Video & Transcript : 'proposed ward' :

Page 73 of 500
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, we have a concern with equivalence and the process, the bills that you're proposing cuts the very
  • between the producers and the pieces of lumber that a consumer can fall back on in the bill that's proposed
  • CCS and hydrogen are both fossil fuel driven proposals that are subsidy dependent.
  • Senator Paul, yes, Senator Ramos, yes, Senator Sanchez, Senator Sher, yes, Senator Ward, yes.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary (02/20/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 1217 proposes allowing classification based on what it calls biological sex, justified as protecting
  • Uh, I am deeply weary and wary of this proposed legislation.
  • As many people proposed legislation.
  • </c><01:22:32.239><c> like</c> online about proposed legislation like online about proposed legislation
  • I am Representative Alice Wade, representing Dover Ward 2, and I'm here today to oppose HB 1447.
Committee: House Judiciary
Keywords: 1189, house, all
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Mar 12th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To see that in addition to whatever the other plans or proposal that they bring to the table. >> Well
  • The school was established by Lyman Ward in 1898. With that, Mr. Speaker, I'd ask for the V.
  • </c> The school was established by Lyman Ward The school was established by Lyman Ward in<01:43:50.800
  • Speaker, the Senate has received the accompanying message from her excellency, the governor, proposing
  • an amendment to the governor, proposing an amendment to the bill,<01:59:45.520><c> Senate</c><01:59:
Keywords: 1136, house, all
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Child Custody Review Task Force Apr 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • South Central is different than Ward County. And I assume...
  • I just don't know that it can be part of this particular proposed legislation. Okay. Yes, go ahead.
  • I would propose a revision that says the court has reasonable grounds to believe.
  • Proposed revision that says the court has reasonable grounds to believe the act was committed.
  • So Judge Hovey proposed a revision on 27.0076.01.000. Yes, correct.
Summary: The Child Custody Review Task Force met to approve prior minutes and then worked through draft legislation related to a possible family court study committee. The group discussed the proposed 15-member committee’s makeup in detail, including whether to add parent representation, judges, family law section members, child support, clerks of court, domestic violence advocates, and other stakeholders. The task force ultimately agreed to keep the committee at 15 members, reduce the legislative membership from eight to six, add two judges from different districts, add two family law section members with rural and urban representation, include one parent subject to a custody order, and replace the mental health professional with a clerk of court representative appointed through the trial court administrator’s office. The draft was also revised to keep domestic violence advocacy representation and to clarify that the study could consider juvenile court issues as part of the family court umbrella. The committee voted to approve the revised draft and recommend it to Legislative Management, with one recorded “no” vote from Judge Hovey after the meeting resumed. The task force then turned to a second draft dealing with requiring participation in a family transition program, which was renamed in discussion to a parenting education course. Members debated whether the bill should simply refer to an existing program like Parents Forever or instead specify broader education about the court process, parental rights, co-parenting, and related issues. Some members supported the requirement as a way to reduce conflict and improve understanding of the system, while others raised concerns about vague language, cost to parents, lack of exemptions, and whether the bill was too open-ended or potentially duplicative of other legislation. The discussion became lengthy and unresolved, with the drafter noting that more specific direction would be needed to revise the bill. The transcript cuts off before a final vote or action on this second draft is shown.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am

Joint Committee on Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • In person, we have Kimberly Ward. Are you with us, Kimberly? Kimberly Ward? Okay.
  • Although proposed by pro-choice advocates, this bill would strip away Although proposed by pro-choice
  • This is not a proposal to conduct good, solid, sound research that we need.
  • design of the proposed study is anything but impartial.
  • Of the 15 proposed members of the committee, only one member would be a survivor Of the 15 proposed members
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill. The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony. Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill ties, proposes, at its core, to tie the increases to the consumer price index.
  • So that's why we're proposing a bill, as a bunch of other things in here that speak to...
  • So that's why we're proposing a bill, as a bunch of other things in here that speak to other pieces of
  • Secondly, in the matter of TOPA, there is a gross omission in your proposal.
  • And yet this proposal suggests caps at 5 percent.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement. Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties. The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the last round, which was last spring and summer, we received 33 proposals, and after competitive
  • </c><00:04:16.919><c> and</c><00:04:17.440><c> um</c> summer we received 33 proposals and um summer we
  • received 33 proposals and um after<00:04:17.919><c> competitive</c><00:04:18.359><c> review</c><00:04
  • So, uh, we're hoping that there's support there, and this is a no-cost, uh, proposal really, and again
  • really and again you know proposal really and again you know something<00:22:53.000><c> that</c><00:
Keywords: 1183, house
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are a number of pieces to the Governor's proposed amendment.
  • There are a number of pieces to the Governor's proposed amendment.
  • There have been proposals.
  • The governor requested to advertise this proposed amendment.
  • The governor requested to advertise this proposed amendment.
Summary: The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments. Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71. The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 23rd, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Ward
  • Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Ta, Ta, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then dispensed with reading the journal and moved through a large number of procedural items, including deeming 102 second-reading items read and amendments adopted. The body also approved several floor motions, including suspending rules for guest access and committee noticing, moving AB 2595 to second reading, and sending ACR 110 to the inactive file. Numerous local officials and community representatives were introduced from cities including South Pasadena, Isparia, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Palmdale, Holtville, and Lindsay. On the floor file, several measures were taken up and passed. AB 1673 by Hadwick, allowing county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain funds for wildlife conflict prevention, passed 62-0. ACR 143 by Pacheco, proclaiming April 19-25 as California Cities Week, was adopted with 65 co-authors added. AB 1982 by Lowenthal, removing sunsets from existing anti-drink-spiking requirements for certain establishments, passed 68-0. ACR 158 by Solache, recognizing April 2026 as Donate Life Month, was adopted with 74 co-authors added after testimony about organ donation and transplant needs. AB 1908 by McKinnor, authorizing counties to establish victim compensation funds for survivors of abuse involving public agencies, passed 71-0. AB 2052 by Stephanie, aimed at ensuring continuity for vulnerable victims in criminal cases by allowing the same prosecutor to remain on a case, passed 62-0. ACR 178 by Flora, recognizing April 21 as National Rendering Day, was also adopted with 69 co-authors added. The second-day consent calendar and remaining listed items were then approved, with all votes recorded at 69-0 and no items removed. The Assembly also heard an adjournment in memory from Assembly Member Haney for Mary Dallas Armstrong of San Francisco, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session. The House adjourned until Monday, April 27, at 1 p.m.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Rubio, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
  • Assembly Member Ward will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Keywords: 988, house, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session Feb 4th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • y'all, when you, when you see Beyonce, uh, you see her taking a picture in front of historic Third Ward
  • let this happen today, uh, in recognizing and celebrating Beyonce without saying that I am from 3rd Ward
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm proposing a very simple amendment.
  • There have been proposals.
  • I’ve proposed legislation in the regular session to limit the amount of properties…” “I’ve proposed legislation
  • The governor requested to advertise this proposed amendment.
  • This proposed amendment as to ensure, This proposed amendment has to ensure that every voter has access
Keywords: 998, house, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • Each year you’re given a resolution or a policy proposal, and you’re told to write cases for and against
  • World War II, it was the USS Ward that fired the first shot at Pearl Harbor, sinking a mini Japanese
  • World War II, it was the USS Ward that fired the first shot at Pearl Harbor, sinking a mini Japanese
  • World War II, it was the USS Ward that fired the first shot at Pearl Harbor, sinking a mini Japanese
  • World War II, it was the USS Ward that fired the first shot at Pearl Harbor, sinking a mini Japanese
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Business and Commerce May 15th, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • The committee substitute changes references to the budget article to proposed budget.
  • that your primary objection, or your recommendation, is that the exception be stricken from any proposed
  • Please come up: Mark Bell, Association of Electric Companies; Mark Ward Teesdale, Association of Mutual
  • My name is Ward Tisdale. I’m with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.
  • is being used to push other, um— Hypergrowth is being used to push other significant rate-making proposals
Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering a failed vote on SB 715 and then reporting several measures favorably. SB 1978 was reported from committee on a committee substitute, and a series of House bills — including HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 — were moved out of committee, most to the local and uncontested calendar. The votes on these items were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. The committee then heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. The author said the bill would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms while preserving trade secrets and excluding certain categories such as medical devices, motor vehicles covered by an MOU, critical infrastructure, and commercial-only transactions. Supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Environment Texas argued it would strengthen property rights, help small businesses, and reduce e-waste. Opponents, including representatives of SafeLight Auto Glass and LKQ, said they supported right-to-repair in principle but objected to the bill’s automotive MOU exemption and broader scope, warning it could create uncertainty and leave some manufacturers and repair shops outside the framework. The bill was left pending after testimony. Members also heard HB 2467 on salary parity for State Fire Marshal investigators, HB 252 on allowing some state agencies to pay certain employees twice monthly, HB 2468 on public improvement district notice and a buyer’s right to terminate, HB 4386 on annuity contract exchanges and surrender timelines, HB 4751 creating a Texas Quantum Initiative and related fund, and HJR 175 proposing a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ ability to use mutually agreed-upon mediums of exchange, including cash, bullion, and digital currency. Testimony on HB 4751 was largely supportive but included questions about whether the state needs a new coordinating structure and funding mechanism for quantum research and commercialization. HJR 175 drew discussion about barter, taxes, and concerns over central bank digital currency. Each of these items was left pending after hearing testimony. The committee also heard HB 2221, which would update insurance anti-rebating laws to allow more wellness and value-added services in life and health insurance, with supporters saying it would encourage healthier behavior without requiring data monitoring. Finally, the committee took up a package of utility and wildfire-related bills from Chairman King’s portfolio: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain overhead electrical lines; HB 144, requiring utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing utilities to self-insure under certain conditions. Utility, co-op, and insurance representatives generally supported the safety and resiliency goals of HB 144, while asking for clarifications and less frequent reporting; HB 145 was introduced as a broader wildfire-risk and liability measure. These bills were also left pending after testimony.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Education (01/27/2026)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • [Clears throat] Good morning, Chairman Ward and members of the committee.
  • I represent Senate District 18, which is Manchester Wards 5 through 9 and the town of Litchfield.
  • Your question, Chair Ward, on the opt-in, if is it parents, is it the schools?
  • Thank you, Chair Ward. Um, Nancy, always good to see you.
  • Thank you, Chairwoman Ward, for the opportunity to speak and members of the committee.
Committee: Senate Education
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • What is Game and Fish doing in preparation to ward off the New World Screw Worms?
  • The proposed increase supports personnel recruitment, a new program, and recurring funding for the Governor's
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Education (03/18/2025)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:42:05.440><c> thank</c><01:42:05.560><c> you</c> Chase Eagleson: Good morning, Chair, Chairman Ward
  • much thank thank thank you<01:43:02.119><c> Chase</c> Chase Eagleson: Good morning, Chair, Chairman Ward
  • Thank you, Chair, Chairwoman Ward, and members of the Senate Education.
  • :55:54.119><c> you</c><01:55:54.320><c> chair</c><01:55:54.800><c> chairwoman</c><01:55:55.639><c> Ward
  • </c><01:55:56.119><c> and</c> thank you chair chairwoman Ward and thank you chair chairwoman Ward and
Committee: Senate Education
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And my understanding of the proposal is that it's meant to be temporary.
  • Wards” in their hospitals, stop services like nonpublic hospitals can?
  • As a result of this proposal, coverage. The next proposal relates to state-only monthly premiums.
  • We don't have any concerns with the proposal at this point.
  • Yeah, to clarify, this particular proposal isn't H.R. 1-specific.
Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services heard an overview of the expected California budget and program impacts from H.R. 1, including changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh eligibility, redeterminations, work requirements, immigration-related coverage rules, retroactive coverage limits, and reductions in federal matching for certain services and provider financing mechanisms. DHCS and CDSS described implementation plans focused on automation, data matching, clearer communications, county training, and outreach, while noting that many federal details are still pending. The Legislative Analyst’s Office also reviewed how H.R. 1 could increase pressure on county indigent care systems, explaining the history of county responsibility under Section 17000, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, and warning that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents seeking care without corresponding funding flexibility. An independent policy expert urged consideration of a more standardized statewide approach to indigent care and raised questions about governance, benefits, and financing. Department witnesses estimated substantial coverage losses and fiscal effects: DHCS projected major Medi-Cal disenrollment tied to work requirements, six-month renewals, narrowed immigrant eligibility, and reduced retroactive coverage, while CDSS estimated large CalFresh benefit losses and a significant increase in administrative workload and payment accuracy pressure. Members questioned how exemptions would work for older adults, people experiencing homelessness, undocumented residents, and cash workers, and asked about the effect on the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit Pilot and on county administrative funding. Officials said they would use available data and self-attestation where possible, but acknowledged that many cases would require manual screening and that the county workload estimates remain in dispute. They also said the state is still evaluating the impact of H.R. 1 on provider taxes and state-directed payments, which could create additional budget pressure. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described major local consequences if H.R. 1 is implemented as written. They warned of higher uninsured rates, more strain on emergency rooms and public hospitals, increased homelessness and food insecurity, and a likely need to rebuild or expand county indigent care programs that were largely scaled back after the ACA. Counties said they are already freezing hiring, cutting positions, reducing overtime, deferring spending, and launching outreach and coordination efforts with managed care plans and community partners, but argued that these steps are not enough without additional state support. Several counties backed the California County Welfare Directors Association’s request for $373 million in General Fund support for eligibility work and asked for a CalFresh match waiver to soften the new county share of administrative costs; Los Angeles and Santa Clara also emphasized that their local revenue measures would not close the projected gaps. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Election Law (02/17/2026)

Election Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • This proposal would apply to the actual SP2 vote and would be 15%, not 50%.
  • if the proposed budget failed.
  • </c> would now if the proposed budget failed. would now if the proposed budget failed.
  • This bill is a similar proposal, but a variation.
  • This bill is similar proposal last year.
Committee: House Election Law
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Regular Session Aug 20th, 2026 at 03:47 pm

Transcript Highlights:
  • Assembly Bill 1793 by Assembly Member Ward, an act relating to cash payments.
  • On behalf of Assembly Member Ward, I rise to present AB 1793, the California Common Sense Act, which
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through motions and daily file items. Senator Ashby moved AB 2352 to the inactive file and AB 775 off the consent calendar. The body then considered a long series of concurrence and third-reading measures, with most receiving broad support and passing on largely party-line or unanimous votes. Among the major bills discussed were SB 1192 on domestic violence-related relief, SB 1263 on professions and vocations, SB 872 on water infrastructure and levee/subsidence issues, SB 934 on protecting LGBTQ people from conversion therapy, SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public comment rules, AB 1573 on housing for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, AB 52 on farmer equity, AB 1758 on travel seller restitution fees, AB 1544 on court transparency, AB 1738 on virtual inspections for simple home work, AB 1820 on EV charger permit fees, AB 2150 on naloxone training for CPR-certified employees, AB 2274 on limiting secrecy in non-prosecution agreements for traffickers and child molesters, AB 2674 on public access to landfill monitoring data, AB 2010 on high-volume spay/neuter procedures, AB 1793 on cash rounding after the penny’s discontinuation, AB 1818 on CSU bargaining procedures, AB 1655 on CalWORKs support when children are detained by ICE, AB 1743 on firearm trace data sharing, and AB 2011 on preserving mental health parity enforcement. Members speaking in support emphasized consumer protection, transparency, public health, housing, labor rights, and equity; opposition was limited and appeared on a few measures such as AB 1743 and AB 1818. Votes were recorded on each item, with many measures passing unanimously or by wide margins. Notable roll calls included concurrence on SB 1192 (30-0), SB 1263 (36-0), SB 872 (37-0), SB 934 (27-9), SB 1159 (37-0), and AB 2010 and AB 2150 by unanimous roll call. Several Assembly bills also passed with recorded opposition, including AB 52, AB 1758, AB 1820, AB 1793, AB 1818, AB 1655, AB 1743, and AB 2011. The session ended by returning to motions and consent calendars, where SCR 193 and a large slate of consent items were taken up, with SCR 193 granted reconsideration and the desk noting additional requests from members.