 112 designating Black Music Month drew extensive remarks about Black artists’ influence and was adopted with 62 coauthors. HR 132 declaring September Young Women’s Reproductive Health Awareness Month was adopted with 50 coauthors. SJR 8 urging federal immigration reform passed 45-2, with supporters emphasizing immigrant contributions and the need to modernize the registry system. SCR 7 on permanent standard time was debated at length, with supporters citing health benefits and opponents warning about darker mornings and voter intent; the resolution ultimately passed 41-3 after a roll call. Other Senate bills passed included SB 105 on penny rounding for local agencies, SB 928 on AI guardrails in CSU classrooms, SB 1038 on CalPERS audit notices, SB 308 on community college reporting, SB 1172 on tax-sharing consultant fees, SB 1159 on AI-generated public participation, SB 1055 on flood project procurement, SB 1285 on juvenile dismissals, SB 1274 on industrial cities and transportation funding, SB 965 easing library card access for 16- and 17-year-olds, SB 1375 creating a narrow CEQA exemption for certain transit projects, SB 952 on clean energy accounting for water agencies, and SB 917 expanding farmers market wine sales eligibility.
Several measures drew notable opposition or discussion. On SB 965, one member objected that the bill should preserve parental decision-making, while supporters argued it would remove an unnecessary barrier to library access. On SB 952, one member criticized state energy policy and the bill’s project labor agreement, but the measure still passed 64-1. On SB 1375, supporters framed the bill as reducing duplicative environmental review for major transit projects like Diridon Station while preserving other protections. The chamber also added coauthors to consent-calendar resolutions and adopted the second-day consent calendar items without objection.
The meeting concluded with multiple adjournments in memory, including tributes to Eric L. Washington Jr., Ivan Garza, Darryl Preston Jackson, Richard “Dick” Oliphant, and former Madera Mayor Santos Garcia. Members described Washington as a community leader and peacemaker, Garza as a young athlete whose life was cut short, Jackson as a mentor and founder of the 1020 Club, Oliphant as a civic leader who helped shape the Coachella Valley, and Garcia as a labor advocate and public servant who fought for working families and helped reopen Madera Community Hospital. The Assembly observed moments of silence in their honor before adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 13th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Before I vote on your proposal, I'd like to know who your favorite is.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Jan 22nd, 2026
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.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Mar 3rd, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
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...
Committee:
House Privacy and Consumer Protection