Transcript Highlights:

• Follow-up: How do they immediately handle that before they drive again?
• the same one, I just pick whichever one I want to drive—do I have to put it on each vehicle?
• at additional charges for driving that without an interlock on it.
• So this gives them the opportunity to be able to drive during that period of time.
• The simple solution, Representative, is don't drink and drive. That's the best answer. Do pass.

Summary: The committee considered a long slate of criminal justice and public safety bills, with most measures advancing on unanimous or near-unanimous do pass votes. Early bills included SB 137, which adds DUI with great bodily injury to the list of offenses that make a person ineligible for the ankle monitoring program, and SB 1255, which shifts authority for certain medical-release recommendations from the corrections director to the medical director of corrections. SB 1226 expanded the duty to remain at the scene of an accident to include property damage, and SB 1238 modified charging requirements for domestic abuse assault and battery committed in the presence of a minor child. SB 1258 affirmed that people otherwise eligible to carry under constitutional carry may do so on a boat, and SB 1460 strengthened penalties for repeat peeping Tom and clandestine recording offenses and made them registrable sex offenses. The committee also advanced SB 1325, which requires certain domestic abusers to be released on bail only if GPS monitoring is used, though members and the presenter noted the bill was still a work in progress and would need amendments to clarify vendors, monitoring, and geofencing details. SB 1548 allowed multiple DUI charges within one year to be aggregated and prosecuted as a single felony case, and the presenter briefly thanked constituents whose daughter was killed by a repeat DUI offender. SB 1730 required law enforcement to forward sexual abuse reports to OSBI so repeat offenders can be identified, with members discussing concerns about false accusations and expungement procedures. SB 1921 raised OSBI fees, which had not been increased since 1994, with the additional revenue going back into the program. Later, SB 1733 modified school district reporting requirements for sexual activity or inappropriate communications involving students. SB 1216 changed drug court eligibility so certain domestic violence offenders would be excluded from the domestic violence treatment program and directed them to other services. SB 1256 made interlock devices a condition of bail for DUI defendants, prompting questions about timing, multiple vehicles, and costs for defendants whose cases are later dismissed or result in acquittal. The chair closed by noting another committee meeting would be held the following Tuesday with roughly 12 to 15 additional bills to consider.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mayor Cornett was a driving force behind the bypass project, which was built to route traffic over the
• A charge of misdemeanor reckless driving is treated as a minor traffic violation.
• Our family was driving home from...
• Members, when you take a driving test, do you take a driving test for COVID-19 or do you take a driving
• I hope that this can also serve as a reminder for people to stop and think and drive safely.

Bills: HB767 , HB1708 , HB2143 , HB2198 , HB2415 , HB2457 , HB2763 , SB876 , SB1230 , SB2515 , SB2688 , SB2790 , SB2799 , HB3012 , HB1672 , HB2523 , HB3135

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and that means driving developments into an HOA, uh, the ones that may be outside of what we like
• Uh, and that means driving developments into an HOA, uh, the ones that may be outside of what we like
• Uh, and that means driving developments into an HOA, uh, the ones that may be outside of what we like
• Uh, and that means driving developments into an HOA, uh, the ones that may be outside of what we like
• Uh, and that means driving developments into an HOA, uh, the ones that may be outside of what we like

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyway, so the challenge is the less gas people buy due to either driving electric vehicles or driving
• </c> gas people buy due to either driving gas people buy due to either driving electric<00:04:05.519>
• vehicles or driving hybrid electric vehicles or driving hybrid vehicles<00:04:07.920><c> or</c><00:04
• :08.640><c> driving</c><00:04:09.280><c> more</c><00:04:09.840><c> efficient</c> vehicles or driving
• </c><00:19:36.960><c> a</c> they would pay if they were driving a they would pay if they were driving

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:04.440><c> maybe</c> student is still here driving maybe student is still here driving maybe
• If you're an undocumented individual without a license, you drive in New Hampshire, you're driving without
• You should have a license when you drive.
• you drive in New Hampshire<01:02:46.559><c> you're</c><01:02:46.680><c> driving</c><01:02:47.079><c>
• without</c><01:02:47.400><c> a</c> Hampshire you're driving without a Hampshire you're driving without

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Strengthening this section on page one helps both policyholders and honest insurers from fraud that drives
• So you're the driving data that, I don't know. So you're the driving data that is being collected.
• So your driving habits, though, I could make the argument, are not private.
• Is there anything in the bill that does anything about the guy that drives 65 in the passing lane?
• They're going to start driving late at night, those sorts of things.

Committees: House Insurance , House Insurance and Banking

Transcript Highlights:

• addressing dangerous driving behavior.
• driving behavior.
• , impaired driving, and road safety.
• , impaired driving, and road safety.
• dangerous driving decisions.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took action on multiple measures. AB 1662 by Assemblymember Wilson, which would require notice to the DMV when a defendant receives diversion in certain driving-related cases so points can still be assessed administratively, drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, AAA, and road safety advocates, with opposition from the Western Center on Law and Poverty. The bill passed on a due pass motion to Transportation and was held on call. AB 1741 by Assemblymember Pacheco, as amended, would allow sexual battery committed during an unlawful residential intrusion to be charged as a wobbler; prosecutors and victim advocates supported it, while public defender organizations argued existing law already covers the conduct and warned the bill was overbroad. It passed due pass as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. AB 2760 by Assemblymember Sharp Collins would let counties with an Office of Inspector General expand that office’s oversight to probation and animal control departments. Supporters, including the author, an Ella Baker Center representative, and San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, said it would improve transparency and help counties lacking capacity. Probation officials and Fresno County opposed, citing existing oversight structures and concerns about conflicts, confidentiality, and duplication. The bill passed due pass to Local Government, with some no votes, and was held on call. AB 1753 by Assemblymember Wix, the Survivor Pathways to Safety Act, would strengthen firearm relinquishment and protection-order enforcement, expand firearm prohibitions for certain threats and violations, and broaden remote hearing and notification provisions. Support came from gun violence prevention, victim, medical, and law enforcement groups; gun rights organizations opposed on due process grounds. It passed due pass as amended to Judiciary and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1743 by Assemblymember Wix, which would allow local governments and certain universities to request firearm trace data from DOJ for research and policy purposes. Supporters said the data would help identify trafficking patterns and inform evidence-based policy, while opponents warned about privacy, misuse, and stigmatizing lawful dealers. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was held on call. AB 2164, the Care Without Fear Act, would strengthen California’s shield-law protections for reproductive health care providers against extradition and related enforcement; supporters framed it as protecting lawful care in California, while opponents raised concerns about abortion and gender-affirming care and due process. It passed due pass to Judiciary and was held open. AB 2664, the Safe Worship Zone Act, would create a narrow buffer around houses of worship to prevent harassment of people entering or exiting; faith-based and anti-hate groups supported it, while civil liberties and some community groups opposed it as an unconstitutional speech restriction. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee then began hearing AB 2122 by Assemblymember Kalra, which would prohibit bench warrants for Vehicle Code infractions and allow noncustodial warrants for other infractions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it's a drive. drive. drive. &gt;&gt; Thank<01:50:18.960><c> you.</c> &gt;&gt; Thank you.
• </c> choose to drink and drive. choose to drink and drive.
• </c> driving is a top priority of ours. driving is a top priority of ours.
• c> those</c><05:57:09.520><c> are</c> driving, impaired driving, those are driving, impaired driving,
• . driving. driving.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We launched a Drive Right, Save Lives campaign.
• We started Stop Reckless Driving, and we are supporting many families coming forward.
• People have gotten crazier driving. I mean, crazier.
• But when they're driving the way they do out there, I see it every day. Every day.
• People driving 110 miles an hour. You can tell because everybody else is going 80.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety met on March 24, 2006, first as a subcommittee until a quorum was reached. The committee heard several bills in file order, beginning with SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases. The author and survivor witnesses argued the bill would prevent unnecessary copying and dissemination of highly sensitive evidence while preserving defendants’ access to discovery; public defenders and criminal defense groups opposed it as vague, overbroad, and potentially harmful to due process. After committee amendments were accepted, SB 1056 passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with the bill held on call. The committee then heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters described serious injuries and community fear from recent deployments, while sheriffs’ and police groups objected that the bill was vague, could limit necessary tactics, and might conflict with existing law and task-force operations. Members raised concerns about overuse of force but also about drafting details and exceptions for exigent circumstances; the bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations and held on call. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove sought to make intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges in more serious cases. Faith leaders and supporters said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions and protect religious exercise, while opponents, including civil liberties and public defender groups, argued it would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct better addressed through existing law or restorative justice. After extended debate, the committee rejected the bill on a roll call vote, and the motion to reconsider was granted without objection. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting surreptitious recording in places with a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addressed a growing privacy threat, while industry groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and businesses and needed tighter definitions. After committee amendments reducing penalties and removing manufacturer provisions from the criminal code, SB 1130 passed as amended to Rules, with the bill held on call. Finally, the committee heard SCA 2 by Senator Troy, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members. Supporters framed it as an accountability measure, while some members objected that it addressed a hypothetical problem and could unnecessarily restrict legitimate clemency. The transcript ends during the roll call on SCA 2, with the vote in progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sorry, but a drive-brived. testifying, I'm sorry, but a drive-by vehicle throwing a flash bomb in
• We launched a Drive Right, Save Lives campaign.
• This applies to all reckless driving, I believe, in particular on the impoundment.
• People have gotten crazier driving. I mean, crazier.
• But when they're driving the way they do out there, I see it every day. Every day.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of them who have driven—and when these truck drivers, when they drive, they don't just drive like
• I mean, they're driving millions of miles. Right.
• So commercial drivers driving along, they have a way of understanding what driving along, they have a
• And I happen to drive a car that does self-driving.
• Self-driving trucks pass, which we don't really want.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2759 in executive session. The sponsor explained a committee substitute that would shift the bill’s disclosure requirement so project completion dates would be posted when work is awarded, rather than during the bidding process. Members discussed the fiscal note and whether the change could affect contractor pricing and MoDOT costs. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2759 “do pass” by a roll call of 13 ayes and one present. The committee then moved to public hearing on House Bill 1741, which would create procedures for non-consensual towing of commercial vehicles, including a towing and recovery review board, limits on storage charges while disputes are pending, restrictions on liens, access requirements, and penalties for violations. Representative Griffith said the bill is aimed at protecting independent truckers from excessive towing charges while still allowing emergency road clearance. Members raised concerns about the scope of the bill, the lack of a dispute timeline, the proposed $25,000 penalty, the ban on per-pound billing, and whether the bill could interfere with emergency towing or create litigation involving the state. Supporters, including representatives from trucking groups, described large and sometimes excessive tow bills, argued that small owner-operators can be bankrupted by these costs, and said Missouri lacks a meaningful complaint process. Opponents from towing associations said the bill, as written, could prevent non-consensual commercial tows because towers need a lien or other leverage to get paid, especially when vehicles or cargo are abandoned or out of state. They also argued that emergency recoveries are dangerous, expensive, and highly variable, and that the bill should be narrowed and clarified. The sponsor and witnesses on both sides indicated a willingness to keep working on amendments, and no final action was taken on House Bill 1741 during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• driving driving um<00:58:23.400><c> I</c><00:58:23.599><c> think</c><00:58:24.079><c> oh</c><00:58:24.440
• </c> for my introduction while I was driving for my introduction while I was driving so<00:58:59.960>
• </c> single day to stop distracted driving single day to stop distracted driving which<01:08:47.560><
• He described distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking
• </c><01:53:24.079><c> test</c> them take the test and the driving test them take the test and the driving

Summary: The Transportation Committee opened its public hearing with HB 249, sponsored by Representative Seth Miller, which would allow bicycles, human-powered vehicles, and electric bicycles to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs in certain situations. Miller argued the bill would improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer injuries and crashes. He emphasized that the proposal would remain optional for cyclists, who would still be required to yield to cross traffic and obey right-of-way rules, and said the bill is intended to help riders maintain momentum and avoid the instability that comes from repeatedly starting from a full stop. Committee members raised concerns about uncertainty for drivers and pedestrians, liability, and whether the bill would create a special class of road users with different rules. Representative Crawford asked about the red-light left turn language, and Miller explained it was included because bicycles may not trigger some traffic signals. Representative Hill questioned how other road users would know what a cyclist intended to do at an intersection, and Representative Gon noted the bill did not appear to address liability the way some motorcycle-related laws do. Miller responded that cyclists would still be expected to yield appropriately and said he would be open to an amendment if liability language was needed. Representative Emble also questioned whether the bill would create a special vehicle class, and Miller replied that bicycles already have different roadway rules and that the bill was meant to improve safety and flow. Several supporters testified in favor of the bill. Michael Frank, a cyclist and League cycling instructor from Spofford, said he regularly rides a cargo bike for errands and that stopping fully at intersections leaves him exposed longer and makes it harder to restart on hills. He said the bill would let cyclists slow, assess traffic, and proceed safely while maintaining momentum, and noted that he had not personally received a ticket for rolling through a stop sign, though he had been warned by police. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy, and helps bicycles move through intersections faster and more safely. No vote or committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The court-mandated ignition interlock period for those convicted of driving under the influence.
• Senator, is there anything that prevents that person from driving another car?
• But we also know that there are those who drive for work.
• They want to responsibly drive. They've told a court, 'I want to run these errands.
• I shouldn't be driving.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Like there's a reckless driving statute in the OHV section, and basically that means you're driving recklessly
• You're driving recklessly if you're driving in a manner to put others at risk of serious injury or death
• So we consider spinning donuts and things as reckless driving.
• If you're driving too fast, you can't see what's in your headlights.
• If you're driving too fast, you can't see what's in your headlights.

Committee: Joint Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• fill out a form every year or less to prove that they're not a danger to the public to be able to drive
• for a medical condition that I do not have and they are not treating me for helps keep the public driving
• </c> your driving your driving privileges<00:04:40.120><c> I</c><00:04:40.199><c> would</c><00:04:40.360
• Some of them have to go manually take out the hard drive or the thumb drive, whatever it is, to download
• </c><00:25:58.960><c> whatever</c> hard drive or the thumb drive whatever hard drive or the thumb drive

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we're told that as far as impaired driving... ...that as far as impaired driving, this past
• them and... these and driving, not banning, and not prohibiting.
• Did you take any and drive? Huh? Did you take any and drive? I didn’t buy any. Good.
• Do not drive a vehicle. You should treat this like alcohol.
• These people who are driving under the influence, those are bad actors.

Bills: SB274

Committee: Senate Children and Youth Health

Keywords: cannabis, psychoactive cannabinoids, CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, criminal penalties, youth protection, medical cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• out of state or whomever, they're still going to have to verify all that, which is going to, again, drive
• You're driving home now in a brand new vehicle.
• You go online, whatever vehicle you're driving, you'd let the Parkways Authority know: this is my type
• So how do you let the Parkways Authority know you're going to drive your wife's car?
• Section 17C-14-15, which is our electronically distracted driving act.

Summary: The Senate Infrastructure Committee first returned to engrossed House Bill 4419, which would require the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings and give notice before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would allow legislative auditing of related revenues and sinking funds. The committee debated two amendments related to E-ZPass transponders: one from the Senator from Jefferson to clarify that the Parkway Authority would not be required to read every plate failed on a 4-4 tie, and one from the Senator from Wetzel to codify a restriction on transferring single-fee transponders between vehicles was rejected after discussion with counsel and the Parkways Authority about current policy, convenience for users, and possible effects on the bill. The committee then approved a motion to send HB 4419 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance, and a separate motion to send it to Finance passed. The committee also considered engrossed House Bill 4563, on which Senator Randolph moved for a second reference to Finance because of fiscal concerns. After discussion of the newly filed fiscal note and the bill’s potential revenue impact, that motion failed by a 4-5 division vote. The committee then voted to report HB 4563 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for failing to obey traffic control instructions or speeding in construction and work zones, and also references penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Counsel noted the bill’s possible overlap with existing vehicular homicide penalties and that it had no fiscal note. Jason Pizzitella of the Contractors Association testified in support, emphasizing work-zone safety and recent fatalities, while senators from Fayette, Randolph, and Jefferson also supported the bill and discussed the need to protect workers and drivers. The committee adopted a motion to report HB 4538 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• :03:57.440><c> pronounced,</c> driving is becoming more pronounced, driving is becoming more pronounced
• I also serve as a distracted driving.
• </c> goals is reducing distracted driving. goals is reducing distracted driving.
• We see from their ability to drive.
• </c><01:09:54.960><c> Great</c> not disturb while they drive. Great not disturb while they drive.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't drive drunk. They don't drive high.
• For people who need to get to work but cannot drive themselves.
• When we move from employees driving vehicles to machines driving vehicles, it should be no different.
• of driving a vehicle in Missouri, you're present in the state of Missouri.
• of driving a vehicle in Missouri, you're present in the state of Missouri.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> We need to stop people from driving We need to stop people from driving without<01:19:34.800><c>
• </c> He still was driving without license. He still was driving without license.
• </c> where I hope to drive it home. where I hope to drive it home.
• </c> charged with driving without license. charged with driving without license.
• restricting motor vehicles to drive in restricting motor vehicles to drive in the<01:41:08.239><c> far

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.