Transcript Highlights:

• We made several refinements in the committee substitute to improve clarity and precision.
• For EV drivers, planning every trip around charging availability... ...is already a challenge.
• behind that the driver will be stopping at a quick rate.
• Power can and will be abused against drivers to slow traffic unnecessarily.
• In our view, it's to intentionally create congestion for drivers.

Bills: HB535 , HB2120 , HB2822 , HB3243 , HB3457 , HB3544 , HB4089 , HB4192 , HB4669 , HB4868 , HB4955 , HB5253 , HB5669 , SB1371 , SB1919 , SB2001

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County

Transcript Highlights:

• That they certainly can participate in the Commercial Drivers License Program.
• And as a former CHP officer, I've seen the dangers and heartbreak of a drunk driver.
• A recent DMV analysis followed drivers who received a DUI in 2005.
• fatigue, and improve their overall safety for all drivers and pedestrians on the road.
• The SUV driver panicked and drove across the street into a restaurant.

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and public safety bills, largely focused on traffic violence, e-bike regulation, and DUI enforcement. AB 1588 on sideshows and street takeovers drew support from the author, San Francisco officials, law enforcement, and the League of California Cities, who said the bill would close loopholes, add motorcycles and dirt bikes to the sideshow framework, and align penalties with speed contests. ACLU California Action opposed it, but members generally supported the bill, noting the need for stronger tools against dangerous takeovers. The committee also heard AB 1654 on commercial driver’s licenses and federal verification rules, with the author arguing California must comply with federal law to avoid losing CDL authority; the chair and others objected that the bill could wrongly affect U.S. citizens and codify changing federal rules. The bill was discussed but not advanced in the portion provided. AB 1976 sought to speed delivery of bicycle and pedestrian safety projects by limiting some public meetings, restricting cancellation of contracts without findings, lowering petition thresholds for traffic calming, and updating the Pedestrian Mall Act. Supporters said current procedures delay life-saving projects and give too much power to opponents, while counties and cities opposed the limits on local public input and budget authority. After discussion, the committee voted to send AB 1976 to Local Government, with several members expressing support but also concerns about preserving community participation. The committee also heard AB 2015, which would direct Caltrans to study the effects of navigation apps on local roads and safety. Supporters said apps can divert traffic onto residential streets and undermine local traffic calming, while members suggested the bill should also consider built-in vehicle navigation systems. AB 2168, on the Active Transportation Program, would update the definition of safe routes to transit, prioritize transit-rich and underserved areas, and add stronger spending accountability; it drew support from bicycle and transit advocates and some local agencies, with a few technical concerns left to resolve. Finally, AB 1942 on e-bike registration and license plates for Class 2 and 3 e-bikes drew strong support from law enforcement and medical witnesses citing rising injuries, but broad opposition from bicycle groups, micromobility advocates, and some local governments who said it would burden lawful riders, create DMV problems, and not address illegal e-motos. The committee also heard AB 1685 and AB 1687, both DUI-related bills from the same author: AB 1685 would increase DMV points for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and AB 1687 would extend license revocation for a third DUI conviction to eight years with an interlock option after four years. Both bills received strong support from law enforcement and victims’ advocates, with ACLU California Action opposing them as duplicative or overly punitive; both bills were advanced by committee vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not New Mexicans as terrible drivers.
• All of these things will increase safety for drivers on our roads. road.
• You have driver inattention, you have DWI, distracted driving.
• But I think it'd be worth looking at, because if we educated drivers, either in driver classes or in
• They recommended the ITS improvements would be about $35 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• driver consent.
• drivers and our passengers.
• drivers and our passengers.
• drivers and our passengers.
• Right now, we saw in these last few years ride share drivers organized to win improvements, as was mentioned

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> probably was problematic to many drivers probably was problematic to many drivers even<00:04:46.400
• </c> move over killed the tow truck driver. move over killed the tow truck driver.
• </c> eliminate drunk drivers from the earth. eliminate drunk drivers from the earth.
• An alternative proposal would be to attach the requirement of a driver improvement class or course or
• </c><02:12:16.000><c> Chair's</c> of drivers uh licenses. Chair's of drivers uh licenses.

Bills: HB1694 , HB1695 , HB1986 , HB1797 , HB1879 , HB2034

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• How the senators on that committee plan to use the funding they were given to improve safety and justice
• Program continues with discussion of public safety and driver behavior.
• Um, and you is road or driver safety.
• A driver was came from my district.
• </c><00:14:59.920><c> drove</c> afternoon. um when a drunk driver drove afternoon. um when a drunk driver

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of clarity around when an escort driver of clarity around when an escort driver is<00:52:49.359>
• professional drivers who They're professional drivers who essentially<00:57:28.480><c> can</c><00:57
• </c> getting selected, how to look at drivers getting selected, how to look at drivers requirements<01
• I'm a 33-year CDL driver.
• It improved the ride uh mill.

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And when there are more drivers in these programs, you're, of course, generating more revenue.
• At the moment, like I said, your drivers are only going to pay up to $50.
• Pay at the moment, like I said, your only drivers are only going to pay up to $50.
• And an important note with this fee is that it can capture payment from out-of-state drivers.
• And this can be an opportunity to capture revenue from those drivers.

Bills: HB2109 , HB2139 , HB2192

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: vehicle loads, public highways, transportation, road safety, infrastructure, HB2139, snowmobile registration, snowmobile fee, vehicle license fee, registration fee, Department of Licensing, RCW, vehicle registration, winter recreation, off-road vehicle, moped, motorcycle, trailer, recreational vehicle, vintage snowmobile

Transcript Highlights:

• to our drivers classes.
• </c> improvement to our drivers classes. improvement to our drivers classes.
• soon-to-be drivers.
• and soon to be and inform our drivers and soon to be drivers.<00:56:39.119><c> Mr.
• </c><00:56:40.960><c> We</c> drivers. Mr. Dickl touched on this. We drivers. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c><00:36:56.240><c> roadway</c> these improvements to the roadway these improvements to the
• That would be from the driver 2026.
• ><c> vehicle</c><00:53:16.559><c> services</c> services driver and vehicle services services driver and
• </c> that they they couldn't do the driver that they they couldn't do the driver license.<00:59:53.440
• </c> to improve that rider experience. to improve that rider experience.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Blue lights can trigger a caution or alert response from drivers, leading to safer driver habits.
• Blue lights can trigger a caution or alert response from drivers, leading to safer driver habits.
• Blue lights can trigger a caution or alert response from drivers, leading to safer driver habits.
• , our tow truck drivers.
• the driver.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association on the importance of general aviation airports in Kentucky and their economic and public-safety role. Witnesses said the state has more than 50 general aviation airports that support jobs, agriculture, tourism, medical transport, disaster response, and law enforcement, and they urged continued support for aviation infrastructure and workforce development. They asked the legislature to again provide $200,000 per general aviation airport for operating and basic infrastructure costs, to route the money through the Kentucky Department of Aviation for accountability, to revisit a special-purpose governmental entity audit requirement they said is too costly for small airports, to create a long-term appropriations process for the roughly $100 million in unmet capital needs, and to fund the Arrow Act for aviation education and scholarships. Members asked about a dedicated aviation fuel tax and about local training partnerships, simulators, and school or community college programs; the witnesses said they preferred an appropriations-based solution and offered to help connect interested communities with aviation education resources. The committee then took up “Troy’s Law,” sponsored by Representatives White and Flannery, which would allow tow trucks to use blue lights while stationary and actively removing vehicles or debris from highways. Sponsors and tow operators said the bill is intended to improve worker safety after the deaths of tow operators Troy Cwell and Hubert Mosley in highway hit-and-run incidents, and they emphasized that tow operators often work in dangerous conditions at night, in bad weather, and near fast-moving traffic. They said the proposal would not apply while driving or towing and noted that other states have adopted similar measures. Witnesses from the towing industry, including Bubba Johnson and Barbara Maguire, supported the bill as an added layer of protection and described tow operators as first responders who help motorists in emergencies. Representative Flannery and other members expressed support for the safety goal and invited further discussion, but no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of this medical condition, I lost my career as a commercial truck driver.
• </c><00:12:39.279><c> that</c> that are noticed by the bus driver that that are noticed by the bus driver
• But we've definitely seen improvements.
• But we've definitely seen improvements.
• But we've definitely seen improvements.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, reducing the number of uninsured drivers on the road is good for all Minnesotans.
• an Uber driver.
• </c> you do you think it is um for drivers you do you think it is um for drivers that<00:16:07.920><c
• on uninsured drivers is that Minnesota's uninsured drivers rate is just under 10%.
• So that's about 400,000 uninsured drivers in Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking forward to the future, we have an additional four projects to help improve mobility in some of
• It's the drivers, exploiting the relentless congestion on IH-35.
• Drivers were so irate about the high toll rates that the state bought it back to lower the tolls.
• The goal of this bill is to improve transparency and help drivers make more informed decisions.
• , and incentives for drivers to actually stay at VIA."

Bills: HJR58 , HJR63 , HB263 , HB542 , HB905 , HB 1288 , HB1402 , HB2003 , HB2262 , HB2323 , HB2429 , HB2876 , HB3019 , HB263

Committee: House S/C on Transportation Funding

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, elderly, retirement, benefits, transit-oriented projects, constitutional amendment, state highway fund, funding allocation, voter approval, highway fund, funding, public transportation, transit projects, transportation, local transit, fund allocation, voting rights, election integrity, ballot access

Transcript Highlights:

• These drivers, because... ...these drivers are not given instructions of exactly what to do.
• But the drivers are not.
• But a closer reading of it: the drivers in question, the DoorDash drivers, aren't delivering food to
• Driver and the other, if you're working in the Dash Mart, I guess.
• None of that is up to the driver or the workers.

Bills: LB815A , LB838A , LB912A , LB972A , LB1126A , LB962A , LB1114 , LB921 , LB937 , LB803 , LB803A , LB1032 , LB1032A , LB1075 , LB1075A , LB889 , LB878 , LB933 , LB304 , LB304A , LB1096 , LB1096A , LB1165 , LB1165A , LB958 , LB958A , LB762 , LB1187 , LB966 , LB929 , LB962 , LB753 , LB788 , LB913 , LB1055 , LB1195 , LB429 , LB721 , LB722 , LB727 , LB743 , LB745 , LB749 , LB778 , LB787

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Captain Kiss Chris Chris Baker, Drivers Captain Kiss Chris Chris Baker, Drivers Testing<00:53:33.680
• First, we wanted to uh driver testing.
• The partnership is improving every day.
• </c><01:05:09.839><c> the</c> conversations how to um improve the conversations how to um improve the
• </c> testing of the permit test and drivers testing of the permit test and drivers testing,<01:08:21.520

Summary: The committee met for its sixth and final interim meeting after a brief technical delay, approved the October 14 minutes, and heard a presentation on a proposed Kentucky hands-free driving bill. The main discussion centered on distracted driving and a draft measure modeled on South Carolina law that would prohibit holding or supporting a mobile electronic device while driving on public roads, while allowing limited exceptions for parked/stopped vehicles, navigation, emergency reporting, dispatch systems, first responders, and certain hands-free call functions. The bill would make a violation a $100 fine plus court costs, with the draft allocating fine revenue to the traumatic brain injury trust fund, Kentucky trauma care system, and veteran program trust fund. The sponsor also said the bill would address prior concerns about enforcement and clarify that officers need a clear, unobstructed visual observation before stopping a driver, and that they may not search or seize devices or make custodial arrests solely for the violation. Alyssa Burns gave emotional testimony in support of the bill, describing the death of her young daughter Kimberly in a crash she attributed to a distracted driver and urging lawmakers to pass the measure to improve roadway safety. The sponsor cited Kentucky traffic fatality statistics, including 814 deaths in 2023 and an estimated 20% involving distracted driving, and argued that the bill could reduce preventable deaths. Several members voiced support and sympathy, including remarks comparing the effort to past seat belt legislation and suggesting possible future additions such as community service. One member raised concerns about enforcement and whether officers could reliably observe phone use inside vehicles, while another asked about the bill’s interaction with existing texting-while-driving penalties and whether points would still apply. The sponsor said the draft was still being refined, acknowledged gray areas, and invited further changes as the bill moves forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> especially when we have those drivers especially when we have those drivers who<00:16:04.120><c>
• And what I'd drive drivers, and so on.
• </c> him as a high-risk driver. him as a high-risk driver.
• </c><00:21:36.240><c> who</c> gap remains repeat dangerous drivers who gap remains repeat dangerous drivers
• That driver don't think there was.

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met under time constraints and asked members to rank interim topics for a letter to Management Council. The committee then took brief public testimony on a series of proposed study topics, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript. Early testimony focused on landlord eviction rights, where speakers said the court eviction process is too slow, can worsen housing shortages, and leaves landlords unable to recover rent, fees, or damage costs. The foster care topic was presented as a request to examine whether the system gives too much weight to reunification and not enough to the child’s best interests, especially for younger children. A Blue Envelope Program proposal was also discussed; supporters said it would help law enforcement communicate with autistic or otherwise communication-challenged individuals during traffic stops and emergencies, and improve consistency statewide. The committee also heard a proposal to study Wyoming’s homicide-by-vehicle statute, with testimony from a constituent whose mother was killed by a repeat dangerous driver. Speakers argued the current law leaves a gap because prior DUIs, high-risk driving history, and other aggravating factors do not meaningfully affect charging unless intoxication or extreme conduct is present. Related testimony from Wyoming Pathways said the change should be a tool in the toolbox for prosecutors and could improve safety for pedestrians and drivers. Senator Cooper then raised campaign finance reform and dark money, urging a resolution asking Wyoming’s congressional delegation to seek a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and restore state control over election spending transparency. Additional topics included a request from the Wyoming Livestock Board to review peace officer statutes so its investigators could act on felonies committed in their presence or prevent imminent bodily harm, while remaining within their current duties and certification. Representative Lee asked for review of non-disclosure agreements in public-private partnerships and executive sessions so the public can eventually understand how such agreements were used. Senator Pearson asked for interim consideration of shared custody amendments, saying fit parents should have a fair opportunity for shared parenting after separation. Representative Storer proposed revisiting DUI penalties, especially for refusal of chemical testing, arguing that refusal often prevents prosecution and that the law should impose treatment and license suspension consequences. The committee also heard a request to review statutes involving political parties, and the state court administrator asked for interim study of remote public access to court records, citing ongoing automation efforts, privacy concerns, and funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, improvements in battery weight have not kept pace with earlier expectations.
• By reducing operational uncertainty and improving access to remote areas, AB 2453 will help improve emergency
• The driver fled to California, where the authorities later arrested him.
• These commercial truck drivers are from many ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• As California fights to lower the cost of living, sidelining the very drivers who move our goods will

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Hold the line and improve it steadily while retaining and increasing traffic levels.
• We spent over $2.5 million on ties and improvements to the line.
• Levy taxes to finance improvements. We have no such option.
• They're a great economic driver and contributor to our state's economy.
• It's a key economic driver down in the Coastal Bay Area, number one export for crude oil.

Bills: SB682 , SB1013 , SB1369 , SB1422 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2366 , SB2705 , SB2841

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on transportation infrastructure, public safety, and local commemorations. SB 2841 would clarify the overweight corridor designation for the Port of Brownsville so all three statutorily approved bridges are treated uniformly for northbound and southbound overweight traffic; the Port of Brownsville testified in support, and the bill was left pending. SB 39 would restore the commercial motor vehicle “admission rule” framework in collision cases; Senator Birdwell explained the committee substitute, and the bill was later reported favorably. The committee also heard and later advanced SB 682, SB 1369, and SB 1422, which rename stretches of highway or a bridge in honor of fallen firefighters and military service members, with no opposition testimony and all left pending before final votes. The committee also heard SB 2366, which would create a grant program for short-line railroad projects through rural rail transportation districts for track, bridge, capacity, and restoration work. Senator Hughes and several witnesses from rural rail districts and rail advocacy groups supported the bill, while TxDOT explained current rail funding is limited and that the bill would be the first such grant program for Class 3 short lines; members discussed that the bill would need a floor amendment because state funds cannot be paid directly to railroads. SB 1013 would expand crosswalk protections under the Lisa Torrey-Smith Act to include certain driveway curb cuts along sidewalks; it was supported by the author and left pending before later being reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 2080, which would modernize port and navigation district rules by easing records and procurement requirements, exempting certain security and cybersecurity discussions from recording, and expanding some operational authority. Port Houston and the Texas Ports Association supported the bill, while the City of Corpus Christi raised concerns that the language could expand port economic-development authority beyond navigation purposes and affect local tax bases; the Port of Galveston also noted concerns about the filed version but supported the bill as presented, and the committee substitute was later reported favorably. SB 2001 would create specialty license plates and related parking/toll benefits for permanently disabled peace officers; SB 2705 would codify registration exemptions for certain farm equipment and some specialty plates. Both were supported by witnesses, adopted with committee substitutes where applicable, and reported favorably. Final votes on the reported bills were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, and the committee recessed after leaving some motions open briefly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Skiing with a driver and a water skier in Idaho has been legal since...
• So this bill expands the driver-skier option in certain situations.
• It puts regulation on the driver: needs to be 18 with a driver's license.
• So this bill expands the driver-skier option in certain situations.
• It puts regulation on the driver: needs to be 18 with a driver's license.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation