Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation will come to order. Quorum was established at the last hearing.
• House Bill 2763, sponsored by Dean Zaffirini, relates to the designation of a Texas Department of Transportation
• He served Medina County and the surrounding counties that comprise the transportation district.
• House Bill 2763 would designate the Texas Department of Transportation facility located in Stark County
• She was Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology and a member of the Committee on Transportation

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

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, memorial highway, Kevin Ramirez Vasquez, Ector County, state designation, memorial designation, highway, military honors, veteran commemoration, Officer Jacob Candanoza, Transportation Code, state highway, Kaufman County, law enforcement, Travis County, Senior Police Officer

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Tuesday, May 26th, and this is a hearing of the House Transportation Committee.
• I am a Transportation Policy Analyst at Reason Foundation. Thank you for the chance to speak.
• I am a transportation policy analyst at Reason Foundation.
• It is good to be back here with members of Transportation, House Transportation.
• And we have put this together as a resolution so that we can request the Department of Transportation

Bills: HR275, HR282, HCR112, SCR62, SCR64, SB513

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, Utility Terrain Vehicles, UTVs, safety regulations, transportation, Louisiana, task force, vehicle operation, legislation, accidents, HCR112, House Concurrent Resolution 112, Louisiana Highway 1

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments. The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee will now come to order.
• Standards, welcome to the Aeronautics and Transportation Committee.

Bills: SB1772, SB1958, SB2010, SB1595, SB1687, SB1684, SB2049, SB1966

Keywords: motor vehicle safety, headlamps, headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, auxiliary driving lamps, spot lamps, off-road lamps, bicycle lights, bicycle reflectors, vehicle lighting, roadway visibility, low visibility, rain, snow, wipers, night driving, traffic safety, Oklahoma Title 47, vehicle code

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Permanent Standing Committee on Transportation.
• Railroads in Texas are the best-kept transportation secret.
• We were losing transportation.
• In addition, all of our goods are transported... ...transported across these roads, which will increase
• The Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, will carry

Bills: HB1589, HB2208, HB2297, HB2560, HB2725, HB3080, HB4417, HB4473, HB4520, HB4662, HB4888, HB4905, HB4906

Keywords: HB 1589, toll road, toll project, toll project entity, voter approval, local control, county election, commissioners court, Transportation Code, Chapter 372, road construction, highway funding, infrastructure, public referendum, ballot measure, transportation policy, Texas toll roads, regional mobility, toll collection, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• The I-94 quarter commission, a transportation management organization, that is formed by member cities
• Thank you, Representative Green. transportation management organization transportation management organization
• Members, next we will have Olson Day in the Transportation Committee.
• In December 2012, MnDOT released a report, Minnesota Moving Ahead: Transportation Funding for the Next
• Bentley, I want to thank you for kind of spearheading this since the time I've been in transportation

Bills: HF2382, HF639, SF1075, HF1243, HF1087, SF1360, HF739, HF2337, HF1220, HF712, HF1219

Keywords: accident reporting, law enforcement, data privacy, contracted service providers, public safety, HF639, Minnesota driver license, Department of Public Safety, driver medical review, loss of consciousness, voluntary control, seizure, nonepileptic seizure, epilepsy, antiseizure medication, physician statement, medical certification, commercial driver, CDL, medical examiner's certificate

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is called to order.
• As you know, transportation funding in Arizona does not meet the needs of our transportation infrastructure
• for various transportation projects.
• for various transportation projects.
• Organ donor transport vehicles are not on... Organ donor transport vehicles are not on that list.

Bills: HB2067, HB2068, HB2127, HB2164, HB2200, HB2201, HB2242, HB2283, HB2284, HB2285, HB2286, HB2287, HB2304, HB2306, HB2399, HB2601, HB2609, HB2760, HB2761, HB2859, HB2887, HB2892, HB2893, HB2894, HB2978, HB4027, HCM2012, HCM2016

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, infrastructure, Apache Junction, funding, Show Low, road extension, special license plates, nonprofits, charitable contributions, Reay Lane, Graham County, HB 2200, State Route 89, SR 89, Chino Valley, Arizona Department of Transportation, ADOT, road widening, highway expansion

Summary: The committee heard an ADOT presentation on Interstate 11, SR 347, the I-10 Wild Horse Pass corridor, and the I-40/US 93 West Kingman project. ADOT said the I-11 corridor remains under a federal lawsuit covering the full 280-mile route from Mexico to Nevada, with a Tier 1 reevaluation underway and public outreach expected later in the year, concluding in early 2027. ADOT said segmentation of the corridor would add time and cost, and that current work is limited to pre-NOI Tier 2 activities and other allowed planning steps. For SR 347, ADOT described widening, intersection upgrades, two grade separations, and a schedule that could begin construction in summer pending clearances. For I-10, ADOT outlined four widening projects adding a third lane each way, interchange reconstructions, a new interchange at Coley Road, and corridor-wide freeway management systems, with completion expected by late 2029. For the West Kingman I-40/US 93 project, ADOT said the $106.5 million project is about 60% complete and should finish in early 2027; members asked about temporary traffic control near Beale Street and possible additional signage or signals on the corridor. Members also raised local traffic and safety concerns on the SR 347 and I-10 projects, including signal timing, median barriers, construction hours, truck traffic, and the need for clearer driver education and digital signs. ADOT said it would look into signal optimization, possible temporary fixes, and additional signage, and noted the I-10 corridor total cost is just under $1 billion, funded through a mix of MAG, federal, and state money. On I-40, members also discussed a possible temporary traffic light near Beale Street to improve safety and access. The committee then moved to a series of transportation appropriation bills and announced a mass-motion process for the projects. Staff explained HB 2067 for Apache Junction ($29.4 million), HB 2068 for the Wolford Road extension in Show Low ($6.5 million), HB 2164 for Ray Lane improvements in Graham County ($3.73 million), HB 2200 for SR 89 widening in Chino Valley ($36 million, contingent on a $1 million local commitment), HB 2201 for Sedona SR 89A/Forest Road/Ranger Road projects ($8.03 million), and HB 2304, the ARTEC bill, which appropriates about $473 million for multiple highway projects statewide. Witnesses from Show Low, Eloy, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Lake Havasu City, Clarkdale, San Luis, Yuma, and Yavapai County testified in support of their local projects, emphasizing congestion relief, freight movement, emergency evacuation, safety, economic development, and local matching funds. No final votes were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would proceed with a mass motion on the project bills after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Nichols was on the Transportation Commission.
• of the Transportation Code.
• Transportation choice is transportation freedom. It's freedom in our lives to get around.
• They're looking for alternative forms of transportation.
• public transportation, bike lanes, and sidewalk improvements.

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

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:

• Senate Bill 1919 would help the Texas Department of Transportation improve efficiency.
• The Transportation Commission may provide financial assistance to support construction, repair, local
• I'm the Aviation Director for the Texas Department of Transportation.
• the Transportation Network Company law.
• The related insurance requirements are the same for transportation network companies.

Bills: SB 1493, SB 1598, SB 1895, SB 1919, SB 2039, SB 2226, SB 2243, SB 2425

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Transportation Committee will come to order.
• Obviously, the safety and the technology on roads was great at the time that the Senate Transportation
• The Transportation Commission may provide financial assistance to support construction and repair of
• Dan Harmon, I'm the Aviation Director for the Texas Department of Transportation.
• the transportation network company law.

Bills: SB1493, SB1598, SB1895, SB1919, SB2039, SB2226, SB2243, SB2425

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Transportation will come to order. The clerk will call the roll. Craddock, here.
• The transportation program, which is our 10-year plan, is about $100 billion.
• Thank you, Chairman Craddick, and members of the Transportation Committee.
• Transportation.
• fluid milk per Transportation Code Section 623.421.

Bills: HB2007, HB2863, HB2921, HB3331, HB3332, HJR144, HB3514, HB3528, HB3720, HB3751, HB3859, HB3947, HB4148, HB4346, HB4880, HB5603, HB4337

Keywords: commercial signs, county approval, transportation code, regulations, road signage, vehicle title, revocation, hearing process, Transportation Code, county assessor-collector, confidentiality, personal information, local government, airport data, public records, vehicle regulation, transportation, steel industry, state fees, safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• land by extending the transportation land by extending the transportation system<00:04:52.400>
• Mindot transportation sales tax.
• tax for transportation purposes.
• tax for transportation purposes.
• transportation sales tax. transportation sales tax.

Bills: HF4693

Keywords: transportation, license plates, validation stickers, replacement fees, government fees, 1183, house

Summary: The Transportation Finance and Policy Committee approved the April 13, 2026 minutes and then heard a presentation from Charles Carlson of Metropolitan Transportation Services on regional transit governance and finance in the Twin Cities area. Carlson reviewed the history of transit governance from private streetcars and buses to public control, including the creation of the Met Council and Metropolitan Transit Commission in 1967, later fragmentation through suburban opt-outs and the Regional Transit Board, and the 1994 consolidation that made Metro Transit part of the Met Council. He also explained the role of the Transportation Advisory Board as a state-created advisory body to the council’s federally designated MPO function, and noted that any major structural change to the Met Council could trigger federal redesignation requirements. The presentation then focused on funding changes over time. Carlson said transit was long supported by fares, property taxes, and federal aid, but that property taxes for operations were prohibited in 2001, federal operating assistance ended, and the state shifted to general fund support and then motor vehicle sales tax revenue. He described the 2006 constitutional dedication of motor vehicle sales tax, the volatility of that revenue during the Great Recession, and the use of one-time state appropriations and later federal COVID relief to cover operating gaps. He said the 2023 legislature created the regional 3/4-cent transportation sales tax to stabilize transit operations, reduced the state’s rail operating obligation, and moved Metro Mobility/Metro Move into a state forecast-based program effective in 2025. Members asked several questions about the structure of suburban “opt-out” providers, including Maple Grove and Plymouth, and how they can contract with Metro Transit or private providers while still retaining control of their allocated funds. Carlson explained that replacement service municipalities receive statutory and formula allocations and choose how to use them. He also described Metro Move as a waiver-based service begun in 2024 that uses human services and Medicaid funds to reduce pressure on the state general fund. Later discussion covered ridership and service shares, with Metro Council providing the vast majority of regional transit service and suburban providers accounting for a small share. No votes or bill actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes; the chair indicated a bill would be taken up later in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• By December 31, 2026, a person must pay $32,000 to the Arizona Department of Transportation for the special
• And here in Arizona, we have done that across health and human services programs, across transportation
• bringing them all into one consolidated view that looks at both labor and job skills and looks at transportation

Bills: SB1020

Keywords: special plates, Arizona Space Commission, transportation, funding, space exploration, 1182, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1020, which would create Arizona Space Commission special license plates and direct a portion of the plate fee to the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund. The bill’s sponsor and the Arizona Space Commission chair testified in support, emphasizing Arizona’s growing space industry, the need for a funding stream for the commission, and the bill’s role in promoting aerospace jobs, education, and economic development. They noted a planned floor amendment to extend the implementation deadline from 2026 to 2027. Members expressed strong support and highlighted Arizona’s competitiveness in space-related activity. The committee then heard a presentation from Deloitte on artificial intelligence in government. Deloitte described how AI and predictive analytics can improve state services, but stressed concerns about accountability, data quality, privacy, workforce impacts, and responsible use. The presentation used examples from public-sector data integration and predictive modeling, including how AI can help identify veterans who may qualify for benefits or other outreach, while cautioning that such tools should not be used for yes-or-no eligibility decisions. Members asked about data sources, accuracy, minors, privacy protections, and safeguards, and Deloitte said it follows a trust-and-governance framework and could provide more information later. Finally, the committee heard from Pano AI on wildfire detection technology. The presenter explained that the company uses camera towers, AI, and human review to detect smoke early, provide location data to responders, and improve initial attack on wildfires. She said the system is already deployed across Arizona through utilities, state agencies, and local departments, with more installations planned, and described examples where early detection helped contain fires and support evacuation and jurisdictional response. Members asked about coverage, weather limitations, funding, and future capabilities, and the presenter said the technology is a tool that will continue improving through better prediction and integration with other fire-management systems. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• So things like active transportation infrastructure was derived from the Kandiyohi County Active Transportation
• So infrastructure would be more direct cost to transportation...
• I have been involved in the transportation industry for I have been involved in the transportation industry
• Chair and members of the Transportation Committee.
• Clearly, transportation projects involve all modes.

Bills: HF4807

Keywords: overweight vehicles, aggregate mining, local ordinance restrictions, legislative audit, transportation, resource inventory

Transcript Highlights:

• March 9th, 2026, meeting of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.
• House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee meeting today. Welcome to the meeting.
• on surface transportation on surface transportation reauthorization, reauthorization, reauthorization
• <01:51:59.840> system<01:52:00.360> is that our transportation system is that our transportation
• Um in transportation funding we have.

Bills: HF3919, HF1335, HF3864, HF3916, HF3728

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also the council member for District 6, the chairman of transportation.
• I testified before Texas Transportation Commission.
• And while the bill cross-references Texas Transportation Code 201.991, which is the Unified Transportation
• My name is David Ciroc and I've served in the transportation industry for 24 years.
• We are a bulk transporter of sand and production water.

Bills: HCR 114, HB 137, HB 283, HB 1398, HB 1960, HB 2153, HB 2431, HB 2638, HB 2699, HB 2999, HB 3208, HB 3389, HB 3413, HB 3510, HB 3642, HB 3859, HB 3974, HB 3986, HB 4142, HB 4173, HB 4174, HB 4542, HB 4605, HB 4663, HB 4731, HB 5064, HB 5216, HB 5218, HB 5332, HB 5453, HB 5577

Keywords: memorial, pedestrian bridge, Houston, Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, city council, oversize vehicles, transportation permits, Hidalgo County, port authority, highway routes, healthcare, insurance, mental health, treatment access, state funding, transportation, axle weight, aggregates, regulations, Texas law

Transcript Highlights:

• He's with the Commercial Transportation Appeals Board, 4-year term beginning July 1st, ending June 30th
• Upon graduating from college, I've been at KLLM Transport here in Jackson for 39 years.
• I'm President CEO of KLLM Transport.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 25 March, 2026; 11:45 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee considered several reappointments and appointments to transportation-related boards. Jerry Waldrop of Hattiesburg, associated with Pam Auto Group, appeared in person for a reappointment and was confirmed after staff noted his oath and statement of economic interest were in compliance. James Morris Richards of Ridgeland appeared by Zoom for reappointment to the Commercial Transportation Appeals Board; he described his long career with KLLM Transport, including serving as president and CEO and overseeing a large refrigerated trucking operation, and his reappointment was also approved. The committee then heard from Curtis Leon Auber Jr. of Hattiesburg for a reappointment. He said he is originally from Pascagoula, attended the University of Southern Mississippi and MC Law, worked at Entergy, served with the Public Service Commission and as chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under President Bush, and is now a partner at Brunini. Members said his paperwork was in order and thanked him for his service. For each nominee, the committee moved to advise and consent, took voice votes with no opposition noted, and approved the appointments. The meeting concluded with a motion to rise and report.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 25 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several Mississippi highway designation bills. House Bill 223 would name a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 537 in Jones County the Sergeant John Howard Tanner Memorial Highway, effective July 1, 2026. House Bill 342 would designate two segments in Edwa County: Highway 370 as the Roger Campbell Memorial Highway and Highway 363 as the Jacob Edward Kent Memorial Highway, also effective July 1, 2026. House Bill 655 would create the Davis Lake Road Scenic Byway in Chickasaw County, covering about 12.32 miles along County Roads 124, 413, and 134 to Mississippi Highway 41. House Bill 1402 would name about one mile of Highway 49 North in Yazoo County the Colonel Donald Barry Memorial Highway, effective July 1, 2026. Members asked whether the affected senators were in favor of the bills, and the chair responded that the senators were not in the districts involved or had not objected. Senator Barrett said he had no objections to the measures but asked for clarification on the mileage and route descriptions, particularly for House Bills 342 and 655. The chair and staff confirmed the routes and noted that the scenic byway bill covered 12.32 miles. After discussion, a motion was made that the title was sufficient and the bills should do pass. The committee approved the motion, and the measures were recorded for the rise report.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at that time, we talked about some of the challenges that the Department of Transportation was facing
• four years ago for confirmation, we talked about the staffing situation at the Department of Transportation
• The Mississippi Department of Transportation annual budget to operate is 1.5 billion.
• <00:15:27.360> They<00:15:27.519> had Department of Transportation.
• They had Department of Transportation.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2269, the Mississippi Fully Autonomous Vehicle Enabling Act. The bill was described as simply extending the repealer date to July 1, 2029. A motion was made that the title was sufficient and the bill do pass, and it passed without opposition. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2614, which would authorize county sheriffs and deputies to use radar on county roads, subject to county board approval and population-based limits on the number of radar units. Senator Thompson said the measure was intended to reduce Mississippi’s high rate of speed-related highway fatalities, not to create revenue or speed traps. He explained that fines would be directed to the Mississippi Department of Education to support driver’s education programs, and that the bill includes a 1,000-foot buffer from municipal limits and a definition prohibiting speed traps. Members asked about engineering reviews of speed limits, opt-in/opt-out authority for supervisors, quotas, body cameras, and how the bill would affect counties that already use radar. Thompson said the bill does not require roadway reassessments, that county boards must approve radar use, that he would not oppose a quota-related amendment, and that a body-camera requirement would be beyond the bill’s scope and could burden departments that cannot afford it. Several senators spoke in support, citing public safety and sheriff support, while one senator raised concerns about transparency and public trust. The committee then voted that the title was sufficient and the bill do pass, and the motion carried.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 28 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several memorial highway and scenic byway measures. It first discussed designating a segment of US Highway 98 in Greene County as the Michael Robinson Memorial Highway, and members agreed to a committee substitute to reduce the designation to one mile before advancing it. The committee also considered Senate Bill 2267 to honor Judge Lloyd Gilmer Spivey III with a one-mile memorial highway designation, and Senate Bill 2629 to designate a segment of Mississippi Highway 32 in Calhoun County as the Joe Tunnel Memorial Highway; both were moved forward without recorded opposition. The committee then considered a scenic byways measure to designate certain road segments in Chickasaw County as the Davis Lake Road Scenic Byway, which was also advanced on motion. Finally, it took up a memorial highway bill for Mississippi Highway 550 in Lincoln County to honor Lamar Smith; members amended that bill to a one-mile designation via committee substitute and then approved the committee substitute and title sufficient do pass. The chair then announced the next item would be a radar bill for Senator Rhodes.