Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also holds that entities that remove a battery from a vehicle, such as an auto shop or dismantler
• About 25% of sales annually are zero-emission vehicles or plug-in hybrid, but that's going to come with
• As an early driver and adopter of zero-emission vehicle technology, California is also at the forefront

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• To the last point on the trucks that are idling and creating greenhouse gas emissions, as we invest more
• The auto industry has benefited a lot from job growth and more stable supply chains, but there are new
• So together, these facilities are just one example of how deeply integrated and interdependent the auto
• The North American auto industry operates on long planning and development cycles, typically five years
• jobs, strengthened California's economy, and also enhanced North America's position in the global auto

Summary: The joint hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs and the Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee focused on the USMCA and California’s economic dependence on trade with Mexico and Canada. Members emphasized that California exports more than $183 billion globally, with roughly a third going to Mexico and Canada, and argued that the agreement supports jobs in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology, and ports. The hearing was framed as preparation for a legislative report and possible resolution on California’s priorities for the upcoming USMCA review. Academic and policy witnesses described the USMCA as essential to North American competitiveness, affordability, and regional security. Dr. Rafael Fernández de Castro said the agreement is central to a stronger North American alliance, helps keep food and other goods affordable, and supports the Cali-Baja region’s integrated economy. Dr. Ismael Placencia argued that California and Mexico co-produce value through integrated supply chains and nearshoring, and proposed ideas such as specialized technician visas, cross-border innovation zones, binational certification standards, and a technology fund. Members asked about the uncertainty around the agreement’s sunset/review clause and the possibility that investment is being delayed while businesses wait for clarity. Go-Biz representative Diana Dominguez said USMCA gives businesses, especially small and medium-sized firms, predictability, market access, and stronger digital trade and supply-chain integration, while also noting challenges such as regulatory barriers and financing. California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president Julian Canante said the agreement benefits small businesses but also creates complexity through stricter rules of origin, compliance burdens, and tariff uncertainty, and he urged more trade assistance and education. Mexican officials Miroslava Pérez-López and Pedro Casas Alatriste said the treaty remains the cornerstone of North American trade, that Mexico’s public consultation process generated nearly 800 submissions, and that the region should deepen integration rather than weaken the agreement. A later panel from San Diego regional organizations reinforced the same themes, citing the border region’s co-production economy, the importance of border infrastructure, and the need to protect integrated supply chains from tariff shocks. Witnesses urged investment in ports of entry, energy reliability, talent development, and smoother review processes, while members repeatedly stressed that any renegotiation should preserve labor and environmental standards without harming small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Auto claims represent a very small percentage of auto claims.
• Auto claims represent a very small percentage of auto claims.
• For example, in Brookline, the average annual cost for full coverage auto insurance is $1,980.
• It's going to ensure fairer auto insurance premiums.
• A lot of Massachusetts drivers find that auto insurance is expensive or even unaffordable.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on a wide range of auto insurance and vehicle-related bills. Testimony focused heavily on autonomous vehicle regulation, auto insurance rating by ZIP code, rental car liability coverage, and surcharge thresholds for minor accidents. Representative Polito supported a bill to regulate autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, arguing for school-zone restrictions, slower speeds, a remote kill switch, and minimum insurance requirements to protect the public. Representative Mendez and Senator Payano testified for legislation to reduce racial and socioeconomic inequities in auto insurance pricing by limiting the weight insurers may place on territorial loss costs, while the Mass Insurance Federation and Consumer Federation of America offered opposing and supporting views, respectively, on the fairness and actuarial impact of geographic rating. The committee also heard support for a bill to remove inspection-sticker violations from license-point calculations, and for a bill to raise the damage threshold for insurance surcharges and minor/major accident classifications. A substantial portion of the hearing addressed House Bill 1301 on rental car liability. Enterprise Mobility, the American Car Rental Association, and a small Massachusetts rental company supported the bill, saying personal auto insurers should be primary when their insureds drive rental cars, that Massachusetts is an outlier compared with most other states, and that the change would reduce costs and simplify claims handling. The Mass Insurance Federation opposed the bill, arguing that current Massachusetts law already clearly makes the vehicle owner’s policy primary and that shifting liability would raise costs for private-passenger policyholders. Committee members asked detailed questions about how rental coverage works, whether premiums or rental rates would change, and how other states handle the issue. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to adjust surcharge rules for at-fault accidents, with sponsors arguing that repair costs and vehicle values have risen sharply and that the current thresholds are outdated. Members discussed how the point system affects drivers, whether the proposal should apply cumulatively or per incident, and how Carfax and out-of-pocket repairs factor into consumer costs. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted written testimony could still be submitted and, during a brief personal privilege, recorded support for two underinsurance bills, H. 1109 and S. 748. The committee then moved and seconded a motion to adjourn, and the hearing ended without any votes on the bills themselves.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii has set ambitious goals to promote EV adoption and reduce carbon emissions as outlined in the
• O'Reilly Auto Parts, in support. Motorcycle Industry Council, in opposition.
• Parts we command representative Auto Parts we command representative Kila<00:59:27.559><c> on</c><00
• I'm Melissa Pavc from the Hawaii Auto Dealers Association.
• </c> Melissa pavc from the Hawaii Auto Melissa pavc from the Hawaii Auto Dealers<01:07:19.240><c> Association

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Bills: SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB162 , SB226 , SB146 , SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB162 , SB226 , SB146

Committee: Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund

Keywords: SB143, solid waste, garbage collection, trash fees, refuse collection, municipal fees, county fees, fee exemption, veterans benefits, veteran household, disabled veteran, VA benefits, Social Security exemption, low-income households, poverty level, county commission, municipal governing body, Alabama solid waste law, certificate of exception, public health

Bills: SB96 , SB97 , SB130 , HB230 , SB154 , SB93 , SB99 , SB96 , SB97 , SB130 , HB230 , SB154 , SB93 , SB99

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: salvage title, salvage certificate of title, rebuilt title, flood vehicle, junk vehicle, total loss, motor vehicle title, vehicle branding, insurance claim, insurance company, Department of Revenue, vehicle inspection, rebuilder, automotive dismantler, parts recycler, secondary metals recycler, junkyard, vehicle identification number, VIN, stolen vehicle

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes things like auto dealers.
• </c><00:10:15.720><c> Um</c><00:10:16.360><c> and</c><00:10:16.480><c> so,</c> uh like auto um auto dealers
• Um and so, uh like auto um auto dealers.
• </c> terms of greenhouse gas emissions. terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
• </c> of 1% of global emissions. of 1% of global emissions.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Anke Schenning and I'm with the UAW, United Auto Workers.
• The estimated fatality rate in auto accidents is about 1.33 per 100 million miles by car.
• Activity helps recruit and retain talent, supports families, cuts emissions.
• The state once tracked how telework saved money and cut emissions. quietly disappeared when it no longer
• As many have shared, reducing commuters reduces 80 metric tons of carbon emission. a typical work week

Transcript Highlights:

• If safety inspections were effective, we would expect auto insurers to adjust premiums accordingly, offering
• Instead, states without inspections often enjoy slightly lower auto insurance rates than the national
• Mandatory inspections create an artificial demand for auto mechanics, leading to opportunities for...
• Thirty-seven states have no statewide auto inspection, and there is no clear reason for the accidents
• vehicle inspections and from any statute of this state that requires the use and inspections of emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• If safety inspections were effective, we would expect auto insurers to adjust premiums accordingly, offering
• Instead, states without inspections often enjoy slightly lower auto insurance rates than the national
• Mandatory inspections create an artificial demand for auto mechanics, leading to opportunities for Mandatory
• inspections create an artificial demand for auto mechanics, leading to opportunities for unscrupulous
• Thirty-seven states have no statewide auto inspection, and there is no clear reason for the accidents

Summary: The House first established a quorum, then took up a package of House Committee Substitutes for House Bills 1838, 1692, 1695, 1983, 2036, 2662, and 2743. The bills were described as eliminating mandatory vehicle safety inspections in Missouri, with supporters arguing the inspections are outdated, costly, inconvenient, and not clearly linked to fewer crashes or fatalities. They cited studies and examples from other states, and several members emphasized the burden on rural drivers and mechanics. Opponents argued inspections help catch tire, brake, and other equipment problems, and warned that removing them could increase risks to children, highway workers, and other motorists. Members debated specific provisions in the merged bill, including exemptions and requirements for street rods, custom vehicles, agricultural vehicles, interstate commerce vehicles, and vehicles involved in accidents or salvage situations. An amendment was offered to correct a drafting error involving commercial vehicles and was adopted. The sponsor repeatedly clarified that the bill would not make inspections illegal, only remove the state mandate, while opponents questioned the studies cited and raised concerns about fatality impacts and unsafe vehicles. The House then adopted the committee substitute as amended and perfected and printed the bill package. After the bill action, members made announcements, including a birthday recognition and committee meeting notices. The House was then adjourned until February 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• . emissions. emissions.
• So, for that $22 billion emissions.
• </c><00:59:33.000><c> and</c> goes far beyond studying emissions and goes far beyond studying emissions
• </c> greenhouse gas emission is. greenhouse gas emission is.
• ><c> and</c> department to report the emissions and department to report the emissions and identify<01

Transcript Highlights:

• then in addition the account you probably are most familiar with, which we call CERA, the carbon emissions
• This page indicates an impact of the carbon emissions reduction account, which I don't think is correct
• three paragraphs that begin with these words: increased energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• ferry service with the statute for the creation of ferry districts, and specifically it allows for auto-carrying
• capacity. ...with the statute for the creation of ferry districts, and specifically it allows for auto-carrying

Bills: HB2588 , HB2722 , HB2727

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority, property tax levy, general obligation bonds, municipal corporation, public transportation benefit area, WTSC, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, ferry terminal, wharf, shuttle service, marine transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• We're creating jobs and also reducing CO2 emissions, so it really is a win for everybody.
• </c><00:29:38.440><c> so</c> jobs and also reducing CO2 emissions so jobs and also reducing CO2 emissions
• Paul is working to get to net zero emissions by 2030.
• She said this is significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping the zoo and the city save
• </c> Empower Kon alongside our utility Auto Empower Kon alongside our utility Auto Tail<00:56:23.400>

Bills: HF1013 , HF1598 , HF1656 , HF2162

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:12:31.240><c> improving</c><00:12:31.720><c> health</c><00:12:32.000><c> outcomes,</c> emissions
• , improving health outcomes, emissions, improving health outcomes, and<00:12:32.760><c> so</c><00:12:
• </c> Flipping over to page 17, line three, section 13 encodes into statute certain requirements of auto
• We can skip ahead then to section 18, which is certain requirements of auto dealers certain requirements
• of auto dealers that<00:32:13.720><c> are</c><00:32:13.800><c> currently</c><00:32:14.320><c> in</c>

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also holds that entities that remove a battery from a vehicle, such as an auto shop or dismantler
• The bill also holds that entities that remove a battery from a vehicle, such as an auto shop or dismantler
• About 25% of sales annually are zero-emission vehicles or plug-in hybrids, but that's going to come with

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard SB 615 by Senator Allen, which would create a Department of Toxic Substances Control program for end-of-life electric vehicle battery management. The bill is intended to promote reuse, repurposing, recycling, tracking, and responsible handling of EV batteries, with producer responsibility and certification of recyclers as key features. Supporters, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, California State Association of Counties, automakers, recyclers, and environmental groups, said the measure would help prevent hazardous waste problems, reduce illegal dumping, and prepare for a coming wave of battery retirements. Opponents, including Tesla, Rivian, the California Chamber of Commerce, and others, raised concerns about liability, burdens on smaller entities, and the bill’s structure, while some groups supported it if amended. Committee members discussed the current low recycling rate for EV batteries, the difference between reuse, repurpose, and recycling, and whether the bill appropriately places responsibility on producers rather than consumers. The author said the bill builds on prior work and stakeholder input and is designed to create a workable system without overburdening DTSC. After quorum was established, the committee voted SB 615 out on a 5-1 vote, with one member voting no. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing SB 39, SB 454, SB 724, and SCR 3, and those measures were approved. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Given fluorinated polymers' extreme persistence, emissions associated with their production, use, and
• of associated with their emissions of associated with their production<00:25:29.960><c> use</c><00:25
• that are related to that fuel emissions that are related to that fuel going<00:38:20.800><c> through
• I just want to talk a little about PFAS in the auto industry.
• In addition, these safety benefits modern vehicles have drastically reduced emissions in part because

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members, Mike Carpenter, on behalf of AAA of Northern California and the Auto Club of Southern
• Chair, members, Mike Carpenter, on behalf of AAA of Northern California and the Auto Club of Southern
• Chair, members, Mike Carpenter on behalf of AAA of Northern California and the Auto Club of Southern
• value it can bring to the state by simultaneously improving mobility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Mike Carpenter on behalf of AAA of Northern California and the Auto Club of Southern California in support

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, TNC annual report data was used to inform setting appropriate emissions reduction targets
• So I'm very interested to know how TNCs affect our climate and emissions.
• So we are working on a plan to for all vehicles to zero emission vehicles used in the TNC fleets.
• zero-emission vehicle drivers, completing more than 105 million trips each quarter globally.
• That's 13 million. zero-emissions trips each second on average.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• It talks about a valid emissions inspection.
• They're like, it's going to take us a month to get the emissions, and I'm going to be expired.
• So the counties that require emissions... Well, we're on the southwest part of the state.
• The counties that require emissions, so... Well, we're on the southwest part of the state.
• Every time you start talking about mining, I think emissions and the EPA is always mentioned.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The Commerce Committee met with quorum and first took up several bills in executive session. It adopted a House committee substitute for House Bill 2080 and then voted the substitute do pass on a 6-2 roll call. The committee also voted House Bill 1745 do pass by 6-2 and House Bill 3230 do pass unanimously, 8-0. HB 2080 was described as a proposal related to state investment in cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, other crypto and stablecoins, with a trigger tied to constitutional changes and language allowing staking of assets. In public hearing, House Bill 3490, sponsored by Rep. Mike Jones, would modify Missouri’s Local Historic Preservation Act so that in certain large cities, property owned by public or private colleges and universities could not be designated as historic landmarks by local commissions. Supporters argued the bill would protect property rights and allow universities to develop campus property, while opponents and some members said it appeared aimed at a specific Kansas City dispute and could be overbroad or an overreach into local historic preservation. No one testified in formal support or opposition, and the hearing closed without action. The committee then heard House Bill 3316, a Department of Revenue cleanup bill sponsored by Rep. Jeff Knight. The department said it would simplify vehicle registration and titling, including flat registration fees instead of horsepower-based fees, changes to alternative fuel decals, disabled placards, Real ID document retention, out-of-state vehicle tax collection, legal-name titling, higher late-registration penalties, and ending even-odd year registration. Members asked about water-damaged titles, dealer plate thresholds, emissions inspections, and temporary tags; the department and sponsor said they were open to amendments on some points. Copart testified in informational support, asking that resale exemptions remain intact. The committee then heard House Bill 3027, also by Rep. Knight, which would create tax incentives for companies producing critical minerals, materials, and certain pharmaceuticals in Missouri. The sponsor and supporters said the bill was aimed at reducing dependence on foreign supply chains and encouraging mining and processing in-state; a chemical manufacturer suggested tightening the bill by making credits nontransferable and tying them to actual production and profitability, and the Missouri Chamber supported the concept. After the hearings, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Climate Commitment Act revenues, and then also there's some 2025 legislation dealing with zero-emission
• is about $105 to $140 million, dependent on the generation of excise tax from the surplus of zero-emission
• There's some uncertainty regarding that because if the zero-emission vehicle requirements are potentially
• about $105 to $1402 million is dependent on the generation of excise tax from the surplus of zero emission
• We're based in Virginia, and we're sponsored entirely by auto insurers, with the mission of reducing

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee began with a transportation budget and revenue overview from Haley Gamble and Brian Moore. They reviewed the 2025-27 adopted transportation budget, noting $15.5 billion in expenditures, with the Department of Transportation making up the largest share. They said the 2025 session’s new revenues, including the fuel tax increase and other fee changes, allowed the committee to move from projected structural deficits to a balanced four-year plan, while preserving major programs such as culverts, ferry timing adjustments, highway preservation, and local maintenance funding. They also discussed updated revenue forecasts, including a modest downward revision in fuel consumption and uncertainty around some revenue sources, but said overall revenues remain stronger than previously projected. Committee members asked for more detail on dedicated funds, regional fuel tax patterns, and whether preservation needs could be supported through bonding. The committee then heard a remote presentation from Dr. Jessica Chichino of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on traffic safety trends and countermeasures. She described the group’s “30 by 30” goal to reduce traffic fatalities 30% by 2030, citing increases in deaths for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and comparing U.S. fatality rates unfavorably with other high-income countries. Her presentation emphasized speed management, impaired driving enforcement, safer roadway design, and pedestrian protections such as lower speed limits, speed cameras, traffic calming, roundabouts, better lighting, and pedestrian beacons. She also highlighted research showing that larger vehicles increase pedestrian risk and discussed Bellevue pilot projects using smart signal technology that reduced near misses. No action was taken on the presentation. In the final work session item, Barb Chamberlain of WSDOT and Justin Leighton of the Washington State Transit Association discussed potential transit and active transportation grant programs that had been proposed but not enacted in 2025. Chamberlain explained how new grant programs require runway time, staff capacity, and clear program design, and contrasted “projects first, funding after” with “funding first, projects after” approaches. She addressed the proposed Senior Transportation Emphasis Program and regional trails/cycle highways concepts, noting questions about eligibility, scoring, and how such projects would fit with existing active transportation and preservation work. Leighton reviewed the state’s transit grant portfolio and argued that a transit safety and security grant could help agencies fund operator barriers, lighting, shelters, behavioral health support, and non-uniformed security staff. He also raised concerns about sales tax treatment of security contracts, staffing shortages, federal uncertainty, CDL non-domicile issues, and long procurement timelines for buses. The committee asked questions about definitions, program purpose, and implementation challenges, but did not take any votes or formal action.