Transcript Highlights:

• Former office manager Jamie Ward.
• <00:27:15.039> would and I know Representative Ward would and I know Representative Ward would
• Ferretta and Johanna Ward.
• The Ward family has shared community.
• And now at the request of the Ward.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Dr. Jackson, you were recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• 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. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vanessa Thaxton Ward? Here. Tim Jow? And Haley, are you with us? I am.
• Thank you, Commissioner Thaxter Ward.
• Commissioner Thaxton Ward has made that second.
• Commissioner Thaxton Ward has made the motion. Commissioner Thaxton Ward has made the motion.
• Commissioner Thakston Ward has made the motion. Is there a second? Second.

Keywords: Virginia Commission for the Arts Board Meeting, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk: Amendment by Ward Johnson. Representative Ward Johnson: Mr.
• Ward Johnson: ...upends the democratic principle of checks and balances.
• Ward Johnson: ...that the legislative branch should control the purse.
• Ward Johnson: ...providing.
• Ward Johnson: What about when they do these contracts with these HOAs?

Bills: HB25, HB48, HB149, HB254, HB26, HB192

Keywords: ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Madam Speaker, 46 members are present, five are excused.
• Ward excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Mr. Hussey. Miss Ilagan. Miss Iwamoto. Miss Kahaloa.
• Ward excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Mr. Keohokalole. Mr. Kong. Miss Kusch. Miss Lamosao. Mr.
• Ward excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Mr. Perruso excused. Mr. Pierick. Miss Poepoe. Mr.
• Ward excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Madam Speaker, here. Mr.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 46 members present and five excused, then deferred reading of the journal. The chamber received Governor’s Message No. 4, which transmitted proposed changes to the fiscal biennium 2025-2027 executive budget, and the message was received and filed. The House also received a Senate communication transmitting a Senate bill that had passed third reading in the Senate; on motion by Representative Morikawa, seconded by Representative Garcia, the bill was given first reading by title on a voice vote. During introductions, Representative Morikawa recognized staff members Judy Hernandez and Robbie Allen, Representative Lamosao welcomed Kab Bukowski of IBEW 1260, and Representative Iwamoto introduced a Hawaii Pacific University student group visiting to learn about the legislative process and environmental policy. The House then considered Standing Committee Report No. 797; Representative Todd moved to adopt the report and advance the accompanying House bill as amended to second reading and third reading calendar, the motion was seconded by Representative Morikawa, and it passed by voice vote. No resolutions were up for action, and none were referred to print. Announcements highlighted an upcoming Capitol agriculture event featuring more than 70 vendors and a separate notice about House member jacket samples and ordering for 2025. The House adjourned on motion by Representative Moryker, seconded by Representative Garcia, until 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 27th.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stephanie Ward Wilson? Thank you.
• Ward, aye. Wilson, aye. Measure passes. Thank you. Thank you.
• Ward, aye. Rubio, aye. Stephanie? Ward, aye. Wilson, aye. SB 762, yes, aye. The measure is out 6-1.
• Stephanie, Ward. Rubio, aye. The measure is out 9-0.
• Ward, aye. Wilson, aye. Item is out 7-1.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ward-Johnson.
• Rep Ward-Johnson. Rep Davis. Aye. Rep Shelton.
• Rep Ward-Johnson. Aye. Rep Davis. Aye. Rep Schaffner.
• Ward-Johnson? No. Rep. Davis? No. Rep. Shopner? Aye.
• Rep Ward-Johnson? Aye. Rep Davis? Aye. Rep Shopner? Aye.

Bills: HB1784, HB2088, HB3062, HB3475, HB3741, HB4279, HB4763, HB5154, HB5294, HB5508, SB1401, HB232, HB232

Keywords: students, homeless, foster care, higher education, liaison officer, housing assistance, transition support, law school, Rio Grande Valley, legal education, public university, accreditation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, mental health resources, substance abuse education, El Paso, university system, funding, public education

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Chris Ward. I'm the State Assembly Member for California's 7th Assembly District.
• My name is Chris Ward.
• Thank you so much, Assemblymember Chris Ward, for doing this forum.
• Good morning, Chairman Ward, honorable members of the committee, friends of public media.
• Good morning, Assembly Member Ward, Senator, Dr. Weber Pearson, and our other guests today.

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• AB 930 by Assemblymember Ward, the clerk will read.
• Assembly Bill 930 by Assemblymember Ward, an act relating to elections.
• Assemblymember Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Assemblymember Ward, you are recognized. Good evening, Mr.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward: Aye. Wicks: Aye. Wilson: Aye. Okay, eight to two.
• Ward, looks like you're next. Thank you. Member Ward. All right. It's all yours.
• Ward would welcome that, I'm sure. Let's get you there.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.
• Item number one, AB 446 by Assembly Member Ward.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee met with a new membership roster and adopted its committee rules after quorum was established. The hearing then began with AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act, which would require generative AI developers to provide copyright holders notice when registered copyrighted works are used in training data. The author and supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, the Transparency Coalition, voice actors, writers, labor groups, and other creators, argued the bill would give artists a practical way to learn whether their works were used and to vindicate their rights. Opponents, including EFF, CalChamber, RIAA, CCIA, Chamber of Progress, Bay Area Council, BSA, and TechNet, said the proposal was technically unworkable, could burden startups, conflict with existing law and pending litigation, and raise federal preemption concerns. Members discussed the bill’s amendments, including a fingerprinting approach and narrowing the bill to model developers, and the committee voted 8-2 to pass AB 412 as amended to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then heard AB 446, which would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or the use of personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. The author and supporters, including Consumer Watchdog, UFCW, labor organizations, and consumer/privacy groups, described examples of differential pricing tied to device type, location, shopping behavior, and digital price tags, and argued the bill would protect consumers from discriminatory and predatory pricing. Business and industry opponents, including CalChamber, grocers, retailers, travel, broadband, and other associations, said the bill could conflict with the CCPA, interfere with loyalty and rewards programs, and create confusion about personalized discounts and dynamic pricing. The discussion focused on how the bill would treat loyalty programs, whether existing privacy law already covers the issue, and whether the proposal would unintentionally affect legitimate discounts and promotions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward: Aye. Lackey: Aye. Al-Hawari: Aye. Jeff Gonzalez: Aye. McKinner. Ortega: Aye.
• Ward: Aye. Lackey: Aye. El Hawari: Aye. Jeff Gonzalez: Aye. McKinder: Aye. Ortega: Aye.
• Chair Ward, Vice Chair Lackey, members of the committee, my name is Melissa Patak.
• Ward: Aye. Lackey: Aye. L. Hauari: Aye. Jeff Gonzalez: Aye. McKinner: Aye. Ortega: Aye.
• Ward, aye. Lackie, Lackie, L. Hauari. on appropriations, ward. I. Ward, I. Lackey. I. Lackey, I.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Thank you.
• Ward, aye. Wicks, aye. Wilson, aye. That bill has 11 votes.
• Ward, aye. Wicks, aye. Wilson, aye. Thank you.
• Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Ward, aye. Six. That bill has six votes.
• Ward, aye. Wicks, aye. Wilson, aye. Ward, aye. Wicks, Wilson. What is that one?

Summary: The committee began as a subcommittee due to the lack of a quorum and heard several privacy- and technology-related measures. The first item was H.R. 117, a resolution urging Congress to reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The author and supporters argued the law is outdated and shields platforms from accountability for harms such as harassment, exploitation, scams, and other online abuse. Witnesses, including a survivor parent and a gender justice advocate, described harms to children, women, and LGBTQ people and urged a two-year sunset to force federal reform. Some members supported the resolution as a call for federal action, while one member said he could not support it because the resolution was too general and lacked specificity about the reforms being sought. No vote was taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee then heard SB 898, which would require manufacturers of connected consumer products to disclose how long they will support the software and to notify consumers when products approach end of life. The author said consumers deserve transparency about security updates and continued functionality, and supporters from Consumer Reports and PIRG emphasized cybersecurity risks, consumer confusion, and electronic waste from unsupported devices. Opponents, including business and industry groups, raised concerns about enforcement through the unfair competition law, notice burdens, labeling issues, and compliance challenges, especially for products with long support windows or third-party dependencies. One member expressed support, noting the cybersecurity risks of end-of-life devices, but again no vote was taken because there was no quorum. The committee also heard SB 435, which would narrow the CCPA definition of publicly available information to limit how businesses classify data as public. The author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that allows data brokers and others to monetize personal information without meaningful consent and could help prevent surveillance and misuse of data, including by government agencies. Opponents argued the bill would upset the balance between privacy and the free flow of information, create compliance uncertainty, and retroactively reclassify information that businesses reasonably believed was public. Some members said they supported the goal of stronger privacy protections, while others said the bill was too broad. The committee again could not vote due to the lack of a quorum. Later, the committee heard SB 923, which would expand Californians’ right to delete personal information to cover data obtained from third parties and require online businesses to offer a web form or similar method for deletion requests. Supporters, including the California Privacy Protection Agency and consumer advocates, said the bill would make deletion rights meaningful and better address data broker practices. Opponents sought an opt-out-of-processing alternative and raised operational and legal concerns, but supporters said deletion is not the same as retention or processing limits. Members largely spoke in favor of the bill’s privacy goals, but no action was taken. The committee also heard SB 947, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” which would require human review for certain automated employment decisions and limit predictive analysis in workplace discipline and termination. Labor groups supported the bill as a safeguard against biased or erroneous AI-driven decisions, while business, public employer, and local government groups opposed it as overbroad and burdensome. Members voiced support for human oversight in employment decisions, but the item was not voted on because the committee still lacked a quorum. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1114, the SOGI Data Privacy Act, which would restrict disclosure of sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex data to federal agencies absent a court order or legal requirement; the author and witness framed it as a response to federal efforts to obtain sensitive LGBTQ-related data.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Ward Johnson? Aye. There being six ayes, zero nays, the motion fails.
• McCaff, Flores, Cole, DeAyala, Kerwin, Martinez-Fischer, Orr, Vasut, Ward Johnson. Excuse me.
• Representative Ward, that was a great question.
• Ward Johnson. Aye. There being seven Ayes and zero Nays, the motion passes.
• Ward Johnson. Aye. There being seven Ayes and zero Nays, the motion prevails.

Bills: SB2801, SB2232, SCR18

Keywords: SB 2801, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Parks and Wildlife Code, field trial permit, hunting dog field trial, coonhound trial, dog trial, squirrel hunting, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals, hunting license exemption, wildlife management, public land permit, private land hunting, game fish and water safety account, permit fee, commission rules, Parks and Wildlife Department, Unplug Texas Day, digital detox

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's go ahead and hear from our first author, Assembly Member Ward.
• And before they start, Assembly Member Ward, you couldn't pick a better time to present this bill.
• So I thank you, Assembly Member Ward, for your presentation.
• And Senator Ward, Assembly Member Ward, we thank you. That with honor and dignity.
• And Senator Ward, I've Assembly Member Ward, we thank you once again for bringing it forward.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward here. All right, we have a quorum.
• Ward, aye. Thank you. Ransom aye. Rogers aye. Ward aye.
• Ward. That bill has nine aye votes and three no votes.
• Assembly Member Ward? Thank you.
• And Ward? Ward, aye. That bill has 11 votes and four no votes.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 86, which would extend and expand the CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap from $100 million to $200 million, and add fusion energy. Supporters, including the State Treasurer and industry and labor representatives, cited billions in clean-tech investment, job creation, and environmental benefits; county groups opposed the bill over local revenue losses. The committee approved SB 86 on a 12-0 roll, holding the roll open for additional members. The committee then heard SB 545, which would require Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the California high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Labor, Fresno’s mayor’s office, and other stakeholders supported the bill as a way to spur corridor development and future funding opportunities, while one business group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with the roll held open. Members next considered SB 63, a Bay Area transit funding measure authorizing a regional revenue measure to support transit operations amid looming fiscal shortfalls. The author and witnesses described severe service cuts that could follow without new funding, while committee members raised concerns about the bill’s structure, county participation, polling, and whether other revenue options should be considered. The bill advanced on a 9-3 vote, with the roll held open, and the committee also approved SB 263, directing a state study of tariff impacts on California’s economy and supply chains, on an 11-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 661, which would redirect aviation-related tax revenues back to airports for aviation purposes and bring the state into compliance with federal requirements; testimony focused on airport modernization, rural access, and allocation formulas, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm moderator of Ward 2 in Concord.
• Wards we have nine Wards and during the<01:39:27.400> state<01:39:27.760> primary<01:39
• Ward one brought<01:39:59.960> to<01:40:00.159> Ward<01:40:00.480> seven<01:40:
• Most of my wards, well, all of my wards, they have, I think, the lowest, I think, is 4,000.
• Most of my wards, well, all of my wards, they have, I think, the lowest, I think, is 4,000.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Ward, Ward, Wade, with Tangipa, Valencia, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Mr.
• And I want to thank Assembly Member Ward for courageously leading that community.
• Escorted by Assembly Members Ward and Blanca Rubio is Rabbi Debra Marcus.
• Ward, you are recognized on the matter. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Ward, you are recognized to open on the matter. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer from Rabbi Mona Alfie, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then held its first official Jewish American Heritage Month ceremony, beginning with Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel. Gabriel and several colleagues from multiple caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing Jewish Californians’ contributions, the diversity of the Jewish community, solidarity with other communities, and opposition to anti-Semitism. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the Assembly then recognized 14 honorees for their service and leadership in California. After the ceremony, members offered guest introductions and the body moved to floor business. Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Bonta, which would add affordability as a required factor in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the CPUC, create an Office of Broadband, and expand legislative appointments to the commission, was adopted. The Assembly also passed AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 labor law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on pupil instruction, AB 2274 and AB 2273 on criminal justice and child sexual abuse-related prosecutorial practices, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a potential land exemption, AB 1956 on suicide prevention for young men and boys, AB 1809 on job order contracting, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding authority for advanced practice clinicians, and AB 2055 on vessel law modernization. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, after extensive debate reflecting both support and criticism over LGBTQ rights and parental rights issues. Several measures were passed with recorded votes, while some items were passed and retained on file or continued. The transcript ends as the Assembly was moving into AB 2059, a CEQA-related bill on rural transportation projects, with the sponsor describing it as a narrow exemption for 21 rural counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward-Johnson, aye. There being eight ayes, zero nays, the motion prevails.
• Ward-Johnson, aye. There being 8 ayes, 0 nays, the motion prevails.
• Ward-Johnson, aye. There being eight ayes, zero nays, the motion prevails.
• Ward-Johnson, aye. There being seven ayes... The motion prevails.
• Ward-Johnson, aye. Thank you. There being six ayes, one nay, the motion prevails.

Keywords: wildlife corridors, animal-vehicle collisions, HB5259, licensing, concurrent resolutions, cultural significance, Senate Bill 1247, public safety, environmental conservation

Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around significant legislative measures, including several bills aimed at enhancing wildlife safety through the establishment of wildlife corridors and licenses for outdoor activities. Key discussions highlighted House Bill 5259, led by Vice Chair Flores, which proposes a wildlife corridor action plan to reduce animal-vehicle collisions in Texas. This bill is crucial given Texas's alarming rate of wildlife-vehicle accidents, and testimonies from supporting members emphasized the need for action to protect both wildlife and public safety. Furthermore, Senate Bill 1247 was brought forward, simplifying the non-resident hunting license system to improve compliance and conservation funding. The committee also addressed multiple concurrent resolutions recognizing towns for their cultural significance, reflecting a broader commitment to community identity and heritage.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:19.320> These<00:32:19.600> resources across council wards.
• These resources across council wards.
• residents should serve from each ward. residents should serve from each ward.
• If the intention is to go to 14 members and two from each ward, then we should have that language in
• , then we should have that each ward, then we should have that language<00:47:50.800> in<00:47

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward for the committee. Senator Ward. Thank you, Madam President.
• Senator Ward, no. Senator Inis, no. Senator Ward, no.
• Senator Ward, yes. Senator Inis, yes. Senator Ward, yes.
• Senator Ward, yes. Senator Inis, yes. Senator Ward, yes.
• Senator Ward, yes. Senator Inis, yes. Senator Ward, yes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all