Transcript Highlights:

• Ashie, and Senator Ward on your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Ashi and Senator Ward. Present in support, not wishing to speak: Eric Sundstrom.
• And it impacted the Fifth Ward of Houston. And now they have higher cancer rates.
• But I was looking at the present and the proposed.
• Is that what you're removing in the proposed, taking that out?

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion. Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders. The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we prepare for a final panelist, I want to acknowledge Assembly Member Ward who has joined us.
• Assembly Member Ward, do you have some questions? The only question I...
• Assembly Member Ward, do you have some questions?
• And we have currently a budget change proposal into the legislature asking for more resources.
• Seeing no other comments, Assemblymember Ward, would you like to close, or any comment? No? Okay.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment held a review hearing on SB 588, focused on wage theft enforcement and whether the law’s tools are working as intended. Committee members emphasized that wage theft is a major and under-enforced form of theft in California, citing large backlogs in wage claims and long delays that can leave workers waiting years for payment. The hearing was framed as oversight of the Labor Commissioner’s enforcement authority and a discussion of whether additional tools or funding are needed to improve collections and deter bad actors. Witnesses from UCLA, worker advocacy organizations, and legal aid described SB 588’s main enforcement mechanisms, including liens, levies, stop-work orders, successor and individual liability, and the ability to pursue upstream entities in fissured industries. They argued these tools have improved settlement leverage and recovery rates, especially in janitorial and property services cases, and gave examples involving Tesla, Cheesecake Factory, Optum, and grocery and care-home employers. At the same time, they said the law is less effective in industries like residential care, where employers often transfer assets or change ownership before judgments are collected, and they urged changes such as broader prejudgment lien authority, more license-revocation power, and additional staffing for the Judgment Enforcement Unit. Worker testimony highlighted the human impact of delayed or unpaid wages. A care worker described being underpaid, denied pay for breaks and off-the-clock work, and facing intimidation when filing claims. Marta Lepe Martinez said she was owed more than $300,000, waited more than three years for a hearing, and still had not recovered any money despite a judgment and a lien on property. Another worker advocate explained that SB 588 helped identify responsible individuals and businesses earlier, increasing the chance of recovery, but said more resources and faster enforcement are still needed. Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower said SB 588 has significantly improved collections, reporting that the Judgment Enforcement Unit has recovered $125 million since enactment and that first-year recovery rates have risen from 17% to 46%. She said the agency is using liens, levies, stop orders, and individual liability more aggressively, but acknowledged that the tools are limited when employers are undercapitalized, hide assets, or transfer property before judgment. She supported the need for more staff and continued legislative investment. Public comment from SEIU California also backed SB 588’s framework and encouraged focusing enforcement on bad actors and expanding the law’s reach.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> yes good morning again uh chairman Ward yes good morning again uh chairman Ward and<01:42:57.400
• Thank you, Chair Ward. Senator Fran, thank you, Chair Ward. Laura, good to see you today.
• </c><02:20:13.920><c> um</c> Senator Fran thank you chair Ward um Senator Fran thank you chair Ward um
• So I proposed bringing them in, and also proposed bringing in the voices from the New Hampshire Municipal
• bringing them in um system so I proposed bringing them in um also<02:35:50.439><c> proposed</c><02:35

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Weber Pierson, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• That is AB 1684 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
• Assembly Bill 1684 by Assembly Member Ward and others.
• 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.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1588 is a measured proposal that provides law enforcement with clearer tools to address conduct that
• The bill clarifies that voters may propose and approve a local transactions and use tax of up to 0.5%
• With me today to speak in support of AB-2560 is Jeannie Ward Waller with the climate plan, and at the
• Jeannie Ward Waller, on behalf of PeopleForBikes, in support if amended.
• Jeannie Ward Waller, on behalf of PeopleForBikes, in support if amended.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a large agenda of transportation-related bills, with several measures discussed before a quorum was established. AB 1588 focused on sideshows and street takeovers, with the author, San Francisco Police Department, and Streets Are for Everyone arguing the bill would modernize enforcement, add motorbikes and dirt bikes to the sideshow framework, and improve public safety; there was no opposition testimony. AB 2015 would require Caltrans to study the effects of third-party navigation apps on congestion, local streets, infrastructure, and emergency response, and was supported by Streets for All, AAA, and local agencies, with no opposition. AB 2717 would extend a sunset for off-site advertising displays at large sports venues; the Dodgers supported it, the San Jose Sharks and others noted amendments, and no opposition was heard. AB 1608 would strengthen the independence and transparency of the High-Speed Rail Office of Inspector General by requiring public reports, adding confidentiality protections for sensitive security information, and granting staffing and purchasing authority; the First Amendment Coalition supported the amended bill, while the Vice Chair raised concerns about transparency and limiting confidential notices to committee chairs. The committee also heard AB 2346 on e-bike safety, which would require speedometers on Class 2 e-bikes, lights, a statewide sidewalk speed limit, local authority over bike-path speeds, and point-of-sale disclosures. Support came from medical, law enforcement, local government, and safety groups citing rising injuries and confusion over e-bike rules; PeopleForBikes remained opposed unless amended, mainly over lighting and disclosure requirements, though Streets for All withdrew its opposition after amendments. Members broadly supported the bill and discussed helmet use, youth safety, and the distinction between e-bikes and higher-powered e-motos. AB 1919 would let Santa Cruz Metro place a citizens’ initiative on the ballot to secure transit funding and protect service and jobs; the sponsor, bus operators, and labor supported it, with no opposition testimony. AB 2012 would streamline permits for moving manufactured homes under an annual permit, and AB 2024 would clarify Outdoor Advertising Act permitting and relocation procedures; both drew support from industry and housing groups and no opposition. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the consent calendar, which included items 13, 6, 8, 11, 14, 15, and 21, by roll call vote. The committee then heard AB 2484, which would allow San Diego voters to authorize a local transit tax initiative for MTS; the author and MTS argued it would preserve service and allow voters to decide future funding, and the bill advanced on a 5-2 roll call with the roll left open for absent members. The committee also heard AB 2560, which would codify the state transportation climate principles known as CAPTI; supporters said it would lock in goals for transit, rail, active transportation, equity, and greenhouse gas reduction, while Orange County Transportation Authority opposed. The author closed by asking for aye votes, and the committee proceeded toward roll-call action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward will be joining us, and the other senators will be in and out as they need to be.
• </c> budget proposed operating budget. budget proposed operating budget.
• </c> government voted down the proposed government voted down the proposed operating<00:40:49.920><c>
• operating budget if they so proposed operating budget if they so choose. choose. choose.
• There apparently is an additional letter taking Ward off and putting Avart on.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. I'm going to start with Mr. Ward. Thank you, Ms. Bonta. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• And yet the proposal in front of us today has multiple— ...have record revenues, and yet the proposal
• Additionally, we thank you for rejecting the Governor's proposals related to IHSS, including the proposed
• We also thank you for the prison closure proposal.
• Also, thank you for advancing the B-Home Soon California proposal and the several revenue proposals.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• , ...of the governor's proposals that are rejected, and while there are new proposals, they don't compare
• She said the Legislature's proposal goes in that direction and recommends some of the same proposals,
• This proposal reduces that down to $30 per month. This proposal reduces that down to $30 per month.
• Basically, I'll make it easier: the governor's proposal of $100 a month, our proposal of $30 a month,
• Ward, aye. Wilson, aye. Thank you. Wallace? Wallace? No. Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Wilson? Aye.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency. Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency. Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the $2 billion proposal was before the aldermen.
• Because there's one that was approved, the aldermen heard one proposal for $306 million.
• So the $2 billion proposal was before the aldermen.
• </c> went this the school building proposals went this the school building proposals the<00:16:46.399
• So if I change that to any city ward or town... ...ward or town. Sure.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• As Chief of Police, I went, I've gone to, of course, numerous community meetings and ward meetings and
• Likewise, I've been to a few ward meetings since I've become the interim sheriff.
• As Chief of Police, I went, I've gone to, of course, numerous community meetings and ward meetings and
• Likewise, if I've been to a few ward meetings, since I've become the interim sheriff.
• Ryan Mills, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and we support the bill as proposed. Great.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• On that note, what savings will result from the governor's proposal or from your proposal? Yeah.
• Now, your proposal also, so, um, Now, your proposal also, um, okay, let me, let me reframe this.
• The budget change proposal that was included in the governor's proposed budget specific to this SIBTF
• Under the current proposed reforms and the subsequent budget change proposal as proposed, we expect that
• Support the governor's proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward and Mr. Carrillo.
• Ward now. Thank you. Before Mr.
• We rubber stamp this proposal that apparently is coming from the governor's office.
• This proposal is coming from leadership from our four diversity caucuses. Mr.
• Patel's concern that there is not any proposal for a disability prevention coordinator.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 825 proposes a suite of policies that will address rising electric utility bills.
• This is in the same misguided vein as all of those proposals.
• The element of this proposal...
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Thank you Assembly Member Ward. ...work that the author will do over in that House.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor file of bills. Early measures passed with little or no debate, including AB 698 on local transfer taxes and affordable housing analysis, AB 456 on mobile home sales, AB 1129 on reportable infant health conditions, AB 69 on Fair Plan insurance notices and voluntary market searches, AB 357 on expedited student and faculty housing permits, AB 383 on firearms code cleanups, AB 426 on drones interfering with emergency response, AB 825 on energy affordability and transmission financing, and AB 699 on ballot transparency for local tax and bond measures. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan margins, while AB 825 drew the most extended debate over whether it would lower costs or expand state control of energy infrastructure; it ultimately passed 45-5. The most contentious item was AB 84, which would strengthen oversight of non-classroom-based charter schools and tighten accountability for charter spending and operations. Supporters argued it was needed to stop fraud and misuse of public education dollars, citing major scandals and audit findings, while opponents warned it would harm legitimate charter schools, reduce educational options, and disproportionately affect rural and special-needs students. Several members said they supported the bill only to keep negotiations going, and others urged more targeted or delayed action. After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the Assembly passed AB 84 on a 41-22 vote. The chamber also took up AB 610, a housing bill that would require cities and counties to disclose planned housing restrictions and limit new constraints for three years after housing element approval. The author framed it as a certainty and transparency measure to help address the state’s housing shortage, while noting continued discussions with local governments and housing advocates. The transcript ends with the bill’s presentation and request for an aye vote, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Cook here on behalf of the Missouri Bar to go on record in support.
• Ward Cook here on behalf of the Missouri Bar to go on record in support.
• I would like to reiterate this was one of our legislative proposals, and we are strongly in favor of
• I would like to reiterate this was one of our legislative proposals, and we are strongly in favor of

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum, announced that House Bills 3304, 2777, and 3054 would not be heard that day, and then moved into executive session. In executive session, the committee considered House Bill 1910, which concerns child maintenance/child support obligations for certain persons convicted of DWIs. Representative Davis offered an amendment changing mandatory language from “shall” to “may” to preserve judicial discretion; the amendment was adopted 5-2 with one present. The committee then adopted a substitute and voted the House Committee substitute for HB 1910 do pass 7-0 with one present. The committee next took up House Bill 3116, a civil jurisprudence bill. An amendment was adopted to incorporate provisions from three previously heard bills: HB 1711 (Uniform Deposition Act), HB 1713 (allowing circuit courts to dissolve LLCs), and HB 3072 (workers’ compensation changes). The committee rolled the amendment into a substitute and voted the House Committee substitute for HB 3116 do pass 8-0. The committee also considered House Bill 3289 on court operations. An amendment was adopted to add treatment court administrators in certain circuits, subject to appropriations, then rolled into a substitute. The House Committee substitute for HB 3289 was voted do pass 8-0. In public hearing, Representative Dolan presented House Bill 3443, which would raise the court automation fee from $7 to $10 and add a CPI-based annual adjustment. Supporters from the Judicial Conference of Missouri said the fee has not been updated since the 1990s, that court automation costs continue to rise, and that the surcharge covers only a portion of the system’s expenses; they also noted that salaries are generally funded through general revenue rather than fees. Committee members asked about the new fee amount, what the revenue would support, and the collection-rate assumptions in the fiscal note. No opposition testimony was offered. Representative Parker then presented House Bill 2865, which would remove the statutory cap of $75 per hour for attorney’s fees in certain agency/licensure proceedings and replace it with “reasonable” fees. He and supporters said the current rate has not been updated since 1989 and is too low to attract attorneys for cases involving licensed professionals defending their licenses. Testimony in favor came from a private attorney who practices in this area, the Missouri Bar, and another supporter who said the bill would improve representation for Missouri licensees. No opposition testimony was presented, and the hearing on HB 2865 was concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
• </c> bit harder is it my husband is the ward bit harder is it my husband is the ward counselor<01:03:
• Okay, Senator, would you like to speak to the proposed amendment or the bill?
• Yeah, the proposed amendment. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Madam President.
• </c> yes Senator inis is excuse Senator Ward yes Senator inis is excuse Senator Ward yes<01:53:02.599

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Ward, just one more.
• </c> standard, uh, um, that this proposes. standard, uh, um, that this proposes.
• &gt;&gt; so Senator Ward I'm going to move in &gt;&gt; so Senator Ward I'm going to move in study<01:
• . proposed. proposed.
• Senator Ward, have a second?

Committee: Senate Education

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
• The proposed amendments, again, provide clear guidelines.

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

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:

• 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,
• He had worked with a number of other scholars related to proposals for state regulations.
• We proposed the rules, right?
• So we proposed the laws, right? And the executive branch, we delegate that authority to them.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first deferred Senate Bill 49, which would remove the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education from the list of offices subject to closed party primary elections, after the sponsor said additional amendments were being prepared. It then took up House Bill 1247, which creates a statewide sexual assault nurse examiner coordinator within the Department of Justice to improve access, evidence collection, and coordination for sexual assault survivors. Members adopted a committee amendment package that clarified the coordinating structure, geographic response considerations, reimbursement language, and related public records issues, and the bill was reported favorably as amended with support from health care and law enforcement-related groups. House Bill 1245, also dealing with public records, was amended to protect certain personal identifying information in criminal history records of criminal justice agency employees who serve as witnesses in criminal proceedings. The discussion focused on limiting release of Social Security numbers, home addresses, and dates of birth while preserving disclosure required for court proceedings and impeachment-related purposes. The committee adopted a further amendment narrowing the protection to those PII items in records held by the clerk of court, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1011, allowing jurors to donate per diem compensation to CASA, and House Bill 1186, which standardizes construction code and inspector licensing records while protecting inspectors’ personal information, were also reported favorably. Senate Bill 425, which implements the constitutional mandate for removal by suit of certain elected officials for felony conviction, malfeasance, or gross misconduct, drew the most extended debate. Supporters said it creates a civil process to address serious misconduct when criminal prosecution is unavailable or incomplete, while opponents warned it could be abused for political targeting, duplicate existing remedies, and rely on vague standards. After amendments clarifying the process and standards, the committee voted 10-5 to report the bill favorably as amended. The committee also adopted amendments and reported favorably House Bill 1057, extending absentee-by-mail eligibility for overseas service members from one year to two years, and began discussion of House Bill 709, which would create a rulemaking notification system, a 10-year sunset for certain rules, and an Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the governor’s office.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 60-day timeline this present proposed 60-day timeline this present proposed change<00:16:26.279>
• > on</c><00:18:37.320><c> state</c> proposed proposals are located on state proposed proposals are located
• </c><00:22:41.039><c> and</c> the the viability of their proposal and the the viability of their proposal
• </c> that the dot even with the proposed that the dot even with the proposed transfer<02:00:45.400><c
• </c><02:02:48.840><c> I'm</c> questions yes please Andre Ward I'm questions yes please Andre Ward I'm

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, Ward, Ward, excuse, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Yamashita, Madam Speaker, here. Mr.
• Ward, Ward, Ward, excuse, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Yamashita, Madam Speaker, here. Mr.
• Ward, Ward, Ward, excuse, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Yamashita, Madam Speaker, here. Mr.
• Ward, Ward, Ward, excuse, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Yamashita, Madam Speaker, here. Mr.
• Ward, Ward, Ward, excuse, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Yamashita, Madam Speaker, here. Mr.