Transcript Highlights:

• I did receive a driving without license, uh, driving without insurance ticket as I was growing up, and
• He said the driver drives up, closes the windows, and drives away.
• I used to drive. I was a nurse.
• When we were driving, my husband drove me here today, and we were driving down the road, and you have
• When we were driving, my husband drove me here today, and we were driving down the road, and you have

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on January 28, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of bills dealing with vehicle titles, motor vehicle taxes, window tinting, license plates, electric bicycles, insurance penalties, vehicle inspection fines, and transportation discrimination. For HB 532, which shortens the time to forward a transferred vehicle title from 30 days to 14 days and allows a letter of attestation to serve as an endorsement certificate, testimony was listed in support from Councilmember U. Hajin and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and in opposition from Maui Mayor Richard Bisson and Sylvie Madison. HB 655 would require payment of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties for the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency; the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi stood on written comments, with Tim Rymer and Robert Souza providing comments/support. HB 368, which would exempt certain medically sensitive drivers from sunscreen-device tint limits, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from several individuals. HB 226, lowering allowed windshield tint from 35% to 20%, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from TNT Tinting Specialists; members asked about federal preemption, and DOT said federal guidance applies to manufacturers while states retain authority over aftermarket tinting. The committee also heard HB 543, prohibiting license plate flipping devices and imposing a $2,000 fine, and HB 228, authorizing counties to adopt rules for electronic license plates, repealing flipping devices, and setting a minimum fine for obscuring plates; both measures had DOT support, comments from the Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and opposition from Sylvie Madison. HB 70 would require insurance for electric bicycles and create a regulatory framework effective January 1, 2026. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill improperly distinguishes e-bikes from mopeds; PeopleForBikes and the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League opposed it as costly and unnecessary, while the Insurance Division said the bill could conflict with existing no-fault definitions and might fit better in the motor scooter/moped insurance framework. HB 231, increasing the fine for violating motor vehicle insurance requirements from $500 to $1,500, was opposed by the Office of the Public Defender, which argued it would burden low-income residents and add to court congestion; members debated whether higher fines would improve compliance. Later, HB 227 would add fines for operating a vehicle without a current inspection certificate and had DOT support. HB 184 would require operators of low-speed electric bicycles to have a driver’s license, instruction permit, or provisional license; Kawaii Path, PeopleForBikes, and Get Fit Kauaʻi opposed it as a barrier to low-cost transportation and noted concerns for riders with disabilities, while DOT later said it would support the measure and was asked to research whether other states have similar licensing requirements. The final major measure discussed was HB 468, which would require the Civil Rights Commission to investigate discrimination complaints involving transportation network company drivers and riders with service animals and allow DOT to issue penalties to the companies. The National Federation of the Blind of Hawaiʻi, the Disability Rights Center, and individual riders supported the bill, saying current protections lack enforcement and that denials still occur; Uber and Lyft opposed it, saying they already prohibit discrimination, train drivers, investigate complaints quickly, and that the bill would duplicate existing law and create unnecessary penalties. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It gives you about almost an hour drive, or if you're on the end of Fort Morgan and you have to drive
• past the city of Shore School and drive on into FO to go to a county school, which is about an hour
• drive.
• The impacts... ...is about an hour drive, and the impacts.
• You know, one of the things that's driving my issues is to simplify sales and use tax.

Bills: HB402 , HB402

Committee: House Urban and Rural Development

Keywords: rural impact, legislation, agriculture, school funding, transparency, data assessment, rural communities, land bank authority, property acquisition, tax-delinquent properties, real estate management, local government revenue, floodplain management, stormwater drainage, emergency powers

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current laws, a speeding ticket can have a greater reflection on a driving record.
• To dismiss one's driving record dismisses the value of the lost life.
• He was killed at 3:49 in the afternoon, driving home after his workout.
• A driver is already proven dangerous and is allowed to continue driving with...
• Drive even after their license is suspended. We should not ignore that reality.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on criminal justice, public safety, and detention-related issues. SB 498 by Senator Becker would make electronic messaging free for incarcerated people in CDCR facilities and end 15-minute limits on voice calls; the author and supporters argued it would strengthen family ties and rehabilitation, while no opposition testified. SB 953 by Senator Niello would require two DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even when diversion is granted; victims’ family members and law enforcement groups supported it as an accountability measure, while the ACLU and Debt-Free Justice California opposed it, arguing diversion should remain an incentive for rehabilitation and safer roads. The committee also heard SB 1306 by Senator Cortese, which would align state law with federal exemptions for certain GBL-containing chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing; the author and SEMI said it would reduce unnecessary regulation and protect California’s semiconductor industry, and there was no opposition testimony. Members also considered SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost. The author and supporters described high prices for basic necessities and poor conditions in private detention centers, while no opposition witnesses appeared. SB 691 by Senator Wahab would require law enforcement body-camera policies to include a process for EMS personnel to request redaction of recordings before public release when patients are receiving medical treatment; supporters said it would protect patient privacy, while the Sheriff’s Association opposed it as duplicative and potentially confusing. SB 562 by Senator Ashby would allow partial refunds of bail bond premiums when charges are not filed or are dropped early; supporters framed it as a fairness measure for low-income families, while bail industry representatives and victims’ advocates warned it could discourage bail agents from posting bonds and could affect domestic violence cases. The committee also took up several additional measures on consent or with no opposition testimony, including AB 2796, SB 891, SB 1012, and SB 1143. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 953, SB 1306, and SB 941, and to move SB 498, SB 691, and SB 562 forward as well, with some votes initially held open for absent members. Several bills were pulled by their authors and not heard, including SB 1004, SB 1208, SB 1338, and SB 1401. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning until the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Am I driving you crazy telling?
• Am I driving you crazy telling?
• They've stopped or reduced 190,000 attempts to drive drunk.
• We've stopped or reduced 190,000 attempts to drive drunk.
• And I'm for safety, and I'm for, you know, protecting the people from DWI driving.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion. Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders. The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are making driving incredibly expensive.
• our cars, you know, or driving them as much and we should all be on a bus.
• Thank you for bringing the bill that makes driving more affordable.
• Thank you for bringing the bill that makes driving more affordable.
• If we had terrible roads in Minnesota, that would drive business away.

Transcript Highlights:

• demand for those destinations, creating economic impact and driving employment.
• The east is Mono County, and that's 395 Gorgeous Drive.
• In terms of bright spots ahead, we are very fortunate that we have a large drive market.
• Is it going to be a more difficult drive? What's the vibe going to be like?
• One of our key strategies to drive visitation to our city is by hosting journalists.

Committee: House Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a long drive. So thank you for being all the way up there.
• That's a long drive, so thank you for being all the way up there.
• Based on what Representative Volpe is about that drive, and it is a long drive, how long of a drive was
• So this drive, it's nothing as long as we finish what we started.
• How far was that drive from Show Low, Representative Blackman?

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee heard presentations focused on district needs and infrastructure priorities in LD7, including a video and testimony on the East Wilford Road Extension in Show Low and Gold Canyon/Lost Dutchman Days. Show Low officials, Navajo County leaders, and the city manager described the road extension as a shovel-ready project that would improve traffic flow, provide a new bridge over Shoal Creek/Show Low Creek designed for a 100-year flood, and create a critical alternate emergency route for evacuations and access to Summit Healthcare. They emphasized past flooding and wildfire evacuation concerns, the project’s regional importance, and the city’s local financial commitment, including $7.56 million already pledged. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1272, which appropriates $5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 for the state match for the Douglas Port of Entry, contingent on a $678 million federal GSA award. Senator Gallen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff said the project would support trade with Mexico, create jobs, improve border security, and help modernize port operations; they also noted a September 2026 deadline and that the city has already secured $20 million of the needed $50 million match, with additional funding still being sought. Testimony highlighted the port’s economic impact, the city’s small tax base, and the potential for federal and private investment leverage. After questions from members about safety, timelines, private participation, and local contributions, the committee voted to return SB 1272 with a due pass recommendation. The motion passed 6-0, with one member absent; Representative Bolt explained his yes vote by citing the bill’s importance to commerce, economic development, and border security.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mentioned the winter driving classes, and we try to deliver messages on distracted driving and seat
• And it just would allow parents across the state to teach their children to drive.
• Well, I have a grandson who's driving now. He's in this 50 hours.
• And whenever he goes anywhere with me, he's driving. I have no brake, and I'm fine with it.
• They're driving into cities, I'm sure.

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re going to drive them out. No, they don’t drive them out.
• They’re going to drive them out. No, they don’t drive them out.
• it, but when you watch a football game and every minute you’re seeing new ads for this stuff, it drives
• We’re going to drive them out. No, they don’t drive them out.
• </c> seeing new ads for this stuff it drives seeing new ads for this stuff it drives more<00:09:01.560

Transcript Highlights:

• And that gives you some additional privileges while driving in that car.
• And we drive up into the driveway to the call, and there has never been a red sticker.
• If you drive a lumbering old pass.
• And we can say that this isn't going to drive them away.
• </c> this isn't going to drive them away. this isn't going to drive them away.

Transcript Highlights:

• or drive sober, drive smart, texting and distracted driving, hands-free Minnesota, and Park the Phone
• through a city park ends up drives through a city park ends up driving<00:43:09.480><c> the</c><00:43
• or ticket DWI drive safe or drive<00:43:59.280><c> sober</c><00:43:59.760><c> drive</c><00:44:00.079>
• <c> smart</c><00:44:01.000><c> texting</c><00:44:01.359><c> and</c> drive sober drive smart texting and
• drive sober drive smart texting and distracted<00:44:02.119><c> driving</c><00:44:02.880><c> handsfree

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going across the state roads, but it's not driving down state roads, so...
• Across the state roads, but it's not driving down state roads.
• Owens put this very well: he can drive his Prius, and I can drive my Maserati in a school zone as long
• It would be a shame if their parents had to drive them there.
• I'm a professional driving instructor licensed by the state.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act (S 3077), a micromobility bill based on recommendations from last year’s Special Commission on Micromobility. Administration witnesses from MassDOT and the MBTA said the bill is needed because current laws are outdated and inconsistent, and they emphasized a new speed-based framework that would classify devices by maximum speed rather than by device name. They said the bill would set statewide rules, clarify enforcement, require safety equipment and age limits, restrict unsafe modifications, improve crash-data collection, and create a working group to address future issues such as registration, licensure, insurance, and emerging technologies. Committee members asked about crash reporting, battery safety, enforcement on shared-use paths, commuter rail access, and how the bill would apply to off-road vehicles. Several witnesses and legislators supported the bill’s general approach but raised concerns about whether the speed tiers should be tied more directly to actual operating speed on paths, whether higher-speed devices should be registered, and how police would distinguish between similar-looking devices. Representative and commission witnesses also urged more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets and Spaces, and some suggested adding default speed limits on shared-use paths and automated enforcement tools. Public testimony was mixed. Pediatric emergency physicians strongly supported the bill but urged amendments for a minimum age to operate powered devices and a universal helmet requirement, citing rising severe injuries and deaths among children. A police chief and other safety advocates backed clearer rules and better data collection, while some moped riders objected that the bill would treat low-speed gas mopeds too harshly and should better account for mopeds as vulnerable road users. UL Standards and AAA supported the bill’s safety and clarity goals, with UL recommending tighter language on battery certification and equivalent standards. No vote was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'd like to try to help us drive some of that spectrum towards our businesses to free us to drive
• Let's drive that. Thank you.
• So I'm going to let the experts drive that study.
• These things are vital for us, and we need to drive it.
• Drive it here. We are too reliant on Taiwan.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> continue to drive safely and legally. continue to drive safely and legally.
• </c> what you said, they still cannot drive what you said, they still cannot drive with<00:11:48.399>
• You are not supposed to drive days.
• ,</c><00:12:47.279><c> but</c> can be a penalty for driving, but can be a penalty for driving, but there's
• <00:13:44.560><c> if</c><00:13:44.800><c> it's</c> driving if it's driving if it's expired.<00:13:47.200

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Those types of lawsuits drive up insurance costs for the contractor.
• our contractor and the driving public is an orange cone.
• I’ve got teenagers driving.
• So if you're driving down the interstate or on a rural road, you'll see these guardrails.
• There's also a lot of people that drive recklessly through those. Sure.

Committees: House Transportation , House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2926, which would extend sovereign immunity and a $500,000 liability cap to private contractors and subcontractors working on Missouri Department of Transportation projects under certain conditions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to protect contractors from being named in lawsuits before they begin work, or when they have followed MoDOT plans and specifications and are being sued as “deep pockets” despite no negligence. Several members repeatedly questioned the bill’s language and whether immunity would apply before work starts, during construction, and after project completion, with witnesses offering differing readings and acknowledging the draft may need clarification. Supporters, including representatives from asphalt, construction, insurance, and engineering groups, argued that contractors are routinely sued in work-zone crashes even when they did nothing wrong, driving up insurance premiums and legal costs that ultimately affect taxpayers and project delivery. They cited examples of lawsuits filed before contractors had even set foot on a site, and said the bill would align Missouri with other states that extend similar protections. Opponents, including trial attorneys, a public advocate, and individuals who described serious injuries or family deaths in MoDOT-related incidents, argued the bill would reduce accountability, limit recovery for injured people, and improperly extend government immunity to private businesses. They said existing tort rules already allow dismissal of claims against parties with no duty or negligence, and warned the bill could make it harder for injured people to find attorneys or recover full damages. The committee did not take a vote during the portion provided. The chair limited testimony as the hearing ran long, and the bill remained under public testimony with additional witnesses still to come.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to be sure when I'm driving. And what main highway comes through? 77.
• No, no, no, those, uh, you got speed and driving on suspended, no insurance, uh, analog device.
• It's not that you're looking at, you know, driving on suspended, uh, driving left, or I think.
• That you're looking at, you know, driving on suspended, driving left of center, expired driving license
• Well, of course, that all depends on how much they're driving.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, including seven new reinstatements and a reduction to four remaining delinquent filers. Staff also reported on municipal accounting code noncompliance, removing Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day clock after improved records were verified, and presenting repeat findings for Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, and Haynes. Members discussed repeated audit problems, the length of time some issues had persisted, and whether towns should be given additional time or face stronger action; motions were made and adopted to place some entities on a 60-day clock or defer action to later meetings. For Fargo and Alma, staff described extensive repeat accounting deficiencies, including missing budgets, bank reconciliations, financial statements, receipts, journals, and supporting documentation. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was beginning to improve its office systems; the committee voted to defer the matter for 60 days and file the report. Alma’s officials said they were trying to correct water audit and accounting issues, and the committee likewise deferred the matter to the August meeting while warning that water-audit delays could jeopardize turnback funds. The committee then reviewed misuse-of-street-funds findings for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho’s police chief and officials explained that traffic fines, drug-related arrests, and other citations had pushed the town over the statutory threshold, while staff clarified that the speed-trap calculation excludes certain add-on fines and is referred to the prosecuting attorney for any action. Haynes officials said repayment problems stemmed from lost revenue and staffing changes, including the loss of the police department, but staff reported the town remained behind on its repayment plan and also owed the IRS. The committee voted to defer the Haynes matter to September and to defer Jericho as well, with members emphasizing the need for consistency and possible broader legislative review of small-town viability. A special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District drew substantial discussion. Staff cited findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, car allowances and personal vehicle use, competitive bidding, and unusually high advertising spending, as well as the sale of trailers and other equipment at low prices. The district director said the board had delegated authority for many expenditures, that personal use was reported for tax purposes, and that advertising was necessary to educate the public about recycling. Members questioned the procurement and disposal decisions and the size of the advertising budget; after discussion, the committee deferred the report to September and asked the director to return. The meeting also included brief deferred reports on Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove, which were filed after local officials described ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing audit and tax issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• That unpredictability drives up settlements and increases litigation costs.
• That unpredictability drives up settlements, increases litigation costs.
• Our employees who drive their livelihood in our industry deserve better than that.
• At 9:01, a drunk driver was driving on Interstate 49.
• There are equivalent to punitive damages for drunk driving and sexual assault.

Bills: HB37 , HB51 , HB173 , HB180 , HB192 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB485 , HB516 , HB521 , HB526 , HB638 , HB752 , HB817 , HB976 , HB1006 , HB1044

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Keywords: HB37, expropriation, eminent domain, property rights, foreign entity, foreign corporation, limited liability company, LLC, reciprocal expropriation agreement, Louisiana property law, land acquisition, utility infrastructure, public utilities, railroad, waterworks, sewerage, natural gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, carbon dioxide pipeline

Transcript Highlights:

• What you just described—sitting, driving—are not wrongful acts.
• Driving, sitting, don’t constitute that.
• Greco, because you said it doesn't apply to car accidents, but car accidents, or driving.
• When I said it doesn't apply to driving, Representative Rainer's example was, you know, friends driving
• This bill makes it more expensive and drives gynecologists out of the state.

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee met to consider one measure, PCS for HB 289, which would amend Florida’s wrongful death statute to allow parents of an unborn child to recover damages for the child’s wrongful death and to include parents in the definition of survivors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give parents a remedy when a wrongful act, negligence, breach of contract, or breach of warranty causes the loss of an unborn child, while also preserving existing protections for lawful medical care and the mother. Members questioned the bill extensively about the meaning of “survivors,” whether it could reach surrogacy situations, friends or family who assist someone in obtaining abortion care, paternity issues, and whether abusive or unqualified fathers could bring claims. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill is limited to parents, does not authorize suits against the mother or lawful medical providers, and would still require the normal wrongful death procedures, including appointment of a personal representative. He cited Duncan v. Flynn as the case holding that current law does not allow recovery for the death of an unborn child. Representative Gottlieb offered an amendment modeled on criminal-law protections, aimed at expanding explicit immunity for a pregnant woman and for persons providing medical care or abortion-related conduct with consent. Supporters of the amendment said it would better align civil law with criminal protections; opponents argued it was overly broad and could shield unlicensed conduct. The amendment failed on a voice vote. Public testimony was divided, with supporters from pro-life and Catholic organizations backing the bill and some asking to remove the health care exemption, while opponents from ACLU, Equality Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, Florida Voice for the Unborn, Voices of Florida, and others warned the bill could chill reproductive health care, increase liability for doctors and hospitals, and invite lawsuits involving surrogates, family members, and abortion-related care. In debate, supporters said the bill simply recognizes the value of unborn children and gives parents a remedy for wrongful loss, while opponents argued it could create unintended consequences in family law, surrogacy, IVF, and medical practice, and could empower abusive partners or rapists. After closing remarks, the committee voted 13 yeas and 3 nays to report PCS for HB 289 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have these laws about drunk driving, and yet we still have drunk driving.
• Why aren't the laws we already have about drunk driving working?
• Because evidently they don't. doesn't stop people from driving drunk.
• , buzz driving is drunk driving, and turning over keys.
• Once for a drunk driving incident.

Bills: HB1482 , HB2017 , HB2103 , HB2341 , HB2756

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Transcript Highlights:

• There's more activity downtown in general, and that's driving more traffic here.
• So we spend a lot of time asking what gets people to drive the speed limit.
• And we turned this number of driving lanes into next, this number of driving lanes, which means the amount
• So that's starting to drive demand.
• So there's many factors to drive development.