Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Johnson: Here.
• Yes, Representative Ward Johnson.
• Yes, Representative Ward Johnson. How long ago was that Division I championship?
• my question to you would be, besides public dollars, what other sources of private dollars has your ward
• I'm sorry that Representative Ward Johnson left, but many of these primary physicians don't want to spend

Bills: HB42, HB125

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement, stormwater management, counties, regulation, environment, water quality

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rep Ward Johnson Rep Davis and rep chopper Show of ice, Chair Howard, is present. Thank you.
• Rep Leilani, Rep Perez, Rep Ward-Johnson, Rep Davis, and Rep. They're being levinized.
• The chair lays out House Bill 4361 and recognizes Representative Ward Johnson to explain the bill.
• Representative Ward-Johnson. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman.
• Couples with Representative Ward-Johnson's comment, and that is something that, you know, we'll make

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ward-Johnson. Here. Representative Davis. Here. Representative Schaffner. Here.
• Rep Leilani, Rep Perez, Rep Ward-Johnson, Rep Davis, and Rep Shopner. General?
• Rep Lambert, Rep Leilani, Rep Perez, Rep Ward-Johnson. Rep. Davis. Rep. Schaffner.
• Ma'am, will you do represent Ward-Johnson?

Bills: HB173, HB184, HB484, HB678, HB 1211, HB1507, HB1705, HB1868, HB2290, HB2851, HB2856, HB3041, HB3204, HB173, HB184

Keywords: foreign donations, higher education, public institutions, national security, funding, prohibition, Texas law, healthcare, insurance, affordability, access, public health, foreign influence, education policy, student loan repayment, prosecuting attorneys, border prosecution unit, financial assistance, tobacco, cigarettes

Transcript Highlights:

• , Solace, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Collins, Solace, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• 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:

• Ward Johnson for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• HR 562 by Ward Johnson recognizing March 18, 2025 as the National Panhellenic Council Day at the state
• Ward Johnson to explain the resolution.
• Ward Johnson. Mr. Speaker, I move adoption. Members, you've heard the motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward has three bills before...” “For us, very much appreciated. So Mr.
• 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.
• Ward. I respect your question. Motion is due pass, as amended to appropriation.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, because I also want you to know this is not a feel-good bill.
• Like he said, my name is Andrew Ward. I represent The Boot. He gave it a really nice overview.
• Ward, because I also want you to know this is not a feel-good bill.
• Like he said, my name is Andrew Ward. I represent the boot. He gave it a really nice overview.
• President, willing to provide information, Andrew Ward to boot. He's already spoke.

Bills: HB165, HB175, HB198, HB272, HB457, HB488, HB566, HB603, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• quite recovered from the pandemic, and services are closing all over the state, including maternity wards
• , pediatric wards, mental health wards, all in order to keep the front door of the hospital open.
• ,<00:19:50.000> mental<00:19:50.320> health<00:19:50.559> wards,<00:19:51.440>
• > all<00:19:51.679> in<00:19:51.840> order wards, mental health wards, all in order
• wards, mental health wards, all in order to<00:19:52.240> keep<00:19:52.400> the<00:19

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• training, House Bill 3376 recognizes the importance of enhancing the existing training to better support wards
• aging, strategies, and resources, and limiting the applicability of this requirement to guardians of wards
• three-hour training requirement to one hour and specified that the training would apply to guardians of wards

Bills: HB368, HB3311, HB1734, HB2495, HB2716, HB793, HB3376, HB2524, HB3421, HB3446, HB3181

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'll just note for this one, this resolution was introduced by Representative Gene Ward, so it'll
• 07:38.960> uh<00:07:39.120> Representative<00:07:39.599> Gene<00:07:39.840> Ward
• ,<00:07:40.080> so<00:07:40.240> it'll by uh Representative Gene Ward, so it'll by
• uh Representative Gene Ward, so it'll likely<00:07:40.720> be<00:07:40.800> the<00:07:40.960

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and then voted on several concurrent resolutions. HCR 71, asking the Coalina Golf Club to work with the Department of Transportation to prevent golf balls from reaching Fington Highway, drew no opposition in testimony; a member thanked the golf club for cooperating after a constituent’s windshield was struck, and the measure was passed unamended. HCR 19 HD1, supporting Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, received only DBED testimony in support and was passed with technical amendments. HCR 163, urging the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to establish an annual Pacific Island culture and arts festival, was supported by DBEDT and the foundation itself, which said it would welcome such a festival subject to funding and staff resources; it was passed unamended. In the later joint session, HCR 70 on accelerating sustainable aviation fuels received support from the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, while DOT said it is already working on clean fuels through its greenhouse-gas reduction efforts and that the resolution would mainly require a more targeted progress report; the measure passed, with one no vote in the joint committee vote. HCR 123, on a restricted parking zone pilot program in West Oahu neighborhoods, had no oral testimony and was passed with technical amendments. HCR 57, on a traffic mitigation and calming study in Waipahu, also had no testimony and was passed unamended. HCR 112, urging Honolulu to adopt a pedestrian-first policy, drew broad support from public health, planning, bicycling, and student witnesses, though one testifier urged coordination with existing county plans; it passed unamended. HCR 177, encouraging a summer streets pilot program, also passed unamended. For HCR 203, urging Maui County to prioritize planning for the Kihei North-South Collector Road, the chairs proposed technical amendments to correct the responsible agency from the Planning Department to the Public Works Department, and the measure passed with those amendments. Across the meetings, the committee repeatedly noted when there were no further questions or testimony, and each resolution was adopted by the committee after the stated recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward excused, Mr. Woodson.
• Miss Tempo<00:19:04.039> Mr Tempo Mr Tempo Mr Todd<00:19:05.960> Mr Todd Mr Todd Mr Ward
• <00:19:08.240> excuse<00:19:09.159> Mr Ward excuse Mr Ward excuse Mr Woodson<00:19:11.360

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, did you talk to Senator Ward about the amendment she sent to us all? Yes.
• c><01:30:48.880> talk<01:30:49.159> to<01:30:49.719> Senator<01:30:50.280> Ward
• <01:30:51.119> about um did you talk to Senator Ward about um did you talk to Senator Ward
• I spoke with Senator Ward two days ago and actually met with her constituent who brought the concern
• I spoke with Senator Ward and said that while I understand and like her amendment, full disclosure, I

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But in my ward and in a number of other wards, especially in NSHA, we share a lot of facilities.
• But in my ward and in a number of other wards, especially in NSHA, we share a lot of facilities.
• But in my ward and in a number of other wards, especially in NSHA, we share a lot of facilities.
• But in my ward and in a number of other wards, especially in NSHA, we share a lot of facilities.
• But in my ward and in a number of other wards, especially in NSHA, we share a lot of facilities.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
• Escorted by Assembly Member Ward is Alfonzo Campos.
• Escorted by Assembly Member Ward is Alfonso Campos Gomez.
• And also we have her niece, Carol Ward, in the back.

Summary: The Assembly met on July 17, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then moved through a long ceremonial and floor session. The chamber recognized the 2025 Science and Technology Policy Fellows, the 2024-25 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellows, and the 2025 Assembly Fellows, and also heard guest introductions honoring Brad Webb of Legislative Counsel, youth advocates supporting AB 1231, the Live Oak Lady Lions softball team, the new UC President J.B. Milliken, the Rohnert Park 11-and-under Cal Ripken All-Star team, and arts leaders from Auburn. The Assembly also took up several procedural motions, including removing some bills from the consent calendar and noting absences. On the floor, members adopted ACR 12 designating November 1 as Fernando Valenzuela Day, with broad support and 66 co-authors, and later adopted H.R. 56 recognizing August 2025 as Chicano Heritage Month, with 65 co-authors. The Assembly also adopted ACR 101 naming a portion of State Highway Route 46 the James Dean Memorial Highway, and H.R. 50 proclaiming November 25, 2025, as Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, with members emphasizing survivor support and prevention. In each case, authors and supporters highlighted the cultural, historical, or public-safety significance of the measures. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments on several bills, including AB 359 on the Political Reform Act, AB 594 on student health insurance protections, AB 1085 banning license plate obstruction devices and penalizing sellers, AB 1286 on public employment transparency, and AB 1505, the Agriculture Committee omnibus bill. AJR 14, urging federal attention to the impact of tariffs on California ports, passed 44-1 after debate over trade policy and port jobs. AJR 17, calling for modernization of immigration law and a pathway to lawful status for long-term undocumented residents, passed 47-7 after extensive debate focused on immigrant families, the economy, and federal enforcement actions. The Assembly also adopted the resolutions by voice vote where required and recorded the roll-call results for the joint resolutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, Assemblymember Ward, this is AB 864, dealing with hazardous waste and solar panels.
• Thanks as well to the author, Assemblymember Ward, for his leadership and collaboration on this bill.
• in California specifically as universal waste. to be managed as non-hazardous as the Assemblymember Ward
• Assemblymember Ward, would you like to close? Well, thank you members, I appreciate the support.
• This is file item number 6 AB 864 authored by Assemblymember Ward. Motion is do pass.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tina Ward. Members, if you'll give me just a little bit of...
• Griffin, Secretary Ward, the Governor of Oklahoma, the Speaker of Oklahoma, the Speaker of the House
• Griffin, Secretary Ward, the Governor of Oklahoma, the Speaker of the House of Oklahoma, numerous representatives

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and received a Joint Budget Committee report on several bills. The chamber also recognized guests, including state troopers, a doctor of the day, visitors from civic and advocacy groups, and students from the Arkansas School for Math, Science, and the Arts. The House adopted House Resolution 1034, supporting Arkansas poultry producers in the Illinois River watershed and urging good-faith negotiations, by a 97-0 vote. It also adopted House Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1001 honoring Bishop Kenneth Liddell Robinson, Sr., by a 98-0 vote. The House then considered several amendments to appropriation bills, including changes affecting the Department of Education, public safety, county jail reimbursement language, Agriculture fee waivers, the Drug Task Force, pregnancy help organizations, and tire recycling fees. All of those amendments were adopted without recorded opposition. The chamber then moved through a budget calendar, with leadership explaining that some bills were general appropriations, some were reappropriations for ongoing capital projects, and four were supplemental appropriations. On final passage, House Bill 1006 passed 87-5; House Bill 1053, the appropriation for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, failed 71-19; House Bill 1086 passed 96-0; House Bill 1087 passed 81-8; House Bill 1088 passed 97-0; House Bill 1094 passed 96-1; House Bill 1084 passed 96-0; House Bill 1097 passed 75-16; and House Bill 1098 failed 0-85 after Representative Henley spoke against it and said leadership had not responded to questions. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 11 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• On item number nine, H.R. 115 by Assembly Member Ward. Absent members, Lackey. Thank you.
• HB 115 by Assemblymember Ward. Absent members, Lackey? Not voting. Lackey, not voting.

Summary: The Rules Committee was called to order, a roll call was taken, and a quorum was established. The committee then considered its consent agenda, with items 9 and 12 removed for separate action. The remainder of the consent agenda was approved by roll call vote. Item 9, H.R. 115 by Assembly Member Ward, was then taken up separately and approved by roll call vote. The transcript includes repeated clarifications about members who were absent or not voting, including Assembly Member Lackey. No testimony or substantive debate on the bill is reflected in the excerpt. After completing action on the consent agenda and H.R. 115, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Graves, er, hear, rootson. Yes, the motion passes.
• Ward Graves, this motion passes. We're now back in.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some may argue that this bill doesn't fix the root cause of maternity ward closures, and while that's
• will push health plans to find creative solutions to maintain network adequacy and address maternity ward
• bill will not be the only thing that fixes this multifaceted, complex issue surrounding maternity ward
• colleagues and patients now face a deeply troubling trend, and that's the disappearance of nearby maternity wards
• We've heard, certainly seen in the news reports, that the recent closures in our maternity wards and

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with extensive testimony on maternal health, prenatal safety, privacy, valley fever, Medi-Cal contracting, anti-discrimination protections, and health data sharing. SB 32 would require time-and-distance standards for labor and delivery units in health plan networks; the author and supporters said it would address maternity care deserts and improve access, while health plans opposed. SB 646 would require testing and public disclosure for toxic elements in prenatal vitamins; supporters emphasized fetal and maternal safety and transparency, while industry opponents warned it could confuse consumers or lead to reduced nutrient content. Both bills drew broad support from medical and public health groups, and both were advanced on party-line or near-unanimous votes after committee discussion. The committee also approved SB 313, which moves a parent’s birthplace on birth certificates into the confidential section to protect privacy, and SB 297, which directs CDPH to identify high-incidence valley fever regions and publish them for screening and awareness; valley fever experts and supporters stressed rising cases and the need for earlier diagnosis, while local health jurisdictions raised concerns about mandates. SB 324, dealing with Medi-Cal enhanced care management and community supports, would prioritize local community-based organizations and clarify contracting and data practices; it received strong support from nonprofits and community health advocates, with children’s hospitals and health plans seeking amendments, and it was sent forward after amendments were discussed. The committee then considered SB 418, which would codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and allow up to a 12-month prescription supply for hormone therapy when medically necessary. Supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care for transgender patients and others using hormone therapy, including IVF and menopause patients, while opponents argued it would conflict with federal policy and promote harmful treatments. The bill passed to the next committee. Finally, SB 660 would strengthen the California Health and Human Services data exchange framework by creating governance and accountability for data sharing across health and social service entities; supporters said it would reduce duplication and improve care coordination, while some providers and hospital groups raised concerns. It was approved and sent to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The consent calendar and the other measures were also voted out, with the committee recording the required roll-call votes and sending the bills onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, the final item, 6, AB 474 by Assembly Member Ward.
• Senator Member Ward, please begin when you are ready. Great. Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr.
• 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.