Transcript Highlights:

• , Poepoe, Quinlan, Reyes Oda, Sayama, Shimizu, Souza, Takayama, Takuya Garrett, Tam, Templo, Todd, Ward
• Ward is excused.
• c> templo</c> Taris m templo Taris m templo Mr Mr Mr Todd<00:16:31.720><c> Mr</c><00:16:32.120><c> Ward

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward excused, Mr. Woodson, Mr. Yamashita here.
• Todd Mr Ward excused Mr Todd Mr Ward excused Mr Woodson<00:13:08.000><c> Mr</c><00:13:08.360><c> Yamashita

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rep Ward Johnson. Rep Davis. Rep Schaefer.
• Chair: Yes, Representative Ward Johnson.
• Representative Ward Johnson: To the faculty Senate representative.
• Representative Ward Johnson: Can you expand on that?
• Rep Perez, Rep Ward Johnson, Rep Davis, Rep Schaffner.

Bills: SB 37

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• They are maternity wards that literally don't have any money; they're closing.
• Because that's what we did to these hospitals that are closing these maternity wards.
• How did you folks determine that these hospitals with these closing maternity wards are getting loans
• Rural hospitals have labor and delivery wards.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 prohibition on Medicaid funding. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants through the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which lasts through July 4, 2026. Members also discussed why the amount increased from an earlier $60 million estimate, with Finance saying the figure was updated based on additional claims data and provider information. The committee debate focused heavily on the policy implications of the funding. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and related family planning services, emphasizing that the funding would backfill non-abortion services such as cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, mammograms, and prenatal care. Opponents questioned the use of General Fund dollars, the grant structure versus loans for other distressed providers, the Public Records Act exemption, and the bill’s priority compared with rural hospitals, developmental services, public safety, and other budget needs. Finance clarified that the federal funds at issue do not pay for abortion services and that the grant program would be open to eligible providers meeting criteria set by the department. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from Planned Parenthood affiliates, Essential Access Health, Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Medical Association, family physicians, OBGYN groups, and others, while some commenters used the opportunity to raise unrelated budget concerns such as Medi-Cal dental cuts, IHSS, and CalHome funding. After discussion, the committee approved AB 106 on a 12-4 vote and reported it out. The chair also noted that a later hearing would examine broader H.R. 1 impacts in more detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are maternity wards that literally don't have any money; they're closing.
• Because that's what we did to these hospitals that are closing these maternity wards.
• How did you folks determine that these hospitals with these closing maternity wards are getting loans
• Rural hospitals have labor and delivery wards.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 Medicaid funding prohibition. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants by the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which runs through July 4, 2026. The Legislative Analyst’s Office had no additional comments. Members also discussed related budget context, including the broader estimated loss to California providers, the use of grant funding rather than loans, and provisions exempting some contract and records information from public disclosure. Committee debate focused on whether the funding was an appropriate priority amid other budget pressures. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers, emphasizing that the clinics provide broader primary care services such as cancer screenings, STI testing, contraception, and prenatal care, and that the funding is not for abortion services because federal Medicaid dollars cannot be used for abortion. Opponents questioned the size of the appropriation, the use of General Fund dollars, the transparency exemptions, and why similar aid was not being directed to rural hospitals, disability services, Proposition 36, or other budget needs. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from reproductive health, medical, and health equity organizations, with some unrelated comments urging funding for dental care, disability services, housing, and county health systems. After public comment, the committee voted on AB 106 and passed it on a 12-4 vote. The bill was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lowenthal here, Massido here, McKinner here, Ortega here, Patterson here, Pellerin here, Petrie-Norris, Ward
• Ward, aye. Wicks, aye. That bill has 10 votes. We will leave it on call for the absent members.
• Ward. Aye. Patterson? Pellerin? Aye. Patterson. Aye. Patterson. Aye. Ward. Aye. Wicks. Aye. Wicks.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard two bills. AB 1159 by Assemblymember Addis would update California student data privacy law to extend protections to college students, limit how ed tech companies can collect and use student information, and add restrictions around sensitive data and generative AI use. Supporters, including Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, CFT, labor, civil rights, and education groups, said students and educators need stronger safeguards against invasive data collection and misuse. Opponents, including College Board, TechNet, CalChamber, and ACT Education, argued the bill was overly broad, could interfere with legitimate educational services and AI development, and raised concerns about a private right of action and impacts on adult students and recruitment opportunities. AB 883 by Assemblymember Lowenthal would expedite deletion of personal information for elected and appointed officials under California’s data broker deletion system by having state agencies provide official lists to the privacy agency and requiring brokers to delete the information within five days. Supporters said the measure responds to rising threats, harassment, and violence against public officials and would help reduce exposure of their personal data. TechNet and TechC.A. opposed unless amended, citing concerns about exemptions for lawful data sharing, the five-day timeline, and litigation risk, while the author emphasized the bill does not create a new right but streamlines access to an existing deletion process. Both bills were advanced after committee discussion and roll calls. AB 1159 passed 11-2 and was sent to the Judiciary Committee. AB 883 passed 14-0 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ward Johnson. Chorus President. As a reminder, anyone wishing to specify.
• It's actually in 5th Ward, Texas. 5th Ward is the home of people like Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland
• Ward-Johnson? Oh no, that was my question. You can mix, by the way.

Bills: HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, excused, Mr.
• miss templo<00:13:53.959><c> Mr</c> templo Mr templo Mr Todd<00:13:55.920><c> Mr</c> Todd Mr Todd Mr Ward
• <00:13:58.040><c> excused</c><00:13:59.120><c> Mr</c> Ward excused Mr Ward excused Mr Woodson Mr.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That bridge is over 100 years old, yet it is a major conduit for folks in the Lower Ninth Ward, in St
• Bernard, and those from the Upper Ninth Ward and the French Quarter and Bywater trying to get to St.
• No, this is my way because people in my community in the Lower Ninth Ward are very frustrated by this

Bills: HCR32, HCR53, HCR60, HCR68, HB582, HB730, HB762

Keywords: Saint Claude Avenue Bridge, Port of New Orleans, backup motors, infrastructure, traffic management, oversized vehicles, permitting, economic impact, transportation, local regulations, Louisiana economy, Interstate 12, I-12, Interstate 55, I-55 interchange, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, D.R.I.V.E. Initiative, highway infrastructure, transportation planning

Transcript Highlights:

• What we've learned is homicide knows no boundaries.
• What we've learned is homicide knows no boundaries.
• "And the other part of your question: that's currently a Huntington's ward at Western Mass Hospital,
• Three months in a medical ward for injuries of the spinal cord, a place without insurance I could never

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are her wards as commissioner of DHS.
• They are accountable; they are her wards as commissioner of DHS.
• Um, they'd be wards of the state of Minnesota, right?
• All these people are, it's been mentioned many times, wards of the state of Minnesota.
• All these people are, it's been mentioned many times, wards of the state of Minnesota.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the guardian isn't allowing the ward, the protected person, to have phone calls, visits, things like
• that, then someone who's not allowing the ward to have contact with the ward is allowed to file a motion
• with the court saying that the guardian is, you know, keeping the ward from communicating with this
• that, then someone, someone's not allowing the ward. to have phone calls, visits, things like that,
• then someone who would like to have contact with the ward is allowed to file a motion with the court

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Child Custody Review Task Force met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and reviewed a memorandum compiling member suggestions for possible legislation. The memo grouped ideas into topics including creation of a family court, expanded education for parents, attorneys, and judges, expedited hearings for parenting-time violations, limiting law enforcement involvement in custody disputes, creating parenting time expediters, and adopting more uniform court procedures. Members also discussed whether to form subcommittees, but the task force decided to continue working as a full committee rather than create subcommittees at this time. The committee then heard testimony from Dr. John Perez, a mental health professional, who described his personal custody experience and his professional work with families he believes have been affected by parental alienation. He argued for stronger education, faster court response times, and better tools to address intentional interference with parenting time. Members questioned him about his case history, the concept of parental alienation, and whether specialized family courts or judges with family-law training could help. Dr. Perez said a dedicated family court and faster hearings would likely have helped his situation. The task force spent substantial time discussing the possible creation of a family court. Judge Hovey supported the idea of a specialized family court or at least a study of one, saying family cases are distinct from ordinary adversarial litigation and that judges with family-law experience could better handle them. Several members agreed that a family court could improve consistency, expertise, and speed, but others cautioned that the task force’s current directive is focused on enforcement of existing orders rather than broader custody policy, and noted that voters had previously rejected equal shared parenting proposals. The group also discussed expedited procedures for parenting-time disputes, with Judge Hovey suggesting a 30-day hearing timeline may be workable. On education, members generally supported requiring parents to complete a parenting education course and adding educational materials explaining court process, child support, and what judges can and cannot do. Mr. McLean suggested a short instructional video for litigants and more family-law education for judges and attorneys, while Ms. Moldenhauer said education could be incorporated into scheduling orders or mediation orders. Members also discussed the Parents Forever course, including whether it should be mandatory in all counties and whether cost is a barrier; no vote was taken on any of these proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the representative of Ward 5 in Manchester, which is a working class neighborhood and this is my
• I'm the representative<00:10:51.720><c> of</c><00:10:52.160><c> Ward</c><00:10:52.480><c> 5</c><00:10
• of Ward 5 in Manchester, which<00:10:53.720><c> is</c><00:10:53.839><c> a</c><00:10:53.920><c> working
• Um, one of the issues that we have in a working-class neighborhood like Ward 5 in Manchester is that
• </c><00:58:47.640><c> 5</c> working-class neighborhood like Ward 5 working-class neighborhood like Ward

Keywords: 1189, house, 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.
• Seeing none, I want to extend my gratitude to Assembly Member Ward for bringing this bill forward.
• AB 1793, Ward. The motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Valencia? Yes.
• AB 1793, Ward. Chin? Aye. Chavo? Aye. ... not voting. Chavo. Chavo aye, aye. Yes. Maybe two.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that Representative Ward? I... Is that Representative Ward?
• Representative Ward. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Stratton's comments raised some questions for me as well, and having served with Representative Ward
• but also... ...comments raised some questions for me as well, and having served with Representative Ward
• Representative Ward. Thank you. So on the list, it's just a binary.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, and Ms. Ortega. So let's go to Mr. Hart. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Ward, and Mr. Orteco. Well, thank you so much, Mr. Chair.
• Ward, Ms.
• I also want to echo the comments from my colleagues, especially Assembly Members Ward and Ortega.
• We appreciate Assembly Members Connolly, Lee, Rogers, Bennett, Addis, Ward, Schultz, Ortega, Alvarez,

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the September budget package, which included SB 105 and a series of trailer bills covering health, human services, education, resources, child care, transportation, labor, public safety, housing, revenue, background checks, collective bargaining, and a special election. The Department of Finance described the package as largely technical and clarifying, but also responsive to state and federal changes, especially H.R. 1. Key items included roughly $3.3 billion in Proposition 4 climate and environmental spending, $540 million in discretionary greenhouse gas reduction funds, and major responses to H.R. 1 such as CalFresh error-rate mitigation, food bank support, and Medicaid-related changes. Other notable provisions included vaccine policy flexibility, an Abortion Access Fund, a gender-affirming care program, community college basic-needs and aid changes, CEQA and coastal permit exemptions tied to the 2028 Olympics, invasive mussel prevention funding, a civic media program, labor and pension-related provisions, and special election administration changes. Members raised questions and concerns about several parts of the package. There was support for climate, water, transit, offshore wind, food security, and health investments, but also significant criticism of the lack of cleanup language for SB 131 and its advanced manufacturing exemptions, with multiple members saying promised fixes had not materialized and expressing concerns about tribal consultation, labor standards, and environmental protections. Members also questioned the scale and timing of some Proposition 4 allocations, including fairground upgrades, regional conveyance, and a UC Davis alternative protein research center. The Department of Finance said some programs would roll out over time and that certain funding levels reflected current implementation capacity. The hearing also featured discussion of Bay Area transit financing, with Finance saying SB 105 directs the department and CalSTA to examine loan or other financing options rather than immediately providing loans. Members and public commenters also discussed the state’s response to H.R. 1, with advocates supporting food bank, health care, and immunization provisions while warning of ongoing harm to immigrants, foster youth, and other vulnerable groups. Public testimony broadly supported the health, food, water, offshore wind, and golden mussel provisions, while many speakers echoed legislative concerns about SB 131 and urged cleanup action in the next session. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only, though the chair noted votes on the bills were expected later that night or the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chris Ward. Thank you, Ms. Kirk Silver, Assemblywoman, for having us here today.
• Thank you, Chris Ward, my colleague from San Diego.
• Assembly Member Ward.
• As I mentioned to Assembly Member Ward, in regards to the federal funds being impacted, again, we do
• Hello, my name is Pamela Ward and I work for Caltrans District 4 as an environmental scientist in the

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard updates from the Secretary of State, EDD, the State Controller’s Office, CalHR, and DGS on a range of budget proposals and federal policy impacts. Secretary of State Shirley Weber opened with remarks about California’s election system, emphasizing its safety, transparency, high voter registration and vote-by-mail participation, and the office’s response to bomb threats and other election threats. Her staff then presented funding requests for the Cal-Access Replacement System (CARS) and Help America Vote Act/VoteCal activities, describing them as needed to modernize campaign finance and lobbying disclosure systems and maintain election security and voter services. A major portion of the hearing focused on federal election policy, especially the potential effects of a presidential executive order and the SAVE Act. Secretary of State staff said California would face significant, potentially unquantifiable costs if forced to comply, including new burdens on county recorders, county election offices, and the Secretary of State’s office, and warned of voter disenfranchisement, especially for students, seniors, disabled voters, military and overseas voters, rural residents, and people with limited transportation. Members and public commenters strongly opposed the federal proposals and argued California’s current system is functioning well. The committee also heard that federal HAVA funds were not expected to be at risk because the state draws them down into an interest-bearing account. EDD reported on paid family leave, explaining that recent delays were tied to a system transition and increased claim volume, and said it was simplifying applications and adding staff and automation. Public testimony supported expanding paid family leave to chosen family. EDD also said it is prepared for possible unemployment spikes, citing a recession plan, a command center, and recent hiring. The State Controller’s Office requested funding to continue the Fiscal migration project, which would move the state’s accounting book of record to the new system by July 1, 2026; Finance and LAO had no objections, and the committee expressed support for the project’s progress. CalHR presented a proposal for a statewide recruitment, outreach, and education paid media campaign under AB 1511, saying its current advertising budget is too small to reach diverse communities effectively. The final item addressed Governor Newsom’s executive order requiring a return to office on a four-day schedule. CalHR and DGS said they were working department-by-department to assess space, parking, transit, and other logistics, but had not completed a statewide cost analysis. Members and many public commenters criticized the order, arguing it was rushed, costly, harmful to telework benefits, and potentially disruptive to workers, especially those with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or long commutes. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zuber, Mr. Speaker.
• If you are a black youth, you are seven times more likely to be a ward of the state.
• she mentioned in her opening, agreed to ensure that the judge both looked at the interests of the ward
• And the second thing that's being overlooked is this bill is limited only to wards of the state.
• But wards of the state are a special population that we have a special responsibility to be the extended

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Johnson: Here.
• Yes, Representative Ward Johnson.
• Yes, Representative Ward Johnson. How long ago was that Division I championship?
• my question to you would be, besides public dollars, what other sources of private dollars has your ward
• I'm sorry that Representative Ward Johnson left, but many of these primary physicians don't want to spend

Bills: HB42, HB125

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement, stormwater management, counties, regulation, environment, water quality

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met to hear several bills and first corrected the minutes from its April 1, 2025 meeting to reflect that a committee substitute for HB 271 had been adopted before the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 3326, which would help Texas higher education employees, especially adjunct faculty, qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness by counting classroom hours toward full-time status, requiring institutions to verify employment within 60 days, and requiring annual notice to eligible employees. No witnesses testified against the bill, and it was left pending. Members then heard HB 2853, authorizing UTEP to phase in a student union fee increase to fund demolition and reconstruction of its aging student union. Representative Perez and UTEP student and university witnesses said the current facility is outdated and insufficient for a campus of more than 25,000 students, while some members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and its impact on low-income students. UTEP representatives said most students receive aid, the fee would be phased in over time, and the project was student-approved; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4066, a one-line bill to abolish the Texas Research Incentive Program after the state cleared its backlog of matching obligations, with the author saying the program was no longer needed in light of newer research funding approaches. The bill was left pending. The committee spent substantial time on HB 125, which would create the Tarleton State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Supporters, including Tarleton leadership, the founding dean, a rural hospital CEO, and a feasibility consultant, argued the school would address severe rural physician shortages by recruiting Texas and rural students, training them in rural settings, and developing new residency slots rather than competing for existing ones. Members asked about affordability, residency placement, and whether the school would draw students from rural Texas; Tarleton said it would seek to keep tuition and debt low, had already raised private donations, and would request $25 million in state support over the biennium. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 42, which would increase the annual Higher Education Fund appropriation and adjust its allocation methodology. The chair and university witnesses described rising deferred maintenance, inflation, cybersecurity needs, and enrollment growth at HEAF-eligible institutions, with witnesses from Texas Tech, Sam Houston State, and UNT saying the additional funding would help address aging facilities and technology needs. After testimony, the committee left HB 42 pending and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rep Ward Johnson Rep Davis and rep chopper Show of ice, Chair Howard, is present. Thank you.
• Rep Leilani, Rep Perez, Rep Ward-Johnson, Rep Davis, and Rep. They're being levinized.
• The chair lays out House Bill 4361 and recognizes Representative Ward Johnson to explain the bill.
• Representative Ward-Johnson. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman.
• Couples with Representative Ward-Johnson's comment, and that is something that, you know, we'll make

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