Video & Transcript : 'proposed ward' :
Page 83 of 500
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 6, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward, Michael, of Suncoast PBA, waves in support. Thank you, Mr. Michael.
- The proposed law would also necessitate the double counting of aggravating factors, a violation of fair
- I rise today to ask for your support of the proposed committee substitute for House Bill 19, a bill that
- I rise today to ask for your support of the proposed committee substitute for House Bill 19, a bill that
- There’s nothing about my proposed amendment, which I know we will be continuing to have a conversation
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and advanced a series of bills on inmate medical billing, court-order transmission, animal abandonment during disasters, first responder peer support, firearm purchase waiting periods, capital felony aggravators, domestic violence protections, boating safety, restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, xylazine trafficking, and offenses against law enforcement officers. Testimony was generally supportive across the agenda, with some opposition or caution raised on the xylazine bill, the boating safety bill, and parts of the law-enforcement-officer bill. Several measures were presented as responses to specific tragedies, including the Martin County jail medical billing bill, the Baker Act transmission bill, Trooper’s Law for restrained dogs, the Jason Rayner Act, and Lucy’s Law.
HB 407 would cap certain emergency medical charges for Martin County jail inmates at 110% of Medicare rates, mirroring Department of Corrections practice; it passed 15-0. HB 513 would require faster electronic transmission of certain court orders, including Baker Act orders, to law enforcement within six hours; it passed 15-0. HB 205, Trooper’s Law, creates a third-degree felony for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster; it passed 15-0. HB 421, as amended, expands peer support for first responders to certain support personnel involved in crime scene work or evidence handling; it passed 16-0. PCS for HB 383 would let law enforcement, correctional officers, correctional probation officers, and active military service members bypass the three-day handgun waiting period without a concealed carry permit; it passed 18-0.
HB 693 adds an aggravating factor in capital cases when the victim was gathered with others for a school, religious, or public government meeting; it passed 17-1 after opposition testimony from Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. PCS for HB 19 and HB 41, the Haven Act, would expand domestic and dating violence protections, including a feasibility study for a web-based 911 alert system and confidentiality/public-records protections for victims; both passed 18-0. PCS for HB 289, Lucy’s Law, would align boating penalties with driving offenses and expand boating safety card requirements; it passed 18-0 despite concerns from one witness that the bill should go further. HB 479 would allow courts to order restitution in leaving-the-scene property-damage cases; an amendment changing mandatory to discretionary restitution was adopted, and the bill passed 18-0. PCS for HB 57 would regulate xylazine, add trafficking penalties, and include veterinary-use exceptions; it passed 17-0 after one witness opposed mandatory minimums. HB 175, the Jason Rayner Act, clarifies that officers are protected when acting within the scope of their duties and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses requiring life imprisonment; it passed 17-0 after debate over self-defense and unlawful police conduct.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 68 Jul 13th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- community, and resolutions filed by Representatives Sousa of Framingham, Lewis of Framingham, Greg Ward
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine committee reports and local matters. It adopted resolutions honoring A Path in the Woods Foundation and the Latino Health Insurance Program, Inc., and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee: one on creating a Great Brook State Park Trust Fund and another on designating a regional lockup as part of the Dukes County Jail and House of Correction.
The House also advanced and approved several local bills. House Bill 5417, authorizing the town of Linfield to impose a local sales tax on restaurant meals, was ordered to a third reading. Senate Bills 2628 and 2895, concerning liquor licensing in Bolton and a conservation restriction amendment in Hanson, were passed to be enacted. Senate Bill 2577 on parking fines in Situate, House Bill 4585 on expanded senior property tax abatements in Auburn, and House Bill 5463 on a conservation restriction in Middleton were each passed to be engrossed.
Later, the House concurred in a further amendment to Senate Bill 2903 honoring Blue Star Families and then passed that bill to be enacted. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Fitchburg Deputy Chief Patrick James “P.J.” Roy. Before adjourning, the House adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m., with a Democratic caucus scheduled for noon and a formal session with roll calls at 1 p.m.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 429 (05/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Ward. Just a quick question.
Summary:
The Committee of Conference met on Senate Bill 429, which concerns a non-germane amendment related to the Parents’ Bill of Rights recording statute. Senate staff explained that the bill already exempted public events from the recording restriction, but a drafting issue in the underlying statute could be read to allow recording anywhere in a school whenever a public event was occurring. The proposed fix was a one-word change, replacing “during” with “of,” to make clear the exemption applies at a public event rather than merely during one.
A House member asked whether the clarification affected the House amendment, and the Senate responded that it did not; the change was in the underlying statute and was being corrected now to avoid returning next year. The committee then recessed briefly for caucus. After returning, the Senate receded to the House position with the suggested word change in amendment 2026-1997S.
The committee took a voice vote, with all members present voting in favor and none opposed. The members then agreed to place the report on the consent calendar, and both the Senate and House indicated they were willing to do so.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward-Engelking? Here. Wintrow? Here. Woodward? Here. Zito? Here. Zuiderveld? Here. Blaylock. Ricks.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 29 members present and six excused absences, establishing a quorum. After the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, the chamber approved the January 15 journal and received communications, including a Secretary of State notice listing registered lobbyists and a Governor’s report on the Emergency Fund. The report noted fund balances and expenditures related to a University of Idaho investigation and Operation Esto Perpetua, along with committed assistance for ICE operations.
In committee reports, the Judiciary and Rules Committee said Senate Bills 1221, 1222, and 1223 were correctly printed. SB 1221 was referred to Commerce and Human Resources, while SB 1222 and SB 1223 were referred to Resources and Environment. The Senate also advanced through the order of business to miscellaneous announcements.
During introductions and announcements, Senator Van Orden welcomed Cheryl Lambert, a constituent and vice chair of the Public Charter School Commission, and thanked the chaplain for incorporating the Idaho and America 250 program into Friday prayers. A capital security training session was announced for immediately after adjournment. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward-Engelking? Wintrow? Woodward? Cedo? President. Cider Belt?
Summary:
The Senate convened with all 35 members present, approved the prior day’s journal as corrected, and then moved through prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The prayer reflected on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and asked for guidance for the Senate and the nation.
The body then received gubernatorial messages announcing several appointments and reappointments, including to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, the Commission on Human Rights, the Board of Environmental Quality, the Commission of Pardons and Parole, the Department of Finance, and the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Board. These appointments were referred to the appropriate committees for confirmation review: Commerce and Human Resources, State Affairs, Health and Welfare, and Judiciary and Rules.
During miscellaneous business, senators made announcements about the Boise Metro Chamber lunch and introduced a constituent guest. The Senate also noted plans to swear in attachés the following day. No legislation was debated or voted on, and the chamber adjourned by motion until 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 1 Jan 7th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward of Westport moves suspension of the rules. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay.
Summary:
The House convened, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and formally notified the Senate that it was ready to proceed to business. Members also welcomed special guests from Representative Mark Sylvia’s district, including the 2025 MIAA Division 6 Super Bowl champion Fairhaven High School Blue Devil football team, its coach Derek Admeida, school officials, and other guests, recognizing the team’s repeated championship appearances and recent title.
The chamber adopted routine organizational orders, including publication and binding of the House journal, and appointed a joint committee to inform the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Council that the General Court was assembled and ready for business. The House also adopted a Rules Committee report honoring Joseph Rink for achieving Eagle Scout, extended the reporting deadline for the Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses on certain House documents, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition by Alice Hanlon Pais concerning the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code to proceed to the Committee on Financial Services.
On legislation, the House concurred in Senate amendments to House No. 4233, amending the charter of the City of Malden, and passed Senate No. 2799 to be engrossed, establishing a sick leave bank for Jeffrey Yantanthin, an employee of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The House also adopted an order to adjourn until the next day and recessed several times during the proceedings.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 1 Jan 7th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 12th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
Summary:
The Assembly met on Friday, May 23, 2025, after a quorum call and roll call established that a quorum was present. The session opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special introduction recognizing the Dixon High School Rocketry Club for national achievement in the American Rocketry Challenge. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or Senate messages were presented.
The main floor action was a procedural motion by the Majority Leader to withdraw SB 101 (Wiener) from the Budget Committee and place it on the third reading file. Assembly Member Flora withheld consent and requested a roll call vote; the motion passed 47-17. At the request of the authors, AB 281 (Gallagher) and AB 794 (Gabriel) were moved to the inactive file.
The Majority Leader also requested unanimous consent to re-refer several bills between committees: SB 53, SB 456, SB 582, and SB 703 were temporarily sent to other committees and then returned to their original committees. There was no objection. The Assembly then adjourned until 8 a.m. the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Ward Johnson: [present, name uncertain in transcript] Rep. Orr: Here. Rep. Ward Johnson: Thank you.
- USDA had a large call for proposals, and I'm losing the number now that Dr.
- Is there a difference with the treatment from what you're proposing?
- Is there a difference with the treatment from what you're proposed?
- Proposed changes would allow necessary flexibility.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on preparedness for the New World screwworm threat and brought together the House Committees on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock. USDA officials, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Texas Animal Health Commission leadership described the pest as a serious risk to livestock, wildlife, rural economies, and beef prices, and emphasized coordination among federal, state, industry, and Mexican partners. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that Texas is currently seeing no confirmed U.S. detections, but that recent confirmed cases in northern Mexico, including Nuevo León, remain a concern because of their proximity to the border.
USDA testimony outlined current surveillance and response efforts, including more than 120 screw worm-specific traps along the Texas border and neighboring states, thousands of additional dual-purpose traps, wildlife inspections, weekly coordination with Mexico’s Senasica, and a new USDA New World Screwworm Directorate. Officials said the existing Panama sterile fly facility is maxed out at about 100 million flies per week, while a dispersal facility in Tampico is helping move flies farther north in Mexico. They also described plans for a retrofitted sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to come online in 2026, and a new domestic production facility at Moore Air Base, with phase one targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 and phase two adding substantially more capacity later.
Members pressed USDA on timelines, production capacity, the reliability of Mexican reporting, the risk from wildlife, and whether modular or mobile facilities could be deployed faster. USDA said it is also exploring innovative technologies, including a genetically engineered sterile male fly, but that such tools still require EPA review and field validation. Commissioner Miller highlighted Texas biosecurity efforts, five permanent inspection stations, cooperation with FDA and EPA on treatments such as Exzolt, and other pest issues affecting Texas agriculture. He also noted research into fly bait and private-sector efforts to speed sterile fly production.
Texas Animal Health Commission officials described extensive state preparedness work, including weekly coordination calls, field response trainings, outreach to producers and veterinarians, and a Texas Screwworm Response Team. They said Texas has trained more than 100 inspectors and other personnel, with additional trainings planned, and that the state is expanding its cattle fever tick rider program. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing; the main action was the exchange of testimony and questions about readiness, surveillance, and facility timelines.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/18/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- as you remember storage uh Senator Ward as you remember five<00:40:15.040><c> years</c><00:40:15.280
- Mike, could you outline what's in the governor's proposal?
- So, in effect, she's proposed a 15-month moratorium.
- </c><01:50:01.520><c> a</c><01:50:01.719><c> 15mon</c> effect she's proposed a 15mon effect she's proposed
- ><c> new</c> at line nine for any proposed new at line nine for any proposed new landfill landfill landfill
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 68 Jul 13th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Perez, Representative Ward-Johnson, Representative Davis. Here.
Committee:
House Higher Education
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several administrative matters, alongside public comments and expert testimonies regarding the proposed legislation. Representative Shaheen highlighted concerns regarding the parameters for public comment, ensuring that only embodied testimonies would be allowed during this session. The meeting was well-attended, and members frequently moved in and out due to overlapping committee schedules. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, underscored by a strong presence of both committee members and the public.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Dec 16th, 2025 at 09:08 am
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we have three bill proposals.
- About five of these proposals Were actually proposed by Democratic lawmakers.
- So, the proposals you brought forward make sense to me.
- And what I want to propose to you is that real tax reform is what we need.
- I don't have any questions on this tax proposal. I just wanted to make.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> optimal level um so I'm also proposing optimal level um so I'm also proposing um<00:31:55.720><c
- The proposed amendments define public lands in Hawaiʻi.
- </c> forign rights as well the proposal forign rights as well the proposal should<01:11:34.239><c> be
- nature of this proposed statute of this<01:20:50.360><c> proposed</c><01:20:50.719><c> measure</c><01
- </c><04:09:50.319><c> is</c> Rees Oda hi and representative Ward is Rees Oda hi and representative Ward
Committee:
House Finance
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Five other states print out the municipality or the precinct or the ward in which you live in.
- And so while we have done some incremental things, and there have been other methods proposed, my hope
Summary:
The Senate considered a series of amendments to a supplemental appropriations bill and related measures, with several adopted and several rejected or withdrawn. Early amendments on equitable approaches to public safety and a Holyoke local account clarification failed, while amendments providing $2.5 million for Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers technical assistance and expanding access to gender-affirming medications and mifepristone were adopted. The chamber also adopted a technical amendment on alternative protein grants, a clarification to ETF modernization, and an energy storage systems amendment. Other proposals on homeowner protections, La Casa funding, emergency contract reform, an energy dashboard, EV charging ratepayer impacts, hate crimes, distressed hospital payments, and task force membership were rejected or withdrawn.
A substantial portion of the debate focused on health care, food assistance, and public safety. Senators spoke in support of funding for community health centers, hospital relief, and EBT anti-skimming protections, including $15.5 million for chip-enabled EBT cards and related replacement-benefit support. One amendment to strengthen protections against impersonating federal officers was rejected, while another on professional protections was withdrawn after discussion of ballot address privacy and security concerns. The Senate also adopted amendments to continue prior appropriations for a North Shore food pantry and drought management efforts, and it later approved a sick leave bank for a Department of Mental Health employee.
The chamber then took up the fiscal year 2025 fair share supplemental budget conference report, which Ways and Means described as $1.39 billion in spending split between transportation and education, including MBTA improvements, Chapter 90 aid, regional transit authorities, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, higher education deferred maintenance, and career technical education capital grants. After a roll call, the bill passed, with one recorded negative vote. The Senate also adopted a separate Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to third reading before final passage. The session ended with adjournment motions and a moment of silence honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman and other victims of political violence, along with a memorial adjournment for firefighter Jeffrey DeSanchez.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And what this proposes is it smooths that out.
- Hearing none, the House of the Vast 16th Ward of Business, Durham at the House at 16th, Florida Business
Summary:
The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal. Messages from the Senate were received, including Senate Joint Memorial 108 and Senate Bills 1227, 1226, and 1225, which were filed for first reading and referred to committees. Standing committee reports also moved House Bill 557 and House Concurrent Resolution 25 to the second reading calendar, and several new House bills were introduced, including measures on civil asset forfeiture reporting, the Idaho Consumer Asset Recovery Fund, license plates, and juvenile transition services.
The main floor action centered on House Bill 559, a tax conformity bill tied to the federal tax changes described by supporters as providing relief for workers, seniors, and businesses. Supporters argued it would preserve federal tax benefits for Idahoans, including provisions on tips, overtime, standard deductions, and research and experimentation expensing, and said the fiscal note was a reasonable estimate. Opponents argued the bill would significantly reduce state revenue at a time of budget shortfalls, warned it could force cuts to services such as education, health care, roads, and public safety, and questioned whether the fiscal note fully captured the bill’s cost. Members also raised questions about business underpayments and the treatment of certain deductions.
The House first voted to suspend the rules for immediate consideration of House Bill 559 by a two-thirds vote, then debated the bill at length. After debate closed, the House passed House Bill 559 by a vote of 59-9, approved the title, and transmitted the bill to the Senate. The chamber then held third-reading bills one legislative day and moved to announcements and committee schedule notices before adjourning until the next day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 23rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
- Research findings support these proposed changes, indicating that they can increase understanding among
Summary:
The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. Members also made several guest introductions and memorial recognitions, including tributes to labor leader Louisa Blue and a Memorial Day moment of silence. The body adopted a motion to suspend Assembly Rule 63 for certain Appropriations Committee bills, and later took up a second-day consent calendar and several resolutions.
The chamber adopted ACR 68, declaring July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month, and ACR 83, proclaiming California Maritime Day; both received broad support. On the floor file, members passed a series of bills covering child passenger safety, student financial aid, downtown office-to-housing conversion districts, rental vehicle theft prevention, fire hazard zone reviews, medical data protections, UC admissions transparency, office-to-housing streamlining, inoperable RV removal, domestic violence and child welfare, insurance classification for social service workers, sustainable aviation fuel CEQA review, UC hiring background checks, accessory dwelling units, fish and wildlife exemptions for Sutter County infrastructure, speed limit assessments, geothermal permitting, special education transfers, recorder fee adjustments, and a BIT program exemption for farmers and ranchers. Most measures passed with little or no opposition.
AB 435, which would have implemented a five-step test standard for child passenger safety laws, was later reconsidered and failed on a vote of 36-12 after the call was lifted. The Assembly also adopted the second-day consent calendar, including multiple bills and resolutions, and added co-authors to several resolutions. The session ended with adjournments in memory and an adjournment until Tuesday, May 27 at 1 p.m.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- On consent today, we have the following items proposed for consent.
- My name is Matthew Ward.
- I would assume the proposal is to put this in the law because the federal definition of nondiscrimination
- I was reading from the bill that the proposal is to put this into statute, which is why I'm going to
- I was reading from the bill that the proposal is to put this into statute, which is why I'm going to
Committee:
House Health
ID
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Ricks, Ruchti, Semmelroth, Shippy, Taylor, Van Orden, Ward-Engelking, Wintrow, Woodward, Zuiderveld,
Summary:
The Senate convened with all 35 members present, heard a prayer emphasizing friendship and trust among legislators, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The journal was read and approved as corrected. The chamber then received multiple gubernatorial appointment messages, including appointments and reappointments to the Commission of Pardons and Parole, Idaho Judicial Council, Personnel Commission, Endowment Fund Investment Board, Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, Health Insurance Exchange Board, Fish and Game Commission, Commission on Human Rights, and State Board of Education; these were referred to the appropriate committees for confirmation.
During miscellaneous business, Senator Bert introduced Jerry’s daughter Tanya, who was visiting from Chico, California, and the Senate welcomed her. Announcements were made about a Minority Caucus meeting after adjournment, required respectful workplace and ethics training at 1:30 p.m. in the Lincoln Auditorium, and a Capitol Ministries kickoff breakfast and Bible study the next morning. No substantive legislation was debated in this portion of the session.
The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.