Video & Transcript Research : 'ward'
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NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair Ward. Um, Steve, good to see you.
- Thank you, Chair Ward.<01:10:21.280>
Um, <01:10:21.600>Steve, <01:10:21.920>good - <01:10:22.800>
So Ward. Um, Steve, good to see you. So Ward. Um, Steve, good to see you. - I believe you're on this Senator Ward I believe you're on this committee<01:59:40.480>
in <01: - ,<02:27:26.720>
that <02:27:27.200>you you would agree, Senator Ward, that you you
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:41:43.079>
or <00:41:43.359>city local um towns or city local um towns or city Wards - 00:41:47.240>
all <00:41:47.400>of <00:41:47.560>them <00:41:47.800>go Wards - I would say almost all of them go Wards I would say almost all of them go directly<00:41:48.800>
- elderly person who moves from their house into an assisted living facility in a different town or ward
- elderly person who moves from their house into an assisted living facility in a different town or ward
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session (Part 2 of September 12, 2025 Legislative day)
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Assembly Member Irwin.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member DeMaio, you are recognized. Thank you.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member Wilson, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The chamber reconvened after a late-night session and first adopted the consent calendar, including ACR 107 on the Diablo Range, by a 48-0 vote. Members then took up several Senate bills and Assembly measures, with repeated remarks about the long hours and the need to respect staff and keep proceedings moving. A vote change was also announced for Assembly Member Patel on SB 414, changing from aye to not voting.
The main policy debate centered on energy, climate, and affordability. SB 237, dealing with oil and gas policy, refinery closures, pipeline safety, Kern County permitting, gasoline blend flexibility, and regional fuel coordination, drew strong support from members who framed it as a managed transition to stabilize fuel supply and protect jobs, and strong opposition from members who called it a giveaway to oil interests and a setback for climate goals. The bill passed 59-0. SB 254, an energy affordability and wildfire package, included wildfire mitigation financing, a successor wildfire fund, transmission cost reductions, clean energy permitting changes, and energization timelines; members raised some concerns about local control, but the bill passed 58-0. SB 840 and AB 1207 advanced the cap-and-invest reauthorization package, with supporters emphasizing emissions reductions, housing, transit, wildfire prevention, and community air programs, while opponents argued it would raise costs and function as a tax-and-spend scheme. SB 840 passed 54-15 and AB 1207 passed 55-10, both with urgency and immediate transmittal.
Members also approved SB 352, which makes the Bureau of Environmental Justice permanent and requires air quality monitoring and reporting on AB 617 implementation, by 43-19. AB 825, authorizing California to help establish a Westwide electricity market, was presented as a way to lower bills, improve reliability, and reduce emissions; it passed 67-2 and was sent to the Governor. Additional actions included concurrence in Senate amendments to AB 8 on cannabinoids and AB 383 on firearms cleanup, and the chamber began consideration of AB 764 on wildlife as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Jun 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , Chiavo, Shultz, Shultz, Sharp Collins, Chiavo, Schultz, Sharp Collins, Solace, Tangipa, Wallace, Ward
- I want to thank Assembly Members Ward, Ortega, Haney, and Wallace for their participation and input throughout
- 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.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- 1621, Wilson; 1637, Kaloza; 1704, Mark Gonzalez; 1816, Davies; 1933, Hoover; 2529, Johnson; 2559, Ward
- 1621, Wilson; 1637, Koloza; 1704, Mark Gonzalez; 1816, Davies; 1933, Hoover; 2529, Johnson; 2559, Ward
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 22, 2026, with a quorum present and first took up a large consent calendar. It moved a set of bills to the Assembly Floor consent calendar by unanimous vote, including AB 1773, 1785, 1828, 1873, 1918, 2001, 2085, 2173, 2412, 2536, 2644, and 2781, and separately approved another group of unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent, including AB 1544, 1555, 1614, 1621, 1637, 1704, 1816, 1933, 2529, 2559, 2663, and 2731. The committee then heard several individual bills, with each author describing the measure and witnesses generally testifying in support; no organized opposition was recorded on the bills discussed.
Among the measures heard, AB 2393 would create fixed statutory damages for certain false imprisonment and arrest claims, while exempting peace officers, custodial officers, and public entities. AB 1697 would delay implementation of a recently enacted prohibition on employment contracts that require workers to repay employer debts if they leave a job, and AB 2534 would extend Domestic Violence Prevention Act restraining order protections to attempted forced marriages and survivors of forced marriages. AB 1608 would strengthen the High-Speed Rail Inspector General’s office by adding staffing and contracting authority, requiring public reports, and allowing limited temporary confidentiality for sensitive information; the bill drew questions from members about transparency and whether information could be withheld, but the author and Inspector General said the measure would increase accountability and only allow narrow, time-limited confidentiality.
The committee also approved AB 1916, which would allow American Sign Language interpreters to participate in the same collective bargaining process as other certified court interpreters, and AB 1803, which would require anti-hate speech training as part of workplace harassment prevention training for employers with five or more employees. AB 1821 would change Public Records Act response timelines from calendar days to business days, with local government sponsors arguing it would better reflect actual processing time for broad and complex requests without reducing access. AB 1919 would establish election procedures to let voters decide the future of Santa Cruz Metro service funding after a one-time grant expires. Each of these bills was moved forward on due pass votes, with some members not voting on certain measures. The committee then approved a long suspense file, and the remaining suspense bills were deemed approved without further discussion.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- conference, the Speaker appoints for House Bill 1263, House Bill 1263, House Bill 1263, Delegates Tran, Ward
- And so for Senate Bill 378, the Speaker appoints on behalf of the House Delegates Tran, Ward, and Wilt
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 21st, 2025
California Assembly Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks
- His mother cared for him while he was a patient in the Children's Ward at Martin Luther King Community
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Ruth Ward, senator from District 8, and I'm here to introduce Senate Bill 446.
- I know in the interest of time, as mentioned by Senator Ward, animal care center is far too broad.
- I'm glad to hear Senator Ward talk about some amendments being worked with.
- I'm glad to hear Senator Ward talk about some amendments being worked with.
- I'm glad to hear Senator Ward talk about some amendments being worked with.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Ward wishes to speak? No? Okay.
- Senator Ward for the committee. The eyes have it. The motion of ought to The eyes have it.
- vote of 4 to pass with an amendment by vote of 4 to 0.<01:34:30.240>
Senator <01:34:30.600>Ward - Senator Ward for the committee. 0. Senator Ward for the committee.
- >> Senator<01:34:31.880>
Ward. >> Senator Ward. >> Senator Ward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
- Assembly Bill 1942, Bauer-Kahan; Assembly Bill 1954, Ward; Assembly Bill 1967, Bill?
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member Gibson, you are recognized. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a long consent and procedural agenda, including suspending rules to move AJR 31 forward without reference and approving a large Appropriations Committee hearing list. The chamber also heard several guest introductions, including recognition of Shannon Lee for work tied to AB 2455 establishing a Bruce Lee Day, and district staff and visitors from other members’ offices.
The main floor debate centered on AJR 31, a resolution urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supporters argued that recent federal court decisions and state redistricting efforts are weakening protections against racial vote dilution and disenfranchisement, while opponents said the resolution promoted race-based districting and was inconsistent with equal protection principles. After extensive debate and repeated parliamentary reminders about decorum, the Assembly added 57 coauthors and passed AJR 31 on a 58-8 roll call vote. Justin Jones of Tennessee was later introduced as a guest.
The Assembly then moved through a series of bills and resolutions, most of which passed with little or no opposition. These included AB 2341 clarifying emergency language translation rules for local agencies, AB 1816 extending court supervision for sex-offender rehabilitation completion, AB 2561 protecting users’ phone and digital privacy settings, ACR 167 recognizing World Agritourism Day, ACR 190 honoring California Day of the Teacher, AB 1581 improving identification of Native American students, AB 1586 requiring opioid overdose prevention training for school resource officers and school safety plans, AB 1665 adding mental health training for coaches, and AB 1693 streamlining retail tenant-improvement permitting. The Assembly also passed AB 1768, an urgency tax measure tied to federal Medicaid reimbursement cuts for Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties, and began consideration of AB 1712 regarding Santa Fe Springs’ water system sale, with debate starting but not completed in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
- Assembly Bill 1942, Bauer-Kahan; Assembly Bill 1954, Ward; Assembly Bill 1967, Bill?
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member Gibson, you are recognized. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, then completed the prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, journal motions, and a long series of procedural actions, including suspending rules to move bills and approve a large Appropriations Committee hearing list. Members also made several guest introductions, including Shannon Lee, district staff from Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s office, and later guests tied to agritourism and education recognitions.
The floor debate centered heavily on AJR 31, a resolution urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supporters argued that recent Supreme Court decisions and redistricting efforts in other states were weakening Black and other minority representation and that California should take a clear stand for voting rights. Opponents argued the measure promoted racial division, conflicted with equal protection principles, and that districts should be drawn based on place or communities of interest rather than race. After a contentious debate with repeated parliamentary warnings over decorum, the Assembly suspended the rules to take up the resolution, added coauthors, and passed AJR 31 by a vote of 58-8.
The Assembly then moved through a series of bills and resolutions, generally approving them with little or no opposition. These included AB 2341 clarifying emergency language translation rules for local agencies; AB 1816 extending court supervision for certain sex-offender rehabilitation programs; AB 2561 protecting consumer privacy settings on phones and digital devices; ACR 167 recognizing World Agritourism Day; ACR 190 recognizing California Day of the Teacher; AB 1581 improving identification of Native American students in public schools; AB 1586 requiring opioid overdose prevention training for school resource officers and safety planning; AB 1665 requiring mental health training for school coaches; AB 1693 streamlining retail tenant-improvement permitting; AB 1768 authorizing a local tax measure related to health funding; AB 1712 facilitating a water-system sale for Santa Fe Springs; AB 1792 addressing sexually exploitive AI imagery in health education; and AB 1822 prioritizing school projects that address extreme heat. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, several unanimously, and the resolution on agritourism and the teacher day were adopted by voice vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
- Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
- Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Mr. Speaker. I don't know. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly met with a quorum call at the start, then proceeded with Black History Month observances, including a libation ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, and remarks emphasizing remembrance, ancestry, and the importance of honoring Black history. The chamber also handled routine procedural matters, including dispensing with the journal, re-referring certain Senate budget items to the Budget Committee, and allowing guest introductions and other unanimous-consent requests.
The main floor action was on Assembly Concurrent Resolution 134, recognizing Black History Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the historical contributions of Black Americans, the ongoing effects of slavery and segregation, the need to protect voting rights and education, and the importance of solidarity across communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 74 co-authors were added.
The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 132, declaring February 28 as Rare Disease Day. Members shared personal stories about ALS and other rare diseases, described barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage, and called for more research and support. The resolution received broad bipartisan support, with 71 co-authors added before adoption by voice vote.
The chamber then recognized a series of Black History Month Unsung Heroes honorees, including community leaders, health professionals, advocates, and public servants, and later heard additional guest introductions. The meeting concluded with adjournments in memory of Peyton Trilling and John Jackson, followed by announcements and adjournment until February 26 at 9 a.m.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 21st, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Amendment by Ward Johnson. Chair recognizes Ms.
- Ward Johnson to explain the amendment to the amendment. Mr.
- This is Ward Johnson who sends up The author is there any objection?
Keywords:
youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward Johnson? Here. Rep. Davis? Here. Rep. Shofner? Here. Thank you. A quorum is present.
- Yes, Representative Ward-Johnson. Not this time. I'm not calling you Schaefer, right?
- Representative Ward-Johnson, to confirm that it can be off-campus housing that this grant would cover
Keywords:
living expenses, higher education, student support, homeless students, financial aid, grant program, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, workforce development, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, competency-based education, baccalaureate degree, cost of attendance, dual credit, computer science, course credit, foreign language requirement, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward Johnson. Here. Rep. Davis. Here. Rep. Shofner. Here. Quorum is present. Mr.
- Yes, Representative Ward-Johnson. How long ago was that division win?
- I'm sorry that Representative Ward-Johnson left.
Bills:
HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125
Keywords:
higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Ward Johnson? Here. Representative Davis and Representative Shofner. I record, Mr.
- Yes, Representative Ward-Johnson. Yes, thank you. for being here.
- Thank you, Representative Ward-Johnson.
Bills:
HB173, HB184, HB484, HB678, HB 1211, HB1507, HB1705, HB1868, HB2290, HB2851, HB2856, HB3041, HB3204, HB173, HB184
Keywords:
foreign donations, higher education, public institutions, national security, funding, prohibition, Texas law, healthcare, insurance, affordability, access, public health, foreign influence, education policy, student loan repayment, prosecuting attorneys, border prosecution unit, financial assistance, tobacco, cigarettes
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I grew up in an area of Houston that some of you may know, typically called 5th Ward.
- Ward Johnson for recognition. Thank you.
- Originally located in Houston's Fourth Ward, it is the sole secondary school for black students during
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- already raised, I know it sounds like...” “...to what Assembly Member Ward already raised.
- Ward has before this committee, the $70 million public media stabilization fund that would be created
- So many member Ward. Great. Thank you for that presentation.
- Ward. Thank you.
- Thank you, Assemblymember Ward. I think we had the same reaction.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of May Revision budget items, beginning with the State Controller’s Office. SCO described requests for Fiscal Book of Record stabilization, payroll system implementation, ACFR reporting support, and unclaimed property outreach funding. Members focused on the Fiscal system’s July go-live, the improved timeliness of the ACFR, and the unclaimed property program’s roughly $15 billion balance and outreach efforts. The Department of Finance and LAO raised no major concerns, and the item was closed after discussion of how the new outreach funding would be used.
The committee then considered several revenue proposals. Finance presented a proposal to tax pre-written digital software and SaaS, with estimated General Fund gains of $450 million in 2026-27 and $900 million ongoing; LAO suggested broader digital tax changes and a business-use exemption, while industry groups opposed the measure as a tax on essential digital tools. CDTFA also presented an administrative request tied to the software tax, and later a $10 million budget reduction reflecting lower operational needs. The committee then heard a federal conformity proposal for new children’s tax-deferred accounts, which LAO supported, and a proposal to cut the first-year LLC/LP minimum tax from $800 to $400, which Finance said would aid small business formation but LAO argued was poorly targeted and would reduce revenue.
Another major item was a permanent business tax credit limitation beginning in 2027, capping credits at the greater of $5 million per corporation or 50% of pre-credit liability. Finance said it would raise about $850 million in 2026-27 and more in later years, while LAO noted it would mainly affect large firms using the R&D credit and could also touch California Competes and other programs. Public testimony split sharply between business groups opposing the cap and advocates supporting it as a progressive revenue measure. The committee also heard FTB’s CalFile realignment proposal, which would retain a smaller staff to continue improving the free filing system and return most of the prior funding to the General Fund.
The hearing concluded with the California Arts Council’s request to reauthorize the Keep Arts in Schools voluntary contribution fund, which brings in about $221,000 to $266,000 annually for arts grants and teacher stipends. Members and advocates supported the item but also urged larger arts funding, including the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development then presented proposals for the California Civic Media Program, CA RISE reappropriation, and a reversion of unused Chips for America facility funds; LAO supported the latter two but was cautious about new civic media spending. Members raised concerns about the civic media program’s scope, including the exclusion of broadcast and the lack of a specific ethnic media set-aside, while GoBiz said funds would begin going out in the fall if approved.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- [Clears throat] Good morning, Chairman Ward and members of the committee.
- I represent Senate District 18, which is Manchester Wards 5 through 9 and the town of Litchfield.
- Your question, Chair Ward, on the opt-in, if is it parents, is it the schools?
- Thank you, Chair Ward. Um, Nancy, always good to see you.
- Thank you, Chairwoman Ward, for the opportunity to speak and members of the committee.