Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward, yes. Senator Inis, yes. Senator Ward, yes.
• Uh the uh the amendment being proposed.
• Senator<01:45:07.679><c> Ward,</c><01:45:08.159><c> yes.
• Senator Rashardy, Senator Ward, yes.
• Floor Amendment 1 to 1907 has been proposed.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ricks, Ruchti, Semmelroth, Shippy, Taylor, Van Orden, Ward-Engelking, Wintrow, Woodward, Zuiderveld,
• Ward Engel King? Wintrow? Woodward? Cido? Ciderbelt? Adams? Grow?
• Ward-Engelking? Mr. President? Senator Guthrie. Can I change my aye vote to nay? You may.
• Senator Ward-Engelking, you are recognized to debate. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Ward Engel King? There are also paired votes. Senator A. There are also paired votes.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, opened with prayer honoring Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboom, and approved the journal. The chamber then handled routine committee and House messages, including referrals of several Senate and House bills to standing committees, reports of enrolled measures, and gubernatorial and House transmittals. Senators also briefly returned House Bill 545 to committee because it had not been properly reported. The main floor action centered on several third-reading bills. Senate Bill 1299, limiting government use of digital identification and protecting physical ID and device privacy, passed 35-0 after debate about privacy, enforcement, and whether it would affect agency accounts. Senate Bill 1335, extending service obligations for state-supported veterinary students, passed 33-2. Senate Bill 1330, raising the small-claims limit from $5,000 to $15,000, passed unanimously by reused roll call. Senate Bill 1359, the Virtual Currency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act, drew the most debate over consumer protection versus regulation; it passed 19-16. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1348 on public outdoor target ranges and Pittman-Robertson funds, Senate Bill 1376 on declarations of candidacy, and Senate Bill 1378 modernizing off-road vehicle account and trail funding rules. Later, the chamber took up several appropriation bills: House Bills 868, 869, 870, 871, and 876 all passed, covering PERSI, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, OITS, the State Tax Commission, and the State Board of Education/higher education budgets. Those budget bills prompted extended debate over funding levels, tax collection, cybersecurity, and especially cuts to universities, community colleges, and career technical education, but each ultimately passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 21 bills on today's agenda, with two bills proposed for consent.
• called Assemblymember Ward.
• Ward. The motion is due pass as amended. AB 1793 by Mr. Ward.
• By item number 10, AB 2089 by Assembly Member Ward.
• Next we have file item number 11, AB 2222 by Assembly Member Ward.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several tax-related bills, beginning with AB 760, which would exempt settlement payments tied to the Garden Grove chemical incident from California income tax. The author and a school district trustee described evacuations, school closures, and losses to residents, businesses, students, and staff, arguing the payments should make victims whole rather than be taxed. There was support from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, no opposition, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations, with committee amendments accepted. Members then heard AB 2319, creating a California post-production tax credit for film and television work done in-state, even when principal photography occurred elsewhere or the project did not receive the existing film credit. The author and supporters from the Motion Picture Editors Guild, California Post Alliance, and others said post-production jobs and facilities are leaving California and that the bill would help retain high-wage work; opponents were not present. The committee members generally supported the measure, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. AB 2186 followed, excluding future reparations benefits for descendants of formerly enslaved people from state income tax. The author and NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference said taxing such benefits would undermine reparative justice; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 3-0. The committee also heard AB 762, which would ban the sale of disposable nicotine vapes and add enforcement tools. Supporters, including waste, recycling, local government, and public health groups, said disposable vapes create fire hazards, waste problems, and costs for local agencies; opponents argued the bill would mainly eliminate the legal market while leaving illicit products untouched and urged stronger enforcement instead. The author accepted committee amendments adding CDTFA enforcement, but the bill was not voted on because a motion was pending and members were absent. Later, AB 1519, AB 2172, AB 2222, AB 1793, AB 2089, and AB 1265 were heard and each received support from committee members and passed 2-0 or 3-0 to Appropriations, with amendments accepted where noted. AB 1519 clarified that the 20-year tax collection statute of limitations should not be reset by later fees or penalties; AB 2172 would let large counties use a single assessment appeals commissioner for complex property tax appeals; AB 2222 would create a temporary tax credit for local news organizations to retain and hire journalists; AB 1793 would authorize symmetrical cash rounding to the nearest nickel after the federal penny phaseout; AB 2089 would streamline the welfare exemption filing process for affordable housing; and AB 1265 would extend and revise the historic building tax credit to encourage adaptive reuse for housing and mixed-use projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, you can go ahead and proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members.
• Ward, for our conversation as well. I had a couple questions.
• Ward. Madam Vice Chair, sure. I just kind of an out-of-the-box thought.
• Ward. Madam Vice Chair, sure. I just kind of an out-of-the-box thought.
• Item 5, AB 474, Ward. Assalie? No. No. Ward. Assaly? No. Assaly, no. Item 7, AB 628, McInner.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Proposed consent agenda, which is entirely of AB 2143, Irwin.
• And I think that what the chairman has proposed and the committee has proposed, which is what you're
• Ward has three bills before. For us, very much appreciated. So Mr.
• Something Member Ward mentioned in one of our investigations.
• You know, I learned them from my neighbor Chris Ward.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 55 is AB 1070 by Assembly Member Ward.
• The clerk will read: Assembly Bill 1070 by Assembly Member Ward and relating to housing.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you represented one ward, you know, if one ward was in a county commissioner district, that whole
• So if you represented one ward, you know, if one ward was in a county commissioner district, that whole
• For the record, my name is Representative Suzanne Vale, and I am a representative from Nashua Ward 3,
• </c><00:46:29.040><c> amendment</c><00:46:30.240><c> and</c> "She has seen the proposed amendment and
• for uh an income tax by the proposals for uh an income tax by the New<01:11:21.280><c> Hampshire</c>

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rep Ward-Johnson? Here. Rep. Davis and Rep. Schaffner.
• I wonder if by proposing and passing passing bills like this.
• Thank you, Representative Ward-Johnson, back to you, thank you.
• No, but I would like to thank Somos Tejas, Representative Ward-Johnson.
• Representative Ward-Johnson. Did you have more to add to that?

Bills: HB232

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• And this proposal gives us the opportunity to change that.
• , pediatric wards, mental health wards, all in order to keep the front door of the hospital open.
• > all</c><00:19:51.679><c> in</c><00:19:51.840><c> order</c> wards, mental health wards, all in order
• wards, mental health wards, all in order to<00:19:52.240><c> keep</c><00:19:52.400><c> the</c><00:19
• Well, Senator Rest has outlined the bill and provided great background on this proposal.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before I vote on your proposal, I'd like to know who your favorite is.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Summary: The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled a large procedural and floor agenda. Members suspended rules for adjournments in memory, guest introductions, and expedited committee action, rereferred AB 1199 to Health and AB 2728 to Local Government, and removed several items from calendars or returned bills to the Senate at authors’ requests. The chamber then moved through concurrence and third-reading files, with many measures passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including AB 230 on Pierce’s disease control, AB 1636 on a Cerritos College seamless enrollment pilot, AB 1982 on alcoholic beverages, AB 2120 on school district employees, AB 2413 on political reform and billboard use, AB 2437 and AB 2453 on vehicles, AB 2596 on housing, AB 1760 and AB 1873 on technical clarifications, AB 2312 on tidelands, AB 2390 on housing cleanup, AB 2685 and AB 2778 on agriculture, and ACR 194 on Women’s Equality Day. The Assembly also adopted several resolutions and Senate measures. HR 112 designating Black Music Month drew extensive remarks about Black artists’ influence and was adopted with 62 coauthors. HR 132 declaring September Young Women’s Reproductive Health Awareness Month was adopted with 50 coauthors. SJR 8 urging federal immigration reform passed 45-2, with supporters emphasizing immigrant contributions and the need to modernize the registry system. SCR 7 on permanent standard time was debated at length, with supporters citing health benefits and opponents warning about darker mornings and voter intent; the resolution ultimately passed 41-3 after a roll call. Other Senate bills passed included SB 105 on penny rounding for local agencies, SB 928 on AI guardrails in CSU classrooms, SB 1038 on CalPERS audit notices, SB 308 on community college reporting, SB 1172 on tax-sharing consultant fees, SB 1159 on AI-generated public participation, SB 1055 on flood project procurement, SB 1285 on juvenile dismissals, SB 1274 on industrial cities and transportation funding, SB 965 easing library card access for 16- and 17-year-olds, SB 1375 creating a narrow CEQA exemption for certain transit projects, SB 952 on clean energy accounting for water agencies, and SB 917 expanding farmers market wine sales eligibility. Several measures drew notable opposition or discussion. On SB 965, one member objected that the bill should preserve parental decision-making, while supporters argued it would remove an unnecessary barrier to library access. On SB 952, one member criticized state energy policy and the bill’s project labor agreement, but the measure still passed 64-1. On SB 1375, supporters framed the bill as reducing duplicative environmental review for major transit projects like Diridon Station while preserving other protections. The chamber also added coauthors to consent-calendar resolutions and adopted the second-day consent calendar items without objection. The meeting concluded with multiple adjournments in memory, including tributes to Eric L. Washington Jr., Ivan Garza, Darryl Preston Jackson, Richard “Dick” Oliphant, and former Madera Mayor Santos Garcia. Members described Washington as a community leader and peacemaker, Garza as a young athlete whose life was cut short, Jackson as a mentor and founder of the 1020 Club, Oliphant as a civic leader who helped shape the Coachella Valley, and Garcia as a labor advocate and public servant who fought for working families and helped reopen Madera Community Hospital. The Assembly observed moments of silence in their honor before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before I vote on your proposal, I'd like to know who your favorite is.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• instead of at death because of an experience I had where one of my wards passed away.
• I presently have just one ward, and he's in Twin Falls at a large care center.
• I presently have just one ward, and he's in Twin Falls at a large care center.
• I think there are lots of people that could benefit both as guardians and as wards.
• Thank you for bringing us this proposal.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee approved minutes from September 25 and December 2, 2025, then heard seven topic requests for Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE) studies. Presentations covered the impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure, Doppel fund balance management, Medicaid hospital billing, Your Health Idaho plan selection, boards of community guardians, sexual assault in women’s prisons, and drivers of prison population growth. OPE staff said all of the topics were feasible, with some categorized as small, medium, or large projects. After a private ballot, the committee’s top-ranked topics were boards of community guardians and drivers of prison population growth, followed by impacts of growth on agriculture and infrastructure and sexual assault in women’s correctional facilities. The committee then voted to assign those four studies to OPE. The committee also approved follow-up work on the Idaho Home Learning Academy and the direct care workforce reports, with OPE suggesting a December follow-up for Home Learning Academy and a June target for direct care workforce, with possible extension if needed. The committee then released the report on challenges facing Idaho’s 911 system and heard a detailed presentation on funding, staffing, system efficiency, consolidation barriers, and governance. OPE recommended that the Legislature consider evolving the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission into a statewide program with stronger authority, standardized reporting, and clearer cost responsibilities. Testimony from the IPSCC chair and the Idaho Military Division generally agreed with the report’s direction, emphasized aging infrastructure and funding gaps, and said more data and legislative action would be needed for long-term sustainability. Committee members asked about the $1-per-line 911 fee, staffing shortages, consolidation authority, and whether 911 should be treated as an essential service. OPE and witnesses noted that local control remains central, but the state lacks consistent data and a statewide decision-maker. The committee then approved a motion for OPE to do a feasibility review of additional cost analysis for the 911 system before deciding whether to launch a deeper follow-up study. The meeting ended with OPE updates on a state administrative office space review, an upcoming career technical education report, and a reminder that legislators can request background research from OPE.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it was a proposed substitute, second substitute.
• There are three amendments to that proposed substitute.
• Do we have any questions on the proposed second substitute, the second proposed substitute that Megan
• I move adoption of Ward 257, page 5, line 6.
• And in fact, the proposed substitute is specifically around developing, And in fact, the proposed substitute

Summary: The House Education Committee met in executive session on several bills, beginning with House Bill 1795 on restraint and isolation in schools. Staff described the proposed substitute as prohibiting mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints, limiting planned use of restraint to cases with written medical necessity and parental consent, and revising the definition of serious harm. Members debated amendments clarifying that serious harm can include harm to another person, barring construction of rooms designed primarily for student isolation, and adding a null-and-void clause. The committee adopted the first two amendments but rejected the null-and-void amendment, then advanced the bill as amended. The final roll call on HB 1795 was 10 ayes, 7 nays, and 2 excused, and it was reported do pass as amended. The committee then considered Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would create a statewide technical assistance and training framework for student behavioral health, coordinated by OSPI and ESDs with behavioral health agencies and community partners. A second proposed substitute removed some implementation requirements, narrowed the bill to coordination and access to services, added family-focused consultation and planning language, and removed certain reporting and needs-assessment provisions. A null-and-void amendment was offered but failed. Supporters said the bill would provide schools with flexible technical assistance rather than mandates, while opponents raised concerns about fiscal impact and unfunded obligations. The committee approved the bill on a 12-5 vote with 2 excused and reported it do pass. The committee also received staff briefings on House Bill 1662, which would require several education-related agencies and entities to transition to separate administrative services and operational independence on a delayed timeline, and House Bill 1683, which would adjust school board director-district election requirements and thresholds. No amendments were noted on HB 1683, and the committee did not reach final action on either of those bills before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Assembly Member Ward has been a leader on criminal justice reform.
• And Assembly Member Ward has been a leader on criminal justice reform.
• And also, Assembly Member Ward, who is the chair?
• I'm kidding, Assembly Member Ward.
• A second proposal I want to plant in your minds...

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So how about fire ward? What do we all feel about the position of fire ward?
• </c> &gt;&gt; A fire ward is not a fire chief. &gt;&gt; A fire ward is not a fire chief.
• </c> Do we want fire ward in or out? Do we want fire ward in or out?
• How are you proposing that read?
• How are you proposing that read? that? How are you proposing that read?

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Solace, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Collins, Solace, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• in his budget One of the big discouragements of the Governor's proposal in his budget is that he does
• 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:

• >> 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.
• We're going to see all that happen when they follow up with the initial proposal.
• </c> follow up with the initial proposal. follow up with the initial proposal.

Keywords: 928, house, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> proposed floor amendment? proposed floor amendment?
• &gt;&gt; Senator<01:59:29.199><c> Ward,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; yes
• > a</c> proposes both versions propose a proposes both versions propose a one-year<03:33:37.120><c> moratorum
• &gt;&gt; Senator<04:37:53.520><c> Ward,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; no
• >> Oh, Senator Ward. >> Yes, Senator Ward.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward being absent today, we do have a substitute to present the bill. Please step forward.
• Ward. Following the halt of the production, the shortage of the penny and, to Ms.
• AB 1793, Ward. The motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Valencia? Yes.
• CBA is currently reviewing all of the committee's proposed amendments.
• To resolve this, we propose removing that provision.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:07:57.840><c> I</c><00:07:58.400><c> Senator</c><00:07:58.720><c> Ward,</c><00:07:58.960><c> do<
• I Senator Ward, do you have any issues.
• Senator Ward, do you have any feedback given your experience?
• Senator Inis, would you like to propose a committee amendment, or would you like to put off the bill?
• /c><00:12:24.000><c> a</c><00:12:24.320><c> committee</c> like to propose a a committee like to propose

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all