Transcript Highlights:

• Lisa Monroe, and I teach third grade at Ward Central Elementary in the Cabot School District.
• Lisa Monroe, and I teach third grade at Ward Central Elementary in the Cabot School District.
• Our local churches in Ward, because we're kind of the stepchild of Cabot—I don't mean that in a bad way
• I'm in Cabot at Ward Central in Ward.
• But we have more coming out of Ward Central into administrative positions.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you represented one ward, you know, if one ward was in a county commissioner district, that whole
• county commissioner districts often break up cities, and it did not make a distinction between city wards
• 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,
• I represent Concord Ward 2, which is Marramac District 16, and I am the ranking member of the Election

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rep Ward-Johnson? Here. Rep. Davis and Rep. Schaffner.
• Thank you, Representative Ward-Johnson, back to you, thank you.
• Representative Ward-Johnson. As the author of this legislation. This bill is accusing...
• 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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ward-Johnson? Representative Davis? Here. And Representative Shopner? Here.
• Thank you, Chair. representative ward johnson yes what tools are are you using to gather the data on
• Representative Ward-Johnson mentioned the transfer of credits to universities.
• Representative Ward-Thompson.
• Representative Ward-Johnson? Yes. Can you tell me? 12. Oh, thank you. 12.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
• Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wix, Wilson, Zabur, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
• 1878, Patel, from the Governmental Organization Committee to the Judiciary Committee; and AB 2089, Ward

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially without a quorum, and the clerk called the roll until a quorum was present. The body then proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and several unanimous-consent motions, including re-referrals of AB 1878, AB 2089, and AB 1660 to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including the 2025 Central East High School football team, Morgan Hill leadership students, Southlands Christian fourth graders, and journalist Juan Esparza Loera, whom members praised for decades of reporting in the Central Valley. On the floor file, ACR 139 was presented to designate March as Sleep Apnea Awareness Month. Supporters described the health and safety risks of undiagnosed sleep apnea and emphasized the value of screening and treatment; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were recorded. AB 1656, a human-trafficking victim protection bill, was also taken up and passed 58-0 after testimony that it would expand “good cause” for trial continuances to better protect survivors and preserve continuity of counsel. The chamber also adopted the consent calendar, including AB 1583 and SCR 11, by 63-0 votes. The session concluded with adjournments in memory for Salinda Gonzalez, a Yurok community advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, and Sandy Steers, a Big Bear conservationist and executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. Members highlighted Gonzalez’s work supporting Native communities and Steers’ decades of wildlife advocacy and public education. The Assembly then announced its next meeting for Monday, March 16 at 1 p.m., including the Women of the Year ceremony, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:56:44.160> Ward.
• Senator Ward. Thank you, Madam Chair. Senator Ward. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• My name is Philip Jones, State Rep., Cheshire District 3, Keene Ward 5.
• Senator Ward will be it out. All right.
• Senator Ward, do you want to I. Okay.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, thank you, Chair<01:39:43.520> 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:

• Ward-Johnson voting "nay." Have all members voted?
• Representative Ward-Johnson.
• Ward Johnson to close on... Amendment. Members, thank you.
• Ward-Johnson to close on the amendment. I move adoption.
• Ward-Johnson sends up an amendment.

Bills: SB835, SB3070, SB22, SJR59, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB973, SB974, SB865, SB506, SB781, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB505, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB3073, SB2920, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB2460, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB2595, SB857, SB37, SB8, SB10, SB227, SB261, SB12, SB15, SJR27, SB552, SB835, SB3070, SB22, SJR59, SB25, SB57, SB127, SB293, SB441, SB3059, SB512, SB241, SB1718, SB140, SB2055, SB2075, SB2018, SB1534, SB1567, SB785, SB1233, SB1580, SB1663, SB413, SB447, SB519, SB467, SB1579, SB1191, SB1021, SB1838, SB2807, SB2835, SB546, SB2121, SB2167, SB2035, SB2024, SB1032, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1302, SB401, SB1596, SB1281, SB1242, SB1343, SB310, SB1346, SB2753, SB2703, SB2221, SB1719, SB2177, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2972, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB961, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1610, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB973, SB974, SB865, SB506, SB781, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB505, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB3073, SB2920, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB2460, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB2595, SB857, SCR9, HB5560, HB762, HB 107, HB 114, HB300, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323

Keywords: sexual abuse, nondisclosure agreements, confidentiality agreements, public policy, victim rights, lottery, bingo, regulation, Texas Lottery Commission, Department of Licensing and Regulation, criminal offenses, state administration, audits, transfers, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, would you like to close? ...and their rights and their want to be able to use.
• Ward and the sponsors for coming forward with this essential... ...recommending an aye.
• Ward, if you would have me, I would be honored to jump on as a co-author.
• Ward, thank you, everybody. Folks, I need to step out for just a quick moment.
• Item number three, AB 82, this by Assembly Member Ward. This measure...

Summary: The committee heard AB 82, which would expand privacy and safety protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care. The author and supporters said the bill is needed because of rising harassment, doxing, and threats, and because sensitive health data could be used by hostile actors; opponents argued it would create constitutional problems, enable abuse of safe-at-home protections, and improperly shield providers and records from scrutiny. Public testimony was heavily divided, with many advocates in support and many privacy, civil liberties, and anti-trafficking or sex-based policy groups in opposition. The bill was moved on a due pass recommendation and remained on call. The committee then heard AB 331, which would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and several good-government groups supported the measure, the Secretary of State had no position after amendments, and a committee member noted ongoing concerns but supported it after the changes. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations and was placed on call. AB 1178 followed, proposing to protect undercover peace officers’ names, images, and likenesses in public records while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement and public safety groups supported the bill as a needed safety measure, while journalists, transparency advocates, and civil liberties groups opposed it, saying existing law already protects officers and the new language could lead to overbroad withholding. After discussion about the scope of undercover status and the need for judicial discretion, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar. Later, AB 981 was heard, creating a five-county pilot program requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for certain reckless driving convictions. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash victims, said the bill could reduce repeat speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, installer oversight, liability for automakers, and the breadth of the pilot. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 22, which would repeal Proposition 57 and restrict release of sexually violent predators and certain sex offenders, drew strong opposition from youth justice, public defender, and civil liberties groups who said it would be unconstitutional and harmful; the chair recommended no, no motion was made, and the bill was held. Finally, AB 897, a squatter-removal bill, was presented with the author arguing it would protect property owners through a faster due-process process; the transcript cuts off during early support testimony and does not show a final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Quirksilva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker and members.
• Thank you, Assemblymember Ward. Assemblymember Patel, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• As I call your name, Assemblymembers Gabriel, Lowenthal, Hellerin, Ward, Furman, Zbor.
• Escorted by Assemblymember Ward is Gerald Chavez, a survivor.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, >> no.
• >> Representative<01:40:02.400> Ward. >> Representative Ward.
• in Ward 2.
• in Ward 2.
• in Ward 2.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of patients that have nowhere else to go, and this is being exacerbated by the closure of maternity wards
• We know that 46 maternity wards, actually it's more than that, 52, have closed since 2012.
• When maternity wards close, alternative birth centers that are no longer within 30 minutes of a maternity
• Furthermore, with the closure of maternity wards across the state, prenatal and postpartum care providers
• Furthermore, with the closure of maternity wards across the state, prenatal and postpartum care providers

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Johnson. Is Ms. Ward Johnson on the floor of the House? Temporarily strike her name. Wharton.
• Ward-Johnson on the floor of the House, strike her name. Mr. Riddell and Ms.

Bills: HR33, HR138, HR200, HR243, HR267, HR307, HR353, HR383, HR443, HR446, HR449, HR451, HR453, HR457, HR459, HR460, HR461, HR462, HR464, HR466, HR467, HR474, HR475, HR477, HR479, HR481, HR482, HR483, HR484, HR486, HR487, HR490, HR491, HR497, HR502, HR505, HR509, HR510, HR511, HR512, HR513, HR515, HR516, HR527, HR531, HR532, HR541, HR542, HR547, HR548, HR549, HR550, HR555, HR557, HR564, HR568, HR574, HR575, HR576, HR577, HR578, HR580, HR584, HR586, HR587, HR588, HR589, HR594, HR595, HR597, HR599, HR606, HR607, HR608, HR609, HR610, HR611, HR612, HR613, HR615, HR616, HR617, HR619, HR620, HCR65, HCR119, HR434, HR447, HR450, HR454, HR455, HR458, HR463, HR476, HR478, HR488, HR489, HR492, HR496, HR499, HR522, HR523, HR524, HR533, HR534, HR535, HR536, HR537, HR539, HR546, HR552, HR553, HR554, HR556, HR579, HR582, HR598

Keywords: autism, neurodiversity, awareness, acceptance, public health, HR 138, H.R. 138, House Resolution, Texas House, 89th Texas Legislature, Susan Christian, Houston Mayor's Office of Special Events, MOSE, retirement resolution, congratulatory resolution, ceremonial resolution, Houston, special events, city events, civic events

Transcript Highlights:

• , Poepoe, Quinlan, Reyes Oda, Sayama, Shimizu, Souza, Takayama, Takuya Garrett, Tam, Templo, Todd, Ward
• Ward is excused.
• c> templo Taris m templo Taris m templo Mr Mr Mr Todd<00:16:31.720> Mr<00:16:32.120> Ward

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward excused, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Yamashita here.
• Todd Mr Ward excused Mr Todd Mr Ward excused Mr Woodson<00:13:08.000> Mr<00:13:08.360> Yamashita

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm currently Salem's Ward 5 City Councilor, and I'm speaking in support of an act to further empower
• One development in my ward has 250 rental units, 20% at 60% AMI, twice our city's demand, and adheres
• followed us and it was effective July of last year it has not inhibited affordability one development my ward
• of this in my mom's old neighborhood, as he is my mom's ward counselor.
• And as I think about where Councilor Cohen represents, there's another ward, Ward 1, and both of them

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several climate and utility-related bills, especially H. 3449/S. 2292 to expand the municipal fossil fuel-free building demonstration program from 10 to 20 communities and related home rule petitions for Somerville and other municipalities. Witnesses from Somerville, Salem, Worcester, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Wellesley, Watertown, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association argued that local governments should be allowed to opt into fossil fuel-free or net-zero building standards, citing climate goals, environmental justice concerns, housing production, and data showing all-electric construction can cost about the same as or less than mixed-fuel construction. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses for cost data and asked for written follow-up, while also discussing whether strong environmental standards affect housing supply; witnesses responded that the main housing constraints are financing and that they would provide more data from local projects and state studies. A second major topic was H. 3564, which would require gas companies to provide municipalities with detailed multi-year pipe replacement plans, allow local review and objections, and limit reimbursement for projects not previously disclosed except in emergencies. Municipal leaders and advocates said the bill would improve coordination of street work, reduce disruption and costs, and help cities plan for electrification, network geothermal, and non-pipeline alternatives. Testimony from Wellesley, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, and others emphasized repeated problems with last-minute gas main work, the need for advance notice, and the value of municipal participation in planning gas system retirement and alternatives. The committee also heard testimony on the “tactical transition” bills, S. 2249/H. 3539, aimed at managing the gas-to-clean-energy transition. Supporters from Gas Transition Allies, Rewiring America, and 350 Mass said the bills would require joint gas-electric planning, create an advisory council, eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups, shift investment toward repairs and clean alternatives, protect workers through retraining, and make utility plans more transparent. They argued these changes would reduce ratepayer costs, avoid stranded gas assets, and support orderly decarbonization. In addition, HEET testified on H. 3541, which would update greenhouse gas accounting to better reflect methane’s short-term climate impact, and H. 3543, which would establish a framework for managing shared thermal resources and thermal energy networks; committee members asked several questions about the meaning, ownership, and consumer-cost implications of the proposed “thermal commons.” No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rep Ward Johnson. Rep Davis. Rep Schaefer.
• Chair: Yes, Representative Ward Johnson.
• Representative Ward Johnson: To the faculty Senate representative.
• Representative Ward Johnson: Can you expand on that?
• Rep Perez, Rep Ward Johnson, Rep Davis, Rep Schaffner.

Bills: SB 37

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• Lowenthal here, Massido here, McKinner here, Ortega here, Patterson here, Pellerin here, Petrie-Norris, Ward
• Ward, aye. Wicks, aye. That bill has 10 votes. We will leave it on call for the absent members.
• Ward. Aye. Patterson? Pellerin? Aye. Patterson. Aye. Patterson. Aye. Ward. Aye. Wicks. Aye. Wicks.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard two bills. AB 1159 by Assemblymember Addis would update California student data privacy law to extend protections to college students, limit how ed tech companies can collect and use student information, and add restrictions around sensitive data and generative AI use. Supporters, including Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, CFT, labor, civil rights, and education groups, said students and educators need stronger safeguards against invasive data collection and misuse. Opponents, including College Board, TechNet, CalChamber, and ACT Education, argued the bill was overly broad, could interfere with legitimate educational services and AI development, and raised concerns about a private right of action and impacts on adult students and recruitment opportunities. AB 883 by Assemblymember Lowenthal would expedite deletion of personal information for elected and appointed officials under California’s data broker deletion system by having state agencies provide official lists to the privacy agency and requiring brokers to delete the information within five days. Supporters said the measure responds to rising threats, harassment, and violence against public officials and would help reduce exposure of their personal data. TechNet and TechC.A. opposed unless amended, citing concerns about exemptions for lawful data sharing, the five-day timeline, and litigation risk, while the author emphasized the bill does not create a new right but streamlines access to an existing deletion process. Both bills were advanced after committee discussion and roll calls. AB 1159 passed 11-2 and was sent to the Judiciary Committee. AB 883 passed 14-0 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ward Johnson. Chorus President. As a reminder, anyone wishing to specify.
• It's actually in 5th Ward, Texas. 5th Ward is the home of people like Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland
• Ward-Johnson? Oh no, that was my question. You can mix, by the way.

Bills: HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, excused, Mr.
• miss templo<00:13:53.959> Mr templo Mr templo Mr Todd<00:13:55.920> Mr Todd Mr Todd Mr Ward
• <00:13:58.040> excused<00:13:59.120> Mr Ward excused Mr Ward excused Mr Woodson Mr.

Keywords: 910, house, all