Video & Transcript Research : 'ward'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Assemblymember Ward? Thank you, Chair.
- Ward? Aye. Wilson? The vote is... Aye, Ward? Aye, Wilson. The vote is 7-0. The bill moves on.
- Ward? Aye. Wilson? Stephanie? Aye. Ward? Aye. Wilson? The vote is 6-1.
- Assembly Member Ward.
- Ward. Wilson. Ward, aye. I will follow up for you. 0. 6.0.
Summary:
The committee heard multiple bills, with extensive discussion focused on short-term rental regulation, street vending, park/public safety financing, transit-oriented housing fees, and demographic data collection. SB 346 would require short-term rental platforms to provide local governments with listing addresses and related information to help collect transient occupancy taxes and enforce local ordinances; supporters argued cities and counties need the data to identify unlicensed operators and recover taxes, while opposition from platforms raised privacy and due process concerns and said administrative subpoenas already exist. The bill was amended and passed 7-0 to the Judiciary Committee. SB 635, the Street Vendor Business Protection Act, sought to protect street vendors’ personal information from being shared in ways that could expose them to federal immigration enforcement; supporters described raids and fear in vendor communities, and the bill passed 6-1 to Public Safety. SB 499 would clarify that certain park and recreation facilities designated in local safety or hazard mitigation plans can qualify for fee deferral exemptions when they serve emergency or public safety functions; supporters said parks can serve as fire buffers, evacuation sites, and recovery hubs, while some housing advocates sought a clearer nexus to development impacts. The bill passed as amended 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 358, which would modernize traffic impact fee rules to better reflect lower automobile trip generation for walkable, transit-oriented housing, drew support from housing and transportation advocates and passed 8-0 to Appropriations. SB 515, aimed at improving demographic data collection and reporting by local governments and state entities, passed to Appropriations on a 4-0 vote.
The committee also took up SB 276, presented by Assembly Member Stefani on behalf of Senator Wiener, which would allow San Francisco to create a permit-and-enforcement system for the sale of commonly stolen goods on sidewalks. Supporters said the measure is needed to address fencing operations and protect legitimate vendors, while emphasizing it is narrowly targeted and not aimed at food vendors or permitted sellers. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 276, with supporters from the Mission street vendor community and San Francisco Public Works describing enforcement problems and the need for clearer rules and city resources.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Ward for the committee. Senator Ward: Thank you, Mr. President.
- Thank you, Senator Ward.
- And her representing Portsmith Ward 2.
- Senator Ward, yes. Senator Inis, yes. Senator Ward, yes.
- Senator Ward, yes. Senator yes. Senator Ward, yes. Senator Rashard's<01:32:32.800>
excused.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/14/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward. I guess Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Ward.
- <01:09:35.160>
Ward. for sports betting. Mr. Ward. for sports betting. Mr. Ward. - Mr.<01:10:38.800>
Ward. Mr. Ward. Mr. Ward. - <01:10:44.960>
Ward? Senator Frentz or Mr. Ward? Senator Frentz or Mr. Ward? - Ward. Mr. Chairman, no, it's it's a Mr. Ward. Mr.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized.
- Assembly Bill 864 by Assembly Member Ward, the clerk will read.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Summary:
The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, established a quorum after a roll call, and proceeded through a long House of Origin floor session with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine parliamentary actions. Early in the day, a motion by Assembly Member Gallagher to suspend the rules and take up AB 12 immediately failed on a 18-39 vote. The chamber then moved through the daily file, with many measures passing by wide margins, often with bipartisan support and little or no opposition.
Among the notable bills discussed were measures on law enforcement oversight and records access (AB 847), CalFresh data-sharing exemptions (AB 593), campus-area housing for students and staff (AB 893), insurance and wildfire hardening updates (AB 1), missing middle housing code changes (AB 6), tribal peace officer status in a pilot program (AB 31), utility bill analysis before new mandates (AB 61), fairgrounds funding (AB 258), Diwali as a state holiday (AB 268), labor and worker organizing rights (AB 288), algorithmic price-fixing and antitrust enforcement (AB 325), elections and jail voter information (AB 331), protections for judges and court personnel (AB 343 and AB 352), school construction procurement (AB 361), school-zone speed limits (AB 382), transit worker protections (AB 394), blue carbon coastal mitigation (AB 399), K-9 standards for law enforcement (AB 400), livestock carcass composting (AB 411), translation of housing materials (AB 413), immigrant educational rights notices (AB 419), gun violence restraining order implementation (AB 451), special education and child care measures (AB 560 and AB 563), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), and disability access protections for businesses (AB 649). Several bills addressed housing, energy, public health, and public safety, and many authors emphasized affordability, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
The session also included several ceremonial or recognition items, including ACR 73 declaring Italian American Heritage Month, which was adopted by voice vote after 65 coauthors were added. Most measures were approved overwhelmingly, though a few drew some dissent, including AB 421? no—AB 399 passed 42-30, AB 450 passed 49-6, AB 461 passed 49-8, and AB 621 passed 58-0. The transcript ends partway through AB 772, which was introduced as an educational equity bill addressing cyberbullying after school hours, but the remainder of that item is not included in the provided text.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- It clarifies that a court can appoint a guardian ad litem for a proposed ward.
- It prohibits a person with interests adverse to the wards from filing an application for appointment
- , and can act on the wishes of the proposed ward.
- and not a proposed ward.
- the proposed ward.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward. Thank you.
- Ward. Thank you.
- Ward? Aye. Ward. Aye. Wicks. Aye. Wilson. Aye. Wilson. Aye.
- Ward.
- Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Wilson? Ten-one. Ten-one. That bill is out 10-1.
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 56, which would require social media platforms to display a warning label about potential mental health harms from prolonged use, with amendments shortening the initial warning and allowing immediate access to the platform. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost a daughter to suicide and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and other harms and that families need clearer public health information. Opponents from tech and civil liberties groups argued the bill would be ineffective, burdensome, and likely unconstitutional, saying it would create warning fatigue and should be replaced by more targeted tools and digital literacy measures. Several members discussed emergency access concerns, language access, and whether the warning should be more actionable; the bill was moved on a 9-0 vote to the Judiciary Committee.
The committee then took up AB 358, which would amend CalECPA to allow law enforcement, with the victim’s consent, to inspect certain abandoned tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home, vehicle, or personal property without first obtaining a warrant. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is narrowly tailored to devices used solely for spying and is intended to help stalking and domestic violence survivors act quickly before evidence is lost. Opponents from EFF and the ACLU warned the bill would weaken warrant protections, create a loophole around CalECPA, and reduce transparency and accountability. Members debated Fourth Amendment issues, abandonment, and the practical need for rapid access; the bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 1137, which builds on last year’s CSAM reporting law by allowing any user to report child sexual abuse material, requiring clearer reporting mechanisms, adding human review in some cases, and mandating third-party audits and public reporting. Supporters, including survivor advocates and a parent of a child victim, said the bill would reduce the burden on survivors and improve removal of abusive content. Tech industry opponents said they support the goal but objected to the human-review mandate, public audit disclosures, and enforcement provisions, arguing they could create security risks and compliance burdens. Members generally supported the bill’s intent but raised questions about audit frequency and human review; the bill was moved on call with seven votes at the time of the transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 19th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 930 by Assembly Member Ward and an act relating to elections.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Good evening, Mr. Speaker.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Good evening, Mr. Speaker.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long Daily File with several guest introductions and floor speeches. Members recognized visiting student leaders, championship football teams from Tuolumne County, Alpha Kappa Alpha members at their Capitol day, and later a descendant of Wong Kim Ark. The chamber also adopted a procedural motion allowing certain members to host guests in the rear of the chamber.
Among the major policy items, AB 578 on food delivery platform refund practices passed 47-2, AB 344 on successor beer manufacturer definitions passed 61-0, AB 454 to make California’s migratory bird protections permanent passed 55-12 on the urgency clause, AB 482 updating the Table Grape Commission passed 64-1, AB 1237 to support transit access for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders passed 56-15 on the urgency clause, AB 738 on wildfire rebuild solar exemptions passed 42-2, AB 1460 on 340B pharmacy access for clinics passed 41-5, AB 750 on homeless shelter oversight passed 49-1, AB 1061 on housing in historic districts passed 41-13, AB 1523 on expanding mandatory mediation thresholds passed 65-0, and AB 316 on AI-related civil liability passed 56-0. AB 761 authorizing the Monterey-Salinas Transit District to seek a sales tax ballot measure passed 47-12.
The chamber also adopted several resolutions. AJR 3 urging protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid passed 53-2 after extensive debate that included criticism of federal cuts and counterarguments focused on state Medi-Cal policy and budget decisions. ACR 65 proclaiming California Tourism Month was adopted by voice vote after coauthors were added, and ACR 62 recognizing California Nonprofits Day was also adopted by voice vote with 65 coauthors. AJR 5 affirming birthright citizenship and opposing efforts to end it passed 58-1 after a lengthy, highly partisan debate centered on the 14th Amendment and the Wong Kim Ark precedent. The session also included passage of AB 571, a CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, which was presented as a long-running bipartisan effort to create a final resting place for Orange County veterans.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Assemblymember Ward? Great.
- Ward will continue to discuss.
- Ward. Aye. Ward. Aye. Wilson. Wilson. Aye. Votes 6-0. Congratulations. Thank you.
- Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Wilson. 6-0. The bill passes. Congratulations.
- Thank you, Assemblymember Ward.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 753, which would modernize California’s shopping cart recovery rules by allowing cities and counties to return abandoned carts directly to retailers, recover documented retrieval costs, and avoid the current impound-and-wait process. The author and supporters, including San Jose officials and the League of California Cities, said the bill would help clear streets, sidewalks, and waterways and reduce local costs. Grocers and retailers opposed the measure unless amended, arguing it would turn cart retrieval into a new cost burden and could create incentives for cities to charge too much for stolen property. After extensive discussion about notice periods, cost caps, and local ordinances, the committee adopted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 as amended.
The committee then took up SB 445, which would speed up permitting and approvals needed for high-speed rail by requiring early engagement, setting rules for third-party coordination, and creating a dispute-resolution process. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier, broader transit proposal and was intended to reduce delays caused by utilities, local governments, and other entities. Supporters said permitting bottlenecks add major costs and delays to infrastructure projects, while opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts raised concerns about safety, reliability, affordability, and the need to review the pending amendments. The bill passed 8-1 to the Utilities and Energy Committee.
The committee also heard SB 9, a narrower housing bill focused on accessory dwelling units. The author explained that it would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards control if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the bill would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then began hearing SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops; the author and supporters framed it as a response to the housing shortage and transit underuse, and the hearing continued with extensive support testimony as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- By Assemblymember Ward, an act relating to housing. Assemblymember Ward, you are recognized.
- AB 368 by Assemblymember Ward, the clerk will read.
- Assemblymember Ward you are recognized. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
- Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
- Assemblymember Ward you are recognized. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward. Ward here. We have quorum. Thank you. We have a motion and a second. Any additional comments?
- Ward. Ward here. We have quorum. Thank you. We have a motion and a second. Any additional comments?
- Ward? Aye. Aye. Lee, aye. Ward, aye. That bill has four ayes, one no.
- Ward, aye. We'll keep that on call, and I'm sure it will get out.
- Ward: Aye. Al-A-Nez: No. Chen: No. Ward: Aye. I have four ayes and two noes. That measure is out.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward. The motion passes. We will now move on to bill presentations.
- Assemblymember Ward, thank you, Madam Chair.
- Lee, aye, Ward. That measure. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.
- Ward? That measure is out. Thank you. No, we won't.
- Ward? Ward, aye. AB 485? Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee met on March 19, 2025, adopted its rules, and approved the consent calendar before hearing several bills. AB 538, by Assemblymember Berman, would require awarding bodies on public works projects to make a timely attempt to obtain certified payroll records from contractors when the public requests them, rather than simply saying they do not have the records. Supporters said it would clarify existing prevailing wage enforcement; county, city, special district, and housing groups opposed it over workload, privacy, and potential funding risks. The bill passed the committee on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 485, authored by Chair Ortega, which would direct state agencies to deny or renew business licenses for employers with outstanding wage theft judgments unless the judgments are satisfied or bonded. Supporters, including labor groups and a caregiver who described delayed recovery of unpaid wages, said the bill would give workers meaningful leverage to collect judgments. The California Hospital Association opposed it, warning that license action could threaten patient access to care. The bill passed on a do-pass recommendation to Appropriations.
AB 596, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would codify workers’ right to wear a face covering or respirator at work unless it creates a direct safety hazard. Supporters said the measure would protect workers from illness, wildfire smoke, and employer restrictions after prior Cal/OSHA protections expired; the Chamber of Commerce opposed it narrowly, asking for an exception where masks are infeasible for certain tasks. The committee supported the bill and sent it to Appropriations. The hearing concluded with the roll kept open for absent members and the committee adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Ward-Johnson.
- Ward Johnson. Representative Ward Johnson. Thank you, chairman.
- Ward-Johnson? No. Rep. Davis? No. Rep. Shopner? Aye.
- Rep Ward-Johnson? Aye. Rupp Davis. Rupp Shopner.
- Yes representative Ward-Johnson.
Bills:
HB232
Keywords:
disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management
NH
NH
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Jan 28, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 7
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward, excused, Mr. Woodson, excused, Mr. Yamashita, Mr. Speaker, here.
- Ward, excused, Mr. Woodson, excused, Mr. Yamashita, Mr. Speaker, here.
- Ward, excused, Mr. Woodson, excused, Mr. Yamashita, Mr. Speaker, here. Nadine K.
- Ward, excused, Mr. Woodson, excused, Mr. Yamashita, Mr. Speaker, here. Daniel Holt, Mr.
- Ward, excused, Mr. Woodson, excused, Mr. Yamashita, Mr.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- no representative Ward no representative Ward no<00:36:48.760>
representative <00:36:49.359 - My name is Jerry Ward, and I represent Rockingham 27, which is Ward 4 in Portsmouth.
- you deputy secretary representative Ward you deputy secretary representative Ward you<01:00:20.119
- town with two Villages and a City ward town with two Villages and a City ward so<01:25:37.679>
- <04:10:49.720>
nine <04:10:50.000>we're ward that at least in ward nine we're ward - <04:10:49.720>
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Ward: Thank you for taking my question.
- Senator Ward for the committee. Senator Ward: Thank you, Madam President.
- Senator Ward no Senator Senator Ward no Senator rardy<01:57:07.320>
no <01:57:08.119>Senator - <02:07:57.639>
yes Senator inis yes Senator Ward yes Senator inis yes Senator Ward yes Senator - for the committee Senator Senator Ward for the committee Senator Ward<03:22:50.920>
move <03:22
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Ward. Yes. Representative Gilmore. Yes. Representative Bay. Yes.
- Representative<00:04:59.280>
Ward. Representative Ward. Representative Ward. >> Yes. - Representative Ward. Yes. Representative Gilmore. Yes. Representative Bay. Yes.
- Representative Ward. Yes. Yes. Representative Ward. Yes. Representative<00:07:09.520>
Gilmore. - Representative Ward: No. Representative Gilmore: No. Representative Muirhead: No.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward, for being here.
- Ward.
- Ward, so we discussed standardized testing.
- Ward, thank you for being here.
- Ward, I did hear you, thank you for coming.
Keywords:
funding, auditor general, county treasurer, procedural reviews, state appropriations, HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment made by companies owned or controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to prevent sensitive genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was little public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation.
Members then considered HB 2804, a rural development and housing tax credit bill that would let the Department of Housing allocate up to $2 million per year in credits for qualifying rural affordable housing projects, with the program set to expire in 2037. Supporters, including the sponsor, the mayor of Flagstaff, and housing investors and developers, said the credit would leverage federal LIHTC dollars, attract private capital, and help finance affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents in rural Arizona. Opponents from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, and hard to oversee. The committee passed the bill 13-4.
The committee also heard HB 2388, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due by June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study could help Arizona plan for future energy and data-center growth, while opponents argued the agency already has other funding sources and should not receive additional money for the study. The amended bill passed 10-7.
After a presentation from Auditor General Lindsay Perry on county treasurer procedural reviews and the Santa Cruz County embezzlement case, the committee approved HB 2352, which provides $2,385,900 in FY 2029 for the Auditor General to continue county treasurer reviews, on an 11-7 vote. The committee then unanimously approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five major incident task force counties and codifies the longstanding distribution practice. Finally, the committee took up HB 2499, the first of two ESA administration bills, which would appropriate $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration and oversight beginning in FY 2027; the bill drew extended debate about ESA growth, accountability, testing, and spending oversight, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee and Joint Committee on the Arts May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, Chair Allen, Vice Chair Ward, and members of the committee.
- Thank you, Senator Allen, Assembly Member Ward.
- Good morning, Vice Chair Ward and members of the committee.
- Good morning, Vice Chair Ward and members of the committee.
- Senator Ward, thank you, Mr. Chair.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on how recent federal actions are affecting arts, culture, humanities, libraries, museums, and the creative economy in California. Chair Ben Allen and Vice Chair Chris Ward opened by describing the hearing as a response to proposed and ongoing federal cuts to the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and public broadcasting, as well as grant terminations and leadership changes at cultural institutions. Several members emphasized the economic and civic importance of the arts, while one Republican member argued for greater ideological diversity in the arts and noted the loss of music programs in small schools.
Testimony from Aaron Harky of Americans for the Arts and Jolie Fisher of SAG-AFTRA described the impact of federal policy on grants, jobs, and production. Harky said executive orders and the FY 2026 budget proposal threaten arts agencies and arts education, and that rescinded grants are causing hiring freezes, shutdowns, and losses for small organizations, especially in rural and underserved communities. Fisher focused on runaway film and television production, outdated tax rules, and the need for federal incentives, intellectual property protections, and action on AI and digital replicas. Members also discussed bipartisan support, the role of business and tourism partners, and the need to include more diverse voices in arts advocacy.
The second panel featured Rick Noguchi of California Humanities, Greg Lucas of the State Library, and Danielle Purcell of the California Arts Council. Noguchi said NEH funding was cut immediately, putting California Humanities’ grantmaking and documentary programs at risk and prompting consideration of litigation and possible state support. Lucas reported that IMLS funding for California libraries was briefly canceled but partly restored, though a budget gap remains. Purcell said the California Arts Council is still awaiting federal award language for state partnership funds, but NEA grant terminations and the proposed elimination of federal cultural agencies create major uncertainty; she also said the council is assessing the damage and tracking impacts on grantees. Members asked about measuring outcomes, AI’s threat to creative work, documentary funding losses, and possible state and national strategies to protect cultural institutions and jobs.