Video & Transcript Research : 'ward boundaries'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Through you to the members, I'm honored to welcome several guests today participating in the Ward Fellowship
- For those of you who don't know, the Ward Fellowship is a fellowship over the summertime that allows
- So with that, I'd like to welcome the members of the Ward Fellowship.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several brief recognitions of visitors, including the Case High School girls softball team, which was congratulated for winning three consecutive Division Four state championships, and Bonnie Allen, the Senate reading clerk from Oregon, who was welcomed with her family. Later, Senator Collins introduced participants in the Ward Fellowship from Boston Latin School, noting the program’s focus on public service and summer internships.
On the legislative calendar, the Senate took up Senate No. 2507, a bill establishing the Gloucester Fisheries Commission. Senator Tarr offered and the chamber adopted an amendment substituting a new draft, Senate No. 2566, titled an act further regulating the Gloucester Fisheries Commission. The bill, as amended, was then passed to be engrossed. The Senate also acted on several committee and House papers, suspending rules and Joint Rule 12 as needed to refer matters to committees. In addition, House No. 4307, a bill establishing financing for long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, was ordered to a third reading.
The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in a formal session with a calendar. Senator Tarr then moved that the Senate adjourn in memory of Christopher J. Daley of Gloucester, age 18, who died in a car accident; he was remembered for his school, sports, and community involvement, especially hockey, and for his plans to attend Coastal Carolina University. The motion was adopted, a moment of silence was observed, and the Senate adjourned in his memory.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/04/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- or a town uh either through the Ward or a town uh either through the moderator<00:28:43.320><c> or</
- This is the regular bill because I was going to have any city ward or town that currently...
- This is the regular bill because I was going to have any city ward or town that currently electronic
- where they can be recognized in the ward where they can be recognized in the census<01:30:33.239><c>
- their population is like Wards their population is like 110,000<01:39:16.159><c> so</c><01:39:16.960
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/14/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- They can literally get up and walk away and cross a state boundary.
- They can literally get up and walk away and cross a state boundary.
- They also and cross a state boundary.
- Under RSA 596, the legislature already set an important boundary.
- The application form, quote, boundary.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- File item 130, AB 2559 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
- Assembly Bill 2559 by Assembly Member Ward, relating to solid waste...
- Assembly Bill 2559 by Assembly Member Ward, relating to solid waste.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, members.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the early session on guest introductions recognizing students, interns, advocacy groups, sorority members, and other visitors. Members also noted Assembly Member Castillo’s birthday and announced a later floor photo for members wearing denim. The chamber then moved to the Daily File and took up a series of bills and resolutions.
Among the major actions, AB 2323 by Assembly Member McKinnor, on modernizing public notice while preserving transparency and due process, passed 57-0. ACR 149 by Assembly Member Hart, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and the Coastal Conservancy, drew extensive debate both in support and opposition before being adopted by voice vote, with 46 co-authors added. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart, codifying mental health parity standards, was also taken up, and AB 2691 by Assembly Member Addis, expanding disqualifying felony convictions for elected office to include sexual assault and human trafficking, passed 53-0. The Assembly also adopted HR 31 on Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month after lengthy testimony from members describing personal experiences and the need to support survivors.
The body then approved several policy bills with broad support, including AB 1621 on housing permitting timelines (64-0), AB 1704 on studying the cost of low-embodied-carbon building materials and pausing standards if cost parity is not reached (58-0), AB 1916 updating the definition of certified interpreter to include ASL interpreters (59-2), AB 2559 on returning construction and demolition permit deposits when compliance is documented (61-0), AB 2663 as an urgency sunset extension for alcoholic beverage law (64-0 on urgency and measure), and AB 2731 expanding on-sale general alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County (63-0). The Senate consent calendar was also adopted. The session ended with an adjournment in memory of Josado Dado Banatao, honoring his life, engineering achievements, and philanthropy, followed by a motion to adjourn until April 30 at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward here, or? Is Mr. Ward here, or? You went to . .
- Ward is here. I'm going to stay going in file order. So I think Mr. Ward is here. There he is.
- Ward putting into the bill, and I don't know if you have a response to that. Thank you, Mr. Vecher.
- Ward, may close. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair.
Summary:
The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a full agenda of housing-related bills, with most measures receiving broad support and advancing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Early in the hearing, AB 2035 by Assembly Member Dixon was presented as a narrowly tailored fix for a large senior HOA in Laguna Woods Village, allowing a lower vote threshold to amend outdated CC&Rs after repeated failed elections; members raised questions about broader impacts, but the bill passed 12-0 to Judiciary. AB 1684 by Assembly Member Ward would bar HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace cooling systems; supporters cited heat-related health risks and a constituent’s experience, while HOA representatives sought amendments to preserve reasonable rules on drainage, electrical capacity, and common-area protection. The committee discussed those concerns and advanced the bill 8-0 to Judiciary.
AB 1710 by Assembly Member Carrillo would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional permitting agencies so housing projects are not subjected to shifting post-entitlement standards, with supporters arguing it would improve predictability and speed housing production. Special districts and utilities opposed unless amended, warning about conflicts with changing state and regional rules, but the bill passed 9-0 to Local Government. AB 1738 by Assembly Member Crewe would require remote virtual inspections for certain simple home renovations; supporters from SPUR and Placer County described faster, lower-cost inspections already in use, while labor groups raised concerns and sought amendments. Members emphasized keeping inspections jurisdiction-based and not replacing safety oversight, and the bill passed 8-0 to Local Government.
The committee also approved AB 1890 by Assembly Member Curry, which increases state matching support for Napa County farmworker housing centers from $250,000 to $500,000 annually through 2036; supporters described the centers as a successful public-private model providing housing and services for farmworkers, and the bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations. AB 2433 by Assembly Member Alvarez would modernize the density bonus law by improving notice, clarifying eligibility and ministerial approval, and adding incentives for for-sale affordable housing; it drew strong support from housing and business groups and passed 10-0 to Local Government. AB 1567 by Assembly Member Ta would allow assisted living communities to be counted in housing element reporting and RHNA-related planning, and it passed 10-0 to Local Government. The consent calendar, including AB 1573 and AB 2162, was also approved unanimously, and the committee adjourned after taking roll-call votes on the remaining items.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward here, or? Is Mr. Ward here or? You went to...
- Ward is here. I'm going to stay going in file order. So I think Mr. Ward is here. There he is.
- Ward putting into the bill. And I don't know if you have a response to that. Thank you, Mr.
- Ward, may close. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology Oct 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Great, thank you so much, Assembly Member Ward, and welcome Assembly Member Papan.
- I do thank you so much, Assembly Member Ward. I see your able chief of staff directing me.
- As Assembly Member Ward mentioned, I kind of hail from just across the bay, so of course, she who is
- I'm here to listen, and thank you for the opportunity, Assembly Member Ward. And let's go forward.
- Assembly Member Ward. And let's go forward. Thank you, Assembly Member Papan.
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology held an informational hearing on the role of biotechnology industries in wastewater treatment, hosted at Bakar Labs on the UC Berkeley campus. Opening remarks emphasized California’s water scarcity, the rising cost of wastewater infrastructure, and the need to reuse and clean contaminated water. Committee members framed the hearing as a look at both current treatment challenges and emerging technologies that could improve water quality, affordability, and resilience over time.
The first panel focused on statewide wastewater challenges. BACWA Executive Director Laurie Fono described wastewater plants as part of a broader circular economy, noting their roles in recycled water, environmental enhancement, biosolids management, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy generation. She highlighted major challenges including aging 1970s-era infrastructure, nutrient reduction mandates, sea level rise, evolving regulations, and PFAS source control. She said Bay Area agencies face about $11 billion in nutrient reduction costs, with rate increases, state revolving funds, WIFIA loans, and bonds as the main financing tools. Members asked about regional differences, energy revenue opportunities, smaller decentralized plants, and agricultural collaboration.
The second panel featured researchers and lab experts discussing biotechnology solutions. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Dr. Romine Chakarvati described using microbial communities and machine learning to help break down PFAS and treat produced water. CEL Analytical’s Dr. Yigi Dearborn explained pathogen testing for direct potable reuse, wastewater monitoring, and the need for larger sample volumes and more funding to validate methods for viruses and protozoa. Stanford’s Dr. Chunhung-Shin presented an anaerobic membrane system that turns domestic wastewater into clean water and energy with less biosolids and lower operating costs. Committee members asked about AI, assay development, scaling technologies, and funding priorities. Public comment from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies stressed the need to balance scalability, reliability, and affordability, and the hearing adjourned without any formal vote or action.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a personal letter from Representative Gene Ward that he has asked me to read.
- With the warmest aloha, your friend and colleague, Gene Ward. Let's give him a hand.
- /c><00:26:19.200><c> that</c><00:26:19.440><c> he</c><00:26:19.600><c> has</c> Representative Gene Ward
- that he has Representative Gene Ward that he has asked<00:26:19.919><c> me</c><00:26:20.080><c> to</
- :27:55.840><c> Gan</c> aloha, your friend and colleague, Gan aloha, your friend and colleague, Gan Ward
Summary:
The Senate convened, took roll, approved the previous day’s journal, and spent much of the first portion of the meeting recognizing Education Week honorees. Senators introduced students and coaches from the LifeSmarts Consumer Education Competition, including first-place Iolani School, second-place Kahalani High School, and Oahu teams placing third and fourth. The Senate also recognized 2025 Senate Youth Delegate Wilson Chow and thanked staff and community partners for supporting Education Week 2025.
The chamber then moved to executive business, adopting standing committee reports 1210 through 1349 and confirming Governor’s Message No. 644, Steven Logan, as Adjutant General of the Department of Defense by unanimous consent. Senators spoke in support of Logan’s military and public safety experience, and he was confirmed with 23 ayes. The Senate also confirmed Governor’s Message No. 645, Mike Lambert, as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement, with senators citing his HPD background, work on homelessness, vice, agricultural crimes, and school enforcement; the confirmation passed with 22 ayes.
After the confirmations, the Senate recognized the newly appointed officials and their families and guests. The body then passed House Bill 991, Senate Draft 1, relating to criminal history record checks, on third reading by unanimous consent with 22 ayes. The session concluded with announcements, including a YWCA clothing drive, a personal letter from Representative Gene Ward announcing his resignation from the House effective at the end of the month due to health issues, and a motion to adjourn until Monday, March 24th at 11:30 a.m., which was adopted without objection.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/23/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um so in the Piscatawa River boundary.
- </c> Representative Lloyd, is that your ward? Representative Lloyd, is that your ward?
- I'm from Scenic and Historic Ward 3, Nashua.
- I'm from Scenic and Historic Ward<04:59:58.160><c> 3</c><04:59:58.320><c> Nasha.
- And I appreciate the Ward 3 Nasha.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Christine Ward Waller, representative. Thank you. Next witness, please.
- Jeannie Ward Waller, representing People for Bikes.
- Jeannie Ward-Bowler on behalf of People for Bikes, in support.
- Jeannie Ward Waller, representing Pew, Climate Plan, and the National Wildlife Federation...
- Jeannie Ward Waller, representing Pew, Climate Plan, and the National Wildlife Federation.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard a long agenda of transportation-related bills, with several district-specific measures and statewide policy proposals. Early in the hearing, SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa County to place a new countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot to continue funding highways, local roads, transit, biking and walking infrastructure, and paratransit. Supporters said it would preserve funding continuity for major projects; CalTax opposed it over affordability and sales tax burden concerns. Senators discussed that the bill would only place the measure before voters, not enact the tax itself, and a motion was made, but no vote could be taken because the committee lacked a quorum.
The committee also heard SB 990, a rural signage bill for Ridgecrest along Highway 395, which would allow Caltrans business-logo signs to direct travelers to lodging, food, fuel, medical services, and other amenities. The author and local witnesses framed it as a safety and economic development measure for an isolated community; there was no opposition. SB 1167, authored by Senator Blakespear, would tighten consumer protections in the e-bike market by distinguishing legal e-bikes from higher-powered e-motos, requiring clearer labeling and disclosures, and improving incident reporting. It drew broad support from bicycle, medical, local government, auto club, and safety groups, with no opposition. SB 1034 by Senator McNerney would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, aligning state procedures with federal disability determinations; veterans groups strongly supported it and no opposition was heard.
The committee then heard SB 1279, which would add Long Beach’s Pacific Coast Highway corridor to the city’s existing speed safety camera pilot. Supporters said PCH accounts for a disproportionate share of fatalities and crashes, especially involving pedestrians, while opponents from the highway patrol and business groups said the issue should be handled under existing or upcoming rules. The California Highway Patrol Association later moved to neutral after discussions about amendments. Finally, the chair presented SB 1177, to require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information such as revenue options and comparative project history, and SB 1246, a bill to impose stronger remote-operations, response-time, training, reporting, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicle operators. SB 1177 drew support from the U.S. High-Speed Rail Association and opposition from the City of Burbank, while SB 1246 drew strong support from firefighters, labor, and many drivers and cyclists, but opposition from the AV industry, Chamber of Commerce groups, and a retired CHP official who argued the bill was too prescriptive and conflicted with new DMV rules. Members debated safety, data reporting, first responder access, and whether the bill should wait for rulemaking; the hearing ended with motions and discussion, but the transcript does not show final votes being taken on these measures.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- With me today I have Jeannie Ward Waller on behalf of People for Bikes and Kendra Ramsey on behalf of
- Christine Ward Waller, representative. Thank you. Next witness, please.
- Jeannie Ward Waller, representing People for Bikes.
- Jeannie Ward-Bowler on behalf of People for Bikes, in support.
- Jeannie Ward Waller, representing Pew, Climate Plan, and the National Wildlife Federation.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on local transportation funding, roadway safety, e-bike regulation, veterans’ parking access, high-speed rail reporting, autonomous vehicle oversight, and wildlife-vehicle collision planning. SB 1408 would authorize Contra Costa County to place a countywide transportation sales tax measure on the ballot; supporters said it would continue funding highways, transit, bike/pedestrian projects, and paratransit, while CalTax opposed it over affordability and tax burden concerns. SB 990 would allow targeted Caltrans business-logo signage for Ridgecrest along Highway 395; supporters framed it as a rural safety and economic access measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1167 would tighten consumer protections by clarifying what qualifies as a legal e-bike and requiring clearer labeling and disclosures; supporters included bicycle advocates, medical groups, local governments, and auto clubs, while no opposition testified. SB 1034 would make it easier for disabled veterans rated permanent and total by the VA to obtain disabled parking placards, with strong support from veterans’ organizations and no opposition. SB 1177 would require the High-Speed Rail Project Update report to continue including additional information on revenue options, timelines, and international comparisons; the City of Burbank opposed, while the sponsor argued the bill preserves a historical record and transparency. SB 1246 would impose new remote-operations, response-time, and manual override requirements on autonomous vehicles; first responders and labor groups supported it, industry and business groups opposed it as duplicative of recently enacted law and DMV rules, and the committee discussed possible amendments and coordination issues. The committee also considered SB 1279, which would extend Long Beach’s speed camera pilot to Pacific Coast Highway; supporters cited fatal crash data and pedestrian safety, while the CHP association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions. The committee then took up SB 1250, a planning bill to integrate wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation into transportation planning, with the author emphasizing targeted crossings and fencing at known hotspots. Several consent items were approved on a 10-0 vote, and SB 1246 was reported out 7-2, while other bills were held on call pending quorum or later action.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- With me today I have Jeannie Ward Waller on behalf of People for Bikes and Kendra Ramsey on behalf of
- Christine Ward Waller, representative. Thank you. Next witness, please.
- Jeannie Ward Waller, representing People for Bikes.
- Jeannie Ward-Bowler on behalf of People for Bikes, in support.
- Jeannie Ward Waller, representing Pew, Climate Plan, and the National Wildlife Federation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) Mar 5th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- dose that was very complex to help a young man with an autoimmune infection, a phyllitis in a psych ward
- The psych ward we were told would not allow IV medicine delivered in a psych ward, and yet we were told
- that the regular ward wouldn't accept a psych patient.
Keywords:
SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 5th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
- Assembly Member Ward [member_20225], you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.
Summary:
The Assembly convened with a quorum call, roll call, and prayer/pledge to open the first floor session of 2026. After routine announcements, members approved several procedural actions, including suspending rules to allow adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and re-referring a list of bills to various committees. The chamber also gave one-day notice to remove AB 710 from the inactive file, and members offered birthday acknowledgments for Assembly Member Irwin and the Speaker.
On the daily file, the Assembly passed and retained items 1 and 2, passed and retained Governor’s veto items 3 through 76, continued reconsideration items 77 through 79, and passed and retained Assembly third reading item 80 and Senate third reading items 81 and 82. The session then moved to adjournment-in-memory tributes.
Assembly Member Ward honored Roman Reuters Volgasang, describing his life, Capitol community ties, education, career in policy, and marriage to Sasha, and Assembly Member Sharp-Collins honored Pastor Glenn Arthur McKinney, Sr., highlighting his long service as senior pastor, community leadership, and family legacy. The Assembly observed a moment of silence, then announced upcoming check-in days and a Thursday, January 8 session at 10 a.m. for the Governor’s State of the State joint convention before adjourning until that date and time.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wix, Wilson, Zabur, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- Moving on to file item number 58, AB 322 by Assembly Member Ward. Clerk will read.
- Assembly Bill 322 by Assembly Member Ward, an act relating to pupil health.
- 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.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis, and later held a separate remembrance ceremony for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members and guests heard extensive remarks in support of HR 25, which was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. Speakers from both parties and several caucuses emphasized historical truth, remembrance, and solidarity with Armenian Californians, and the chamber also observed a moment of silence for the genocide victims.
On the floor, members also passed AB 789 on health insurance rate oversight, ACR 56 recognizing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, AB 652 on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District alternates despite opposition from one member over regional balance concerns, AB 1414 protecting renters from mandatory internet provider subscriptions, AB 931 regulating litigation finance agreements, AB 890 easing residency rules for foster youth moving counties, AB 40 clarifying emergency reproductive health care coverage with urgency, AB 322 encouraging school-based health and mental health reimbursement programs, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams for certain weir operators. Most measures passed by wide margins, including several unanimous votes.
The consent calendar, including AB 1149, AB 484, AB 859, AB 1105, and AB 1384, was adopted without objection. The Assembly also handled procedural motions, committee notices, and bill re-referrals earlier in the day. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 1st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson
- retain on file item number seven, which gets us to file item number eight, AB 253 by Assembly Member Ward
- Assembly Bill 253 by Assembly Member Ward and others, an act relating to housing and declaring the urgency
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Assembly Member Ward. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then took up a series of procedural motions and a large third-reading file focused heavily on housing, wildfire recovery, insurance, and related regulatory changes. Early actions included a successful motion to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 on the third-reading file, followed by a unanimous vote on SB 26, a cleanup measure related to lemon-law civil discovery procedures and automaker opt-outs from the AB 1755 framework.
The chamber then moved through a package of urgency bills tied to the January 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires and broader housing affordability concerns. Measures approved included AB 311 allowing displaced tenants to temporarily house wildfire victims and pets, AB 299 extending hotel/motel/short-term rental stays beyond 30 days for disaster-displaced families, AB 226 giving the California Fair Plan access to bond financing in catastrophic-loss scenarios, AB 253 allowing third-party plan checks when local review exceeds 30 days, AB 301 aligning state permitting timelines with local deadlines, AB 306 imposing a six-year pause on new residential building-code updates, AB 462 exempting certain ADUs in Los Angeles County coastal zones from coastal development permits, AB 493 requiring interest to be paid to homeowners on insurance proceeds held by lenders, and AB 597 tightening rules on public adjuster solicitation, fees, and contract transparency. Each of these urgency bills passed, generally with strong bipartisan support and mostly unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Assembly also approved several non-urgency measures, including AB 293 on groundwater transparency and board disclosure, AB 251 on elder abuse litigation standards when evidence is intentionally destroyed, AB 59 removing a sunset on Reclamation District 108’s hydropower authority, AB 417 streamlining EIFD and CRIA financing tools, and AB 312 updating procedures for agricultural theft proceeds. In addition, ACR 6 was adopted by voice vote, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, with extensive remarks from Assembly Member Ta and support from other members. The consent calendar was adopted, and the body later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for David Myers and Olivia Guerrero before adjourning to April 3, 2025. Several vote changes were announced after adjournment, including changes on AB 251 and AB 417.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward present. Assemblymember, please proceed. Mr. Chair, thank you for having me.
- Assembly Member Ward. Assembly Member Ward.
Summary:
The Assembly Local Government Committee heard AB 748 by Assemblymember Harabedian, a bill to expand California’s pre-approved housing plan program beyond accessory dwelling units to single-family and small multifamily developments under 10 units. The author said the measure builds on the earlier AB 1332 model, is intended to reduce time and cost in plan review, and gives local governments flexibility to choose designs while preserving permitting fee revenue. He also noted the bill had been worked to remove local government opposition and that similar pre-approved approaches have been used in Altadena and by Los Angeles County after recent fires.
Support testimony came from Habitat for Humanity California, which said the bill would streamline the costly and labor-intensive early design and plan review phase and help affordable builders, nonprofits, and small developers move more quickly to permits. A representative from Abundant Housing Los Angeles and SPUR also spoke in support. No opposition witnesses appeared.
Committee members expressed support, with Assemblymember Ward offering to coauthor and move the bill. The committee voted 7-0 to pass AB 748 to the Appropriations Committee, and the roll was briefly held open for an absent member before being closed.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/02/2026 - Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse
Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse
Transcript Highlights:
- Toit is ethically obligated to represent the wishes of the ward, even if the ward has diminished capacity
- Anybody that's advocating for you, they remove them so the ward is isolated. Then they medicate.
- Four, stronger protections ensuring wards have meaningful access to truly independent counsel and that
- Fiduciaries can exploit their wards for profit. Well, that is becoming abundantly clear. Right.
- All of these parties are supposed to be acting in the best interest of the ward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 9th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- since we're talking about reproductive health relative to this proposal, we have labor and maternity wards
- since we're talking about reproductive health relative to this proposal, we have labor and maternity wards
- Plumas County under their public hospital district to ensure that there is maternal and maternity ward
- And there are a couple of colleagues that really talked about the closure of maternity wards, and I am
- gone through that this governor has vetoed, that specifically focused on the fact that our maternity wards