Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 625, the Speaker appoints Delegates Henson, Ward, and McLaughlin.
• Delegate Ward from Hampton. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise for an announcement.
• When new policies were proposed that would have undercut the First Amendment rights of student journalists

Keywords: March 09, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward-Engelking, I think, is down there, and then Senator Woodward. Senator Ward-Engelking.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You knew I would have a comment, didn't you?
• Okay, Senator Ward-Engelking, on the back of the traditional is a mastery-based report that shows growth

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Solache, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson. Zibur, Mr. Speaker.
• Ward, a little bit. To your left, thank you. Ms. Baines, a little bit to the right. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward 1. Thank you, Representative Chairman Warren, and Mr. Chairman and members.
• The proposed crossing at LA 1 and LA 30, which is one of many routes that's been studied, is one of the
• It opens up major opportunities for economic growth in the proposed location in Ascension, Iberville,
• and West Baton Rouge, and is already seeing significant industrial development around where those proposed
• This proposed location protects Louisiana's role as a gateway to the Mississippi River system, which

Bills: HB129 , HB130 , HB148 , HB149 , HB221 , HB346 , HB354 , HB355 , HB356 , HB358 , HB360 , HB384 , HB401 , HB657 , HB675 , HB716

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Keywords: HB 129, Act 783, highway designation, memorial highway, Louisiana Highway 173, Louisiana Highway 3194, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Dr. Harry Blake Sr., Virginia Green Evans, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, road signage, honorary naming, commemorative sign, transportation, HB 130, Act 124, Louisiana highway memorial, road naming

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 10 and took up a series of highway and bridge naming bills, beginning with House Bill 346, which redesignates a portion of U.S. Highway 171 as the Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway. The bill was presented with extensive tributes from the sponsor, former colleagues, and Secretary of State Nancy Landry, all praising Salter’s public service, education background, and character. The committee reported HB 346 favorably without objection. Members then heard House Bill 221, which names a proposed Mississippi River bridge connecting LA 1 and LA 30 as the President Donald J. Trump Expressway. The sponsor argued the naming would help draw attention and funding to a long-discussed, toll-free bridge project and described possible financing through development districts and federal programs. Some members questioned the political and practical logic of naming a bridge before it is built, while others supported the concept as a way to advance a needed infrastructure project. The committee adopted a roll-call vote and reported HB 221 favorably by 12-2. The committee also advanced several memorial highway and bridge designations, including HB 356 for the Elwood T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, HB 149 for Senior Police Officer Trevor Abney Memorial Highway, HB 148 for the Eugene Washington Memorial Highway, HB 716 naming the Schaumet Ferry Terminal after Michael C. Ginnart Jr., HB 355 naming Highway 10 in Washington Parish as Veterans Park Memorial Highway, HB 675 naming part of U.S. 425 as the Bill Putt Linder Memorial Highway, HB 657 naming portions of LA 182 for Burrick B.J. Lejeune Jr. and Judge Richard T. Dickey Hike Sr., HB 354 renaming the Magnolia Bridge for Caleb Easterling, HB 358 naming a portion of LA 433 for Charles R. Bordelon Sr., and HB 384 naming part of U.S. 11 as the Dan de Blanc American Hero Memorial Highway. Several bills were amended to add or remove the word “Memorial.” The committee reported the measures favorably, with amendments where applicable, and then voluntarily deferred HB 129, HB 130, HB 360, and HB 401 to a later agenda before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will also point out that what the good representative is proposing here is a reversal of Obergefell
• So there's ample precedent to do what the good representative is proposing with this.
• I will also point out that what the good representative is proposing here is a reversal of Obergefell
• Ward. So there's ample precedent to do what the good representative is proposing with this. Okay.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You should have all received a copy of the proposed rules.
• You should have all received a copy of the proposed rules.
• I'm actually proposing that we rename the ESF to the Texas Sovereign Fund to really delineate what's
• Now there's proposed legislation for additional property tax relief; correct?
• Now there's proposed legislation for additional property tax relief; correct?

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It proposes a new standalone offense, which would increase penalties for property crimes that occur on
• </c> starting on page four line five proposes starting on page four line five proposes a<01:03:43.279
• Chair and Vice Chair voting aye, and noting the excused absence of Representative Ward.
• Ward representative loen hi Ward representative loen hi representative<02:40:10.560><c> peruso</c><02
• </c> excuse absence of Representative Ward excuse absence of Representative Ward for<02:41:23.680><c>

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Ward. Good morning, Holly.
• </c> thank you questions thank you chair Ward thank you questions thank you chair Ward good<00:13:36.839
• Thank you, thank you, Chair Ward. Okay, any other questions?
• </c><02:39:32.439><c> other</c> yeah thank you Senator Ward other yeah thank you Senator Ward other Senators
• Senator Ward, thank you for taking my question.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> To secure and place a P-51, and an F-4, and an F-16 to complement that submarine out there, the Ward
• So just briefly, a few things that we're doing there... ...with World War II and the Ward from St.
• You're going to hear that and feel that gun go off, that Ward gun. You're going to feel it.
• That is the narrative arc: theirs to share with us. and feel that gun go off, that ward gun. and feel
• that gun go off, that ward gun.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Gene Ward, excused. Representative Justin Woodson, excused.
• Representative Gene Ward, excused. Representative Justin Woodson, excused.
• Representative Gene Ward, excused. Representative Justin Woodson, excused.
• Representative Gene Ward, excused. Representative Justin Woodson, excused.
• Todd Mr Ward excused Mr Woodson Todd Mr Ward excused Mr Woodson excused<00:11:28.360><c> Mr</c><00:11

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• courts in determining whether a particular less restrictive program is an appropriate place for a ward
• part of the post-jurisdiction or release, it is critical that there are rules in place to protect the ward
• This narrow exemption proposed in SB 1306 would align California with long-standing federal law, which
• As my colleague just testified, the statute and the amendments we propose here are for our victims of
• So they remove the proposed changes that would allow the court in the midst of the criminal proceeding

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public safety, juvenile justice, criminal procedure, and human trafficking. SB 1157 by Sen. Archuleta would create a framework for less restrictive juvenile placements in probation settings, with Judicial Council rules on issues such as insurance, staffing, background checks, notice to local governments, and zoning. Supporters, including county probation and local government representatives, said the bill would add needed oversight and safety standards; opponents argued it would impose rigid standards on a diverse continuum of community-based placements and that the Judicial Council was not the right body to set substantive program rules. The bill was discussed but no vote was taken at that point due to quorum issues. SB 1012 by Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas, the Fire Camp to Career Act, would connect incarcerated fire camp participants to state-approved apprenticeships and require apprenticeship programs to consider their prior training and experience. The author and supporters from labor, fire training, and formerly incarcerated workers described it as a fair pathway to stable careers and a way to recognize skills gained in conservation camps. Committee members generally supported the concept, with one member noting that certification should still require demonstrated competence. The bill was moved forward after discussion. SB 1306 by Sen. Cortese would align state law with federal exemptions for certain low-concentration GBL chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing and research, while leaving rules for pure GBL unchanged. Supporters said the bill would reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and help keep semiconductor work in California; there was no opposition testimony, and members described it as a practical measure. SB 1401 by Sen. Stern would align felony incompetent-to-stand-trial procedures with existing misdemeanor rules, including timelines, information-sharing, and conservatorship referral provisions. Supporters said it would improve treatment pathways and prevent people from being released without care, while opponents warned it would expand court control, weaken confidentiality, and reduce due process protections. The committee approved SB 1401 on a do-pass motion to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1027 by Sen. Strickland, which was amended to create a task force to study street prostitution, human trafficking, victim services, and related community impacts. Local officials and law enforcement supported the bill as a data-driven way to address trafficking and neighborhood harms, while some advocacy groups remained opposed to the bill as introduced and wanted to review the amendments. After discussion, the committee passed it as amended to the Governmental Organization Committee. Later, SB 1307 by Sen. Jones, dealing with fraudulent or forged real estate documents and clouded titles, was amended to focus on voiding false instruments in criminal cases; supporters said it would help victims clear title more quickly, and the bill was moved forward on a do-pass motion to the floor. The committee also heard the beginning of SB 1276 by Sen. Rubio, which would clarify that viewing live-streamed or AI-generated child sexual exploitation content is a crime; the author said it closes a loophole created by new technology, and supportive testimony began from child exploitation prosecutors and treatment specialists.

Transcript Highlights:

• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The American Legion, VFW, they actually got written solutions, and every proposal was included in Senate
• This is Freddy Ward of Geneva County. He was in Vietnam from '69 to '70.

Bills: SB67 , HB295 , SB104

Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Walters, Representative Ward Law. Sure. I can answer that for you.
• actuaries, looked at all the surrounding states again, and determined that our rates that we had proposed
• Our first rule is a new rule that we are proposing to enact Act 965 of 2025 for the certification of
• “The next rules are the proposed amendments to the rules for cosmetology and body art in Arkansas.
• amendments, but that the program will...” “...notes that were unrelated to the proposed amendments,

Summary: The committee reviewed a series of Arkansas Medicaid and Department of Health rules, many implementing 2025 acts. Early items covered presumptive eligibility and Medicaid policy updates, including adding a definition of fictive kin for foster children and changing the disability onset age for ABLE accounts from 26 to 46. Another rule clarified that continuous glucose monitors may be billed by both pharmacies and durable medical equipment providers, with committee members questioning prior authorization timing, system lag, and a fiscal impact estimate of about $3 million over two years; the rule was reviewed, but members requested additional cost breakdowns. Other Medicaid-related rules addressed an RSV vaccine administration fee increase, an ET3 telemedicine exemption for ambulance treat-triage-transport services, a dental rate increase under Act 1025, expanded physical therapy access, and the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies package covering doulas, lactation consultants, remote monitoring, and expanded prenatal testing. Most were reviewed without objection after brief discussion or no questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• They received a total of 10 proposals, and they interviewed four contractors, and the ultimate choice
• They received a number, a total of 10 proposed. 2,000 square feet.
• She states that the public comment period for these proposed rule changes ended on March 3rd, and now
• She states that the public comment period for these proposed rule changes ended on March 3rd, and now
• Ward-Law. How many people? I really can't answer that question directly, Mr.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees. Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that vendor had have two comments, two proposed have two comments, two proposed amendments<00:27:
• Uh we're also proposing to this bill.
• </c> the public interest, this bill proposes the public interest, this bill proposes that<00:40:31.920
• </c> the liability caps that are proposed the liability caps that are proposed within<00:51:47.040><c
• </c><00:52:00.559><c> of</c><00:52:00.800><c> course</c> proposed, the liability caps of course proposed

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How is that public testimony going to inform proposed legislation? Thank you.
• Have you seen any proposed maps? No, I haven't seen anything official.
• And of course, the legislature, while there were proposals to do that, those proposals were rejected
• I'm deeply concerned with the motives behind these proposed changes.
• Take the Ninth Ward of Houston, for instance.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• John Ward, Oxnard City Firefighter, Local 1684, in strong support. Thank you.
• John Ward, Oxnard City Firefighter, Local 1684, president, in strong support. Thank you, guys.
• task force and their duties, that the proposed task force and their duties as being proposed in this
• I urge that you support this proposal of the law. And I'll be providing the English. Oh, great.
• The proposed shift from gross receipts also lacks a standard for verification.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, labor enforcement, pensions, and workplace safety. AB 1054 would create a voluntary DROP-style retirement option for CHP officers and Cal Fire firefighters to help retain experienced personnel; supporters said it would be cost-neutral and help staffing, while an opponent warned it could affect bond ratings and create pension risk. The bill passed the committee 4-0 and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2129, which would improve Cal Fire compensation to aid recruitment and retention, also passed 4-0 to Appropriations with support from firefighters and no opposition. AB 1383, a broader PEPRA-related measure lowering retirement age and adjusting compensation caps for public safety workers, drew extensive support from firefighters and peace officers and strong opposition from cities, counties, and other local government groups over long-term pension costs; after debate over fiscal impacts, it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 605 on refinery safe staffing during shutdowns, prompted by layoffs and reduced staffing at refineries such as Phillips 66 Wilmington. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers and nearby communities during refinery wind-downs, while petroleum and business groups said closures are not inevitable and opposed the bill’s premise. The bill passed 3-0 to Environmental Quality. AB 1859 would let joint labor-management committees access public works sites to help detect wage theft and safety violations; construction labor supporters backed it as an enforcement tool, while laborers, local governments, and builders raised concerns about duplication, property access, and project disruption. It passed 2-0 to Judiciary, on call. The committee then heard AB 2321, a pilot program allowing county district attorneys in Alameda and Santa Clara to investigate workplace deaths, which supporters said would address Cal/OSHA’s backlog and weak enforcement; employers and safety practitioners opposed it, citing expertise, due process, and overlapping investigations. It passed 2-0 to Appropriations, on call. Finally, AB 2575 began testimony on healthcare AI guardrails, with the author and nurses arguing that AI should support, not replace, clinical judgment and that patient safety requires human oversight.

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.