Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Williams, Anthony H., aye. Williams, Lindsay, aye. Yaw, aye.
• Ward, Judy, no. Ward, Kim, no. Williams, Anthony H., no. Williams, Lindsay, no. Yaw, no.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, no. Williams, Anthony H., no. Williams, Lindsay, no. Yaw, no.
• Ward, no. Ward, no. Williams, aye. Williams, aye. No.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Williams, Anthony H., no.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received committee reports from Banking and Insurance and Judiciary. Several leaves of absence were granted, and the chamber took up calendar and procedural motions, including re-referrals and tabling actions on multiple bills. House Bill 1102 and Senate Bill 911 were re-referred to Appropriations, House Bill 96 and Senate Bill 599 were briefly laid on the table and then returned to the calendar, and House Bill 2400 and Senate Bill 746 were also sent to Appropriations. The Senate later agreed to consider a discharge-related motion on minimum wage, but the motion to make it a special order of business failed by a vote of 23-27. On final passage, Senate Bill 1182 passed 50-0 after Senator Boscola described it as a modernization of the Board of Vehicles Act to address software-based vehicle features, warranty reimbursement, data protections, loaner vehicles, and related dealer/manufacturer issues; she noted amendments had been adopted to address stakeholder concerns. Senate Bill 1334 also passed, 29-21, after the Senate rejected Amendment A44049, which would have exempted certain cardiology technicians from licensing requirements if credentialed and supervised; supporters argued the exemption reflected existing practice and credentialing, while opponents said the bill was needed for patient safety and consistent oversight. Senate Bill 1372 passed 50-0, and House Bill 2426 was re-referred to Appropriations. The latter part of the session focused heavily on minimum wage and budget timing. Senators Tartaglione, Hughes, and Costa argued Pennsylvania had gone 20 years without raising the minimum wage and urged action on a House-passed minimum wage measure, while Senator Pittman said Republicans were willing to “meet in the middle” but opposed the House proposal as written. Members also discussed the state budget, the rainy day fund, and whether the Senate should remain in session; after debate, Senator Pittman’s motion to recess to the call of the President pro tempore was adopted 27-23, and the Senate stood in recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Williams, Anthony H. Aye. Williams, Lindsey. Aye. Yaw. Aye.
• Ward, Judy, no. Ward, Kim, no. Williams, Anthony H., no. Williams, Lindsay, no. Yaw, no.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Williams, Anthony H., aye. Williams, Lindsay, aye. Yaw, aye.
• Ward, Judy, no. Ward, Kim, no. Williams, Anthony H., aye. Williams, Lindsay, aye. Yea... Aye.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Williams, Anthony, no. Williams, Lindsay, no. Yaw, aye. No.

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward leaves. Yeah, stay with us. Okay. Before Mr. Ward leaves. Yeah, stay with us.
• Assembly Member Ward: Aye. Thank you.
• Assembly Member Ward. All right.
• Ward? Would you get older? I just don't even. Okay.
• Maybe Assemblymember Ward and I will drive by. We'll take a little road trip.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently in Avoyelles Parish, Marksville encompasses two wards, Bunkie encompasses one ward.
• Currently, the Marksville City judge—Judge Piazza—is all of Ward 2 and part of Ward 1, and Bunkie is
• all of Ward 10.
• And that's the fact that the Ward 2 court will be seven wards, which will comprise 13,600 voters, and
• the Ward 10 court will be 7,800 voters.

Bills: HR2, HR37, HR61, HCR11, HCR64, HB89, HB183, HB341, HB371, HB451, HB480, HB520, HB541, HB579, HB597, HB816, HB1004, HB1064, HB1165, SB44

Keywords: transparency, accountability, Justice Department, FBI, Jeffrey Epstein, victim protection, investigation, public trust, HR37, House Resolution 37, Honduras veterans, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, military medal, veteran recognition, Congress memorialization, U.S. veterans, foreign deployment, 1981 to 1992, military service awards, combat support

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Aye. Aye. Ward, aye. That bill is out. Thank you.
• Ward. Aye. Ward, aye. That bill is out. Thank you.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Measure passes. Measure passes.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Bill is out. File Item Number 4, AB 2157, Connolly.
• Ward? Aye. That bill is out. File Item Number 10, AB 2027, Ward.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward: present. Would you please call the roll? Ward? Present. Lackey? Here. El-Hawari? Here.
• Ward. Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? Aye. Lackey, aye. Lackey, aye. El Hawari, aye. Jeff Gonzalez, aye.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. El-Hawari? Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. El-Hawari, aye. Current roll is 5-0.
• Ward. Aye. Ward. Aye. Ward. I. Lackie. El Hawari. I. Jeff Gonzalez. McInner. Ortega. Aye.
• Ward. Aye. Ward. Aye. Ward. I. Lackie. El Hawari. I. Jeff Gonzalez. McInner. Ortega. Aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently in Avoyelles Parish, Marksville encompasses two wards, Bunkie encompasses one ward.
• Currently, the Marksville City judge—Judge Piazza—is all of Ward 2 and part of Ward 1, and Bunkie is
• all of Ward 10.
• And that's the fact that the Ward 2 court will be seven wards, which will comprise 13,600 voters, and
• the Ward 10 court will be 7,800 votes.

Bills: HR2, HR37, HR61, HCR11, HCR64, HB89, HB183, HB341, HB371, HB451, HB480, HB520, HB541, HB579, HB597, HB816, HB1004, HB1064, HB1165, SB44

Keywords: transparency, accountability, Justice Department, FBI, Jeffrey Epstein, victim protection, investigation, public trust, HR37, House Resolution 37, Honduras veterans, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, military medal, veteran recognition, Congress memorialization, U.S. veterans, foreign deployment, 1981 to 1992, military service awards, combat support

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1165, which was converted into a substitute bill to reorganize the Avoyelles Parish court system by creating two city courts, one for Marksville and one for Bunkie, and expanding their jurisdiction parishwide, including small claims and certain misdemeanor, civil, and juvenile matters. The sponsor and supporting judges said the change would better use existing courts and improve access to justice, while the district attorney opposed it, arguing it would not help the criminal docket, could create staffing and constitutional issues, and needed more study. After questions about voting districts, appellate procedure, and minority vote dilution, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1064 creating a domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District, with testimony from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the YWCA describing a specialty court model focused on accountability, victim services, and wraparound support. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 341, clarifying law enforcement officer rights during administrative investigations, was amended to specify administrative matters and reported with amendments. House Concurrent Resolution 64, as amended, expanded a study of behavioral health courts to include additional parishes and a later reporting deadline, and was reported favorably. House Bill 579, the sexual assault survivor bill of rights, was amended to strengthen notice, confidentiality, and funding provisions and then reported favorably. Later, House Bill 1004, which would have raised the jurisdictional threshold for justice of the peace courts from $5,000 to $7,500, drew significant opposition from city court judges who warned of unintended consequences, including different evidentiary standards, possible attorney-representation issues for entities, and added burdens on district courts. Supporters framed it as an inflation adjustment and access-to-justice measure, but after debate the committee voted 5-11 to defer the bill. House Bill 183, limiting courthouse cell phone bans in fee-payment areas, was amended and then failed on a 7-7 tie with the chair voting no. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 451 on ATC hearing notices, House Bill 541 on micro distillers via substitute, Senate Bill 44 on tactical medical professionals’ firearms, House Resolution 37 honoring veterans who served in Honduras, and House Bill 89 requiring a district attorney office to pay certain retirees’ health premiums from its own funds. Several other bills were voluntarily deferred, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no. Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no.
• </c> Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no. Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no.
• </c> Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no. Ward, no. Representative Gilmore, no.
• Representative Ward, yes. yes. Representative Ward, yes.
• Representative Ward, yes. Yes. Yes. Representative Ward, yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Lackey, no. Macedo, no. Ransom. Happen. Rogers, aye. Sharp-Collins, aye. Ward.
• Ward, aye. CETO-Eye, Pappen, Ransom, Rogers, Sharp Collins, Ward.
• Pappin, Ransom, Rogers, Ward, Ward, aye. Ransom, Rogers, Ward, Ward, aye. That bill has 13 votes.
• Ward, Ward, aye. That has 13 votes. We'll hold the roll open for members to be able to add on.
• Pappin, Ransom, Ward, Ward, aye. I do have... That bill has nine aye votes and four no votes.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• wards, four of the 12 wards, three-fifths get a three-fifths vote.
• Um, it says wards also, and I don't understand that.
• wards, four of the 12 wards, three-fifths get a three-fifths vote.
• Um, it says wards also, and I don't understand that.
• wards, four of the 12 wards, three-fifths get a three-fifths vote.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the Boundary American heritage.
• </c><05:43:52.638><c> In</c> watershed of the boundary waters. In watershed of the boundary waters.
• There's not going to be any mining in the Boundary Waters area around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
• </c> uh mentioned mining in the B boundary uh mentioned mining in the B boundary waters.<05:46:39.120
• </c> We're not mining in the Boundary Waters. We're not mining in the Boundary Waters.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No different than today when I’m hunting the boundary of a ranch to know where that boundary is.
• So, finite point just like a boundary.
• That sportsman where that boundary is.
• </c> than today when I'm hunting the boundary than today when I'm hunting the boundary of<02:39:19.200
• </c> of a ranch to know where that boundary of a ranch to know where that boundary is.<02:39:21.439><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is H.R. 43 by Assembly Member Ward.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized.
• Ward, you are recognized for your introductory remarks.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.
• Escorted by Assembly Member Ward is Susan Kathleen Jester. Serving as St.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the previous day’s journal. Procedural motions were adopted to allow certain members to speak on adjournment in memory and to host guests on the floor, and the chamber suspended Joint Rule 61 to allow the Appropriations Committee to meet and consider AB 1533. The majority leader also requested that SB 272 and HR 44 be removed from the consent calendar. The main floor action was the Assembly’s Pride Month observance, centered on HR 43, which recognizes June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward and members of several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, civil rights, community contributions, and current political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Assembly Member DeMaio spoke in opposition, arguing the resolution was divisive and included controversial policy references. After debate, 49 coauthors were added and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then held a Pride Month ceremony honoring 14 distinguished individuals for contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, followed by guest introductions recognizing APICA fellows, family members, educators, and community leaders. The Assembly later adopted the consent calendar, with SB 61, SB 66, SB 846, SB 229, and SCR 3 approved, and then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for John E. Brison and former Assembly Member William T. Bagley. The House adjourned until Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:42:41.680><c> Ward.</c> &gt;&gt; Representative Ward.
• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:46:01.920><c> Ward.</c> &gt;&gt; Representative Ward.
• Ward, Representative &gt;&gt; Representative Ward, Representative Ward,<00:57:22.640><c> you'll</c><
• Ward, &gt;&gt; no.
• Ward, &gt;&gt; no.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number 10, AB 27, Ward.
• Lee, I, Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Aye. Lee, aye. Ward, aye. That bill is out. Thank you.
• Lee, I, Ward. Ward, aye. Consent calendar is out. I have one more. Okay. Oh, one more.
• Ward? Aye. Measure passes. Measure passes.
• Ward? Aye. That bill is out. File item number 10, AB 2027, Ward.

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with testimony largely focused on worker protections, AI, workplace safety, and employment access. AB 1697 would delay implementation of AB 692 on employer debt traps by one year to allow more time to address collective bargaining concerns; it drew support from the NFL and no opposition. AB 2495 would expand prohibitions on immigration-related threats used by employers to intimidate workers, with strong support from immigrant-rights, labor, and legal aid groups describing coercion and fear among undocumented and new-arrival workers; it advanced on a divided roll with some members voting no or not voting. AB 2511 would require DIR to study pay disparities between behavioral health and medical-surgical providers, with supporters arguing low reimbursement drives provider shortages and opponents warning of duplicative reporting, proprietary-data concerns, and added administrative burden; it was moved forward to the Health Committee. AB 2157 would make permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund Pilot Program, with displaced refinery workers and labor/environmental groups supporting the bill as a needed transition tool; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2530 would require 60-day notice for public-employer layoffs, relocations, and closures, narrowed by amendment to public agencies; supporters said public workers deserve the same notice protections as private-sector workers, while some opposition sought clarification, and the bill passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 2488, which would direct DIR and UC to study Cal/OSHA inspector vacancies and recruitment pathways. Supporters, including a laid-off refinery worker and WorkSafe, said chronic understaffing has weakened enforcement and that experienced workers could fill the gap; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2545 would create an EDD study of AI-related workforce displacement and safety-net impacts, with labor and tech-policy supporters warning of large-scale job loss and the need for data to plan for unemployment and other public programs; business groups opposed the reporting and task-force structure but acknowledged the issue, and the bill passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 2027 would restrict employers and vendors from using worker data to train or deploy AI systems that replace workers, while limiting collection to what is necessary for employment administration; supporters framed it as a privacy and anti-displacement measure, and opponents argued the definitions were too broad and could hinder useful workplace technologies. The bill advanced to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 2095, the Fair Chance Act bill, was presented to clarify and strengthen rules limiting conviction-history screening in hiring, including written explanations and protections for applicants seeking promotions or new roles with current employers. Supporters described ongoing discrimination against people with records and the need for a real second chance, while opponents said the bill was too broad, added burdens, and could conflict with existing statewide rules. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on AB 2095, but the discussion centered on balancing reentry opportunities with employer concerns about individualized assessments and safety-based hiring decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, no. Anthony H. Williams, aye. Lindsey Williams, no. Yaw, aye. Ward, no. Yaw, aye. Ward, aye.
• Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Williams, aye. Williams, no. Yaw, aye. Vogel, aye.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Williams, Anthony H., no. Williams, Lindsay, no. Yaw, aye.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Williams, Anthony H., no. Williams, Lindsay, no. Yaw, aye.
• Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Williams, Anthony H. Aye.

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward.
• Ward? Ward, aye. Wicks? Wicks, aye. Wilson? That has five votes.
• Ward. I'm sorry. Petri Norris, aye. Ward. Ward.
• Ward, I'm sorry, Petri Norse, I, Ward, Ward, I, Wicks, Wicks, I, Wilson.
• Ward, we needed Mr. Ward on that. Okay, wait, I'm still not here, what? Say Ward aye. Aye.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1988, which would require AI companion chatbots to respond to credible self-harm or violence-related crisis expressions by displaying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, warning users, and pausing the chat for human review after repeated crisis signals. The author and supporters said the bill is a measured safety standard to redirect vulnerable users to human help, citing research and cases where chatbots worsened suicidal ideation or violent behavior. Support came from crisis and medical advocates, while no opposition testimony was offered. The chair and members expressed strong support, and the bill was held pending quorum before later action on the agenda. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for users to create or maintain accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and would create an E-Safety Advisory Commission in the Attorney General’s office. The author argued the bill targets product design, not speech, and is intended to curb compulsive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds while allowing safer or non-addictive platforms to remain available. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, compulsive use, and mental health harms; opponents, including EFF, ACLU-Cal Action, TechNet, and youth advocacy groups, warned about privacy, First Amendment, and access-to-community concerns, especially for LGBTQ youth and other marginalized groups. Committee members debated whether the bill is a ban or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the proposal would be effective or could push youth to less safe spaces. Several members said they would support the bill as a first step, while others raised concerns about enforceability, privacy, and constitutional issues. The author emphasized that the bill is limited to specific harmful design features, not content or general internet access, and that the new commission would monitor evolving technology and recommend future updates. No final vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Mr.
• That's AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward. Just a moment, Mr. Ward. Thank you, members.
• File item number 97, AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Ward, do you wish to close?

Summary: The California Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a reflection and pledge. The body handled routine procedural business, including dispensing with the journal reading, suspending rules for guest introductions and adjournment memories, and re-referring several bills to different committees. Members also introduced guests, including district staff, the Citrus Heights leadership class, and Rosie Rios, chair of America 250. The main floor debate centered on AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward, a local government finance measure related to water rates and Proposition 218. Ward argued the bill would provide clearer legal standards for proportional water rates, reduce litigation, and prevent low-use customers from subsidizing high-use users. Assembly Member DeMaio opposed the bill, saying it would weaken taxpayer protections and allow overcharging. After debate, the Assembly passed AB 2180 on a roll call vote of 41-17. The Assembly then adopted the second-day consent calendar, with AB 1853 and several other bills and resolutions passing 52-0. The chamber also held adjournment-in-memory tributes for former Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon Sr., praising his public service and transit advocacy. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until Monday, April 13 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Ward.
• That's AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward. Just a moment, Mr. Ward. Thank you, members.
• File item number 97, AB 2180 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Ward, do you wish to close?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. We will leave the roll open for absent members. Thank you.
• Assembly Member Ward [member_22487]. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye.
• Ward, aye.
• Ward? Aye. Ward aye. That measure is out. Seeing no other business, we are adjourned. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all