Video & Transcript Research : 'ward'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR/TOU Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 8:45 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- For HB 189, I neglected to note that Representative Ward is excused. Voting on HB 966.
- Noting the absence of Representative Ward, Representative Lowen aye, Representative Perruso aye, and
- <01:06:17.200>
representative <01:06:17.960>loen Representative Ward representative - And noting Representative Quinlan and Representative Ward excused absent.
- noting representatives quinland and Ward noting representatives quinland and Ward excused<02:36:
Summary:
The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases.
Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards.
Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers.
HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Ward-Johnson? Here. Representative Davis? Representative Shofner? Here.
- Representative Ward-Johnson. How long have you been on the Board of Regents at Texas Southern?
- Representative Ward-Johnson? I've been on the board for two years.
- Representative VanDeaver, A&M Commerce, and Representative Ward Johnson, University of Houston.
- Ward-Johnson. Aye. Rep. Davis. Aye. Rep. Shofner. Aye.
Bills:
SB 37
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Ward, yes. Senator Rashardi, yes. Senator Fenton, yes. Senator Mcu, yes.
- Senator Ward, yes. Senator Rashardi, yes. Senator Fenton, yes. Senator Mcu, yes.
- >> Senator<03:29:41.680>
Ward, >> Senator Ward, >> Senator Ward, >> yes - >> Senator<04:29:05.439>
Ward, >> Senator Ward, >> Senator Ward, >> yes - Senator Ward, yes. Senator Rashardi, yes. Senator Fenton, no. Senator McHugh, yes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 2nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
- unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118 to allow Assembly Members Gabriel, Harabedian, Soria, and Ward
- Ward, I see one of the fellows in my office in the rear of the chamber, which means it's time for your
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 2nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
- unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118 to allow Assembly Members Gabriel, Harabedian, Soria, and Ward
- Ward, I see one of the fellows in my office in the rear of the chamber, which means it's time for your
Summary:
The Assembly met with an initial quorum call, then proceeded through routine floor business, guest introductions, and several procedural motions. Members approved requests to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, removed some bills from the consent calendar, and re-referred or withdrew several measures. The chamber also took up a number of second-reading and concurrence items later in the day.
Two major bills drew floor debate. SB 762, a tax measure allowing eligible local governments to seek voter approval for transactions and use tax rates above the statutory cap, was presented as a response to local fiscal pressures and was described by supporters as giving voters local choice rather than imposing a tax increase. It passed with an urgency vote of 54-13 and was sent immediately to the Senate. AB 126, the education budget trailer bill, was presented as a major investment in TK-12 education, special education, community schools, and educator leave; one member supported many provisions but objected to policy changes affecting charter schools being included in a budget bill. The Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments on AB 126 by a vote of 56-1.
The Assembly also concurred in AB 35, an urgency environmental protection bill intended to speed implementation of Proposition 4-funded projects by narrowing administrative delay; supporters said it would accelerate wildfire prevention, water, and other environmental projects. The measure passed unanimously, 66-0. The consent calendar was then adopted, including AB 2796 on criminal history information, which passed 67-0. The session concluded with multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remarks honoring victims of a B-52 test flight crash at Edwards Air Force Base, former West Covina Mayor Lloyd Johnson, civil rights leader Harold Brown, educator and activist Kiyoko Nancy Oda, and Auburn Mayor John Mike Holmes, followed by announcements of summer recess and adjournment until August 3.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 29 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 16th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
- Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Suber, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- Assembly Member Carrillo, Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member Brian, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel.
On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Rep Perez, Rep Ward Johnson. Reb Davis and Rep Shopner. Quorum, Mr.
- Let the record, uh, show that Representative Ward Johnson is present.
- Miss Miss Ward Johnson, we do have some resource witnesses too, ma'am, OK, because I just had, uh, questions
- And Representative Ward Johnson, um, I think I would just start by, um, the answer to the eligibility
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs May 6th, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- legislature shall provide by general law for the removal by suit of any state, district, parochial, ward
- legislature shall provide by general law for the removal by suit of any state, district, parochial, ward
- legislature shall provide by general law for the removal by suit of any state, district, parochial, ward
- legislature shall provide by general law for the removal by suit of any state, district, parochial, ward
- , or municipal official, except the governor, lieutenant governor, State, district, parochial, ward,
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
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (09/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, first we will convene, and before we even seat the alternates, I would ask Senator Ward to lead us
- >> 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.
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.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chairman Ward, members of the committee, and I look forward to taking any questions.
- Great, thank you, Chairman Ward, for having us this morning. So you need to move.
- Hello, Chairman Ward.
- As you mentioned earlier, Chair Ward, these are our friends, our family, our neighbors, and they still
- Chair Ward, I see some familiar faces. My name is, thank you. Thank you. My name is Jordan Rivers.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism held an informational hearing on the state of California tourism amid declining international visitation and broader economic and political headwinds. Visit California CEO Caroline Betetta said the industry remains a major economic driver, with 2024 visitor spending of $157 billion, 1.2 million jobs supported, and $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, but warned that 2025 forecasts show the first post-pandemic decline in visitation, driven largely by a projected 9.2% drop in international travel. She cited concerns about the strong dollar, visa wait times, border and immigration rhetoric, and a proposed federal visa integrity fee, while emphasizing Visit California’s marketing campaigns and the importance of upcoming mega-events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
A second panel of destination leaders described local impacts and strategies. Visit Sacramento’s Mike Testa said the city has diversified beyond conventions into music festivals, sports, and food events, but noted that international apprehension is affecting events like Terra Madre Americas and that California should do more to incentivize major festivals to stay in-state. Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s Lauren Salisbury said the city is seeing lower international visitation, especially from Canada, Australia, and Europe, and that wildfire coverage and later federal troop presence in Los Angeles hurt local sentiment and caused cancellations. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s Rhonda Salisbury reported steep drops in international visitation to the gateway region, ongoing concerns about wildfire, reservations, insurance costs, and park access, and praised a new federal requirement for quarterly meetings between national parks and gateway communities.
San Diego Tourism Authority COO Carrie Verbeck-Cappich said tourism is the region’s second-largest sector, but 2025 is softer than 2024, with spending down despite modest visitation growth. She pointed to weaker Canadian and Asian travel, government-related meeting cancellations, and the need for more support to bid on and host major events; she also highlighted border-crossing delays, insufficient federal staffing at ports of entry, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis as major regional issues. Committee members discussed the effects of federal rhetoric, infrastructure, and cross-border conditions on tourism, and several witnesses urged continued support for Visit California, Brand USA, event incentives, and efforts to present California as welcoming and open. Public comment then opened, beginning with testimony from the California Attractions and Parks Association.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Ward will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- bit harder is it my husband is the ward bit harder is it my husband is the ward counselor<01:03:
- Senator Ward: no. Senator Rardy: no. Senator Fenton: yes. Senator Mc... yes. Senator Avard: no.
- yes Senator inis is excuse Senator Ward yes Senator inis is excuse Senator Ward yes<01:53:02.599
- Senator Ward: Yes. Senator Rardy: Yes. Senator Fenton: No. Senator MCU: Yes. Senator Avard: Yes.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/11/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent Senate District 18, which is Manchester Ward 5-9 and the town of Litchfield.
- Senate District 18, which is Manchester Ward 5-9 and the town of Litchfield.
- For example, in the city of Manchester, 100 voters of one ward could deem that we recount all the wards
- It's not specific to wards; it's specific to an election.
- problematic it's not specific to Wards problematic it's not specific to Wards it's<02:00:39.280>
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- This is called a ward. I'm not creating a ward. I'm not creating a ward.
- We're only adding an unincorporated area to the wards.
- If they're called To the wards. Through the amendments, you're not creating districts at all.
- If they're calling them districts, they were called wards before, perhaps they're districts, I'm not
- Gordon Hutchinson, Ward 3, District 1; Walton Barnes, attorney; thank you very much.
Bills:
HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077
Keywords:
coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Ward. Yes. Senator Bouchard. Yes. Senator Fenton. No. Senator McGue. Yes. Senator Evard.
- Senator Ward. Yes. Senator Bouchard. Yes. Senator Fenton. No. Senator McGue. No. Senator Eber. Yes.
- Senator Ward. Senator Ward. Yes. Yes. Yes. Senator<00:33:16.640>
Bouchard. Senator Bouchard. - Senator Ward. Yes. Senator Ricciardi. Yes. Senator Fenton. No. Senator McGue. No. Senator Eber.
- Senator Ward: Yes. Senator Ricciardi: Yes. Senator Fenton: No. Senator McGrew: Yes.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Mar 13, 2025 @ 9:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Ward is excused. Chair's recommendation has been adopted.
- Representative Quinlan is excused, and Representative Ward is excused.
- <01:39:39.280>
is excused and representative Ward is excused and representative Ward is excused - Representative Quinland is excused, and Representative Ward is excused.
- Representative Quinland is excused, as is Representative Ward.
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard several measures focused on water quality, waste management, aquifer protection, wastewater, and climate-related funding. SB 984 on water pollution drew opposition from DLNR and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with the latter arguing the bill could unfairly blame landowners for runoff caused by terrain and storm events; the chair noted there were also supporters and commenters submitted in writing. SB 639 on underground storage tanks received support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and the Sierra Club, with testimony emphasizing environmental restoration standards after jet fuel releases; no opposition was noted in the live testimony. SB 946 on wastewater management was presented as clarifying that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters applies to treatment plants, and it drew support from the County of Maui, DOH, and Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, with no questions or opposition raised in the hearing.
The committee also heard SB 438 on waste disposal facilities near significant aquifers. DOH and the Water Commission offered comments, while the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services opposed the bill because of a provision affecting ash recycling; the Board of Water Supply and Sierra Club supported the measure, and the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board and Energy Justice Network raised concerns about fly ash and bottom ash recycling, landfill capacity, and potential contamination of aquifers. Testimony reflected a split between environmental protection concerns and arguments that the bill could block beneficial reuse of ash. The committee then took up HB 1395 on state funds, which would direct interest from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to the general fund when the reserve exceeds the state’s target. The Governor’s office, emergency management, the State Energy Office, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority, the Nature Conservancy, and several other groups supported the bill’s climate-resilience intent, while the Tax Foundation and committee discussion raised concerns that the measure functioned mainly as a revenue transfer without a dedicated spending mechanism. Members discussed whether a special fund or legislative appropriation process would better ensure the money was used for climate mitigation and related projects.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 46 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- : An act further regulating the filling of vacancies on the city council relative to the office of ward
- An act further regulating the filling of vacancies on the City Council relative to the office of ward
Summary:
The House first adopted several ceremonial resolutions, including recognition of the Melanoma Action Coalition, 411 directory assistance workers, the Plimpton Historical Society’s Deborah Sampson Day observance, and Frank and Alice Susky’s 80th wedding anniversary. Members also adopted an order extending the reporting deadline for the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on House No. 2424 to June 12, 2026.
The chamber then took up House No. 5316, a bill promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment. The House voted not to concur with the Senate’s amended version and instead agreed to appoint a committee of conference, naming Representatives Cahill of Lynn, Vargas of Haverhill, and Vaughan of Wrentham. The House also suspended rules to advance local bills, including a Somerset bill allowing the town to prohibit water fluoridation and a Petersham bill authorizing continued employment of two police department members, both of which were ordered to a third reading.
Later, the House passed several local bills on final action, including measures for Dartmouth liquor licenses and the Westwood charter. It also engrossed bills raising the Boston Police Academy entrance age, creating an attainable housing trust in Harwich, establishing an affordable housing trust fund in West H... (West H...bury), and regulating vacancy filling on the Marlboro City Council. The House adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m., with a formal session and roll calls at 1 p.m., and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 1 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward of Westport moves to speak. Reports that the same ought to be adopted. Mr.
- Ward of Westport moves suspension of the rules. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay.
Summary:
The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and immediately took up organizational business, including appointing committees to inform the Senate that the House was ready to proceed and to wait upon the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Council. The chamber also welcomed the Fairhaven High School Blue Devil football team, celebrating its 2025 MIAA Division 6 Super Bowl championship and recognizing the coach, school staff, principal, and superintendent.
Members adopted routine orders concerning publication and official binding of the House journal, and the House approved several Rules Committee reports. These included adoption of a congratulatory resolution for Joseph Rink’s Eagle Scout achievement, an extension of time for the Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses to report on House Doc. 4904, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition by Alice Hanlon Pais on the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code to go to the Committee on Financial Services.
On legislation, the House concurred in Senate amendments to House No. 4233, the Malden charter bill, after the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading reported the amendments were correctly drawn. The House also passed to be engrossed Senate No. 2799, establishing a sick leave bank for Jeffrey Yantanthin, an employee of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The session ended with adoption of an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 27th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- We will begin this morning with Senate Bill 50, and Senator Ward is here.
- Senator Ward is here to present the bill to the committee. Good morning, Mr.
- This bill would establish a committee, so thank you, Senator Ward, for introducing this that would call
- <00:05:14.360>
for committee so thank you Senator Ward for committee so thank you Senator - Ward for introducing<00:05:15.000>
this <00:05:15.400>that <00:05:15.520>would <00