Transcript Highlights:

• So someone who drives 10,000 miles is going to pay less than someone who drives 20,000 miles.
• So someone who drives 10,000 miles is going to pay less than someone who drives 20,000 miles.
• miles because they're driving farther to do their daily activities.
• Especially for Hawaii, where we do have residents that drive bigger vehicles and need to drive higher
• In addition to this driving report, we've also conducted a technology test drive, which helped volunteer

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:42:02.960> system, driver, our autonomous driving system, driver, our autonomous driving
• Americans, many of whom cannot drive Americans, many of whom cannot drive their<00:42:41.680>
• that can't drive themselves. that can't drive themselves.
• Our cars are fully driving.
• dynamic driving task. dynamic driving task. >> Thank<01:40:23.840> you.

Bills: HF3553, HF3513, HF3576

Keywords: vehicle platooning, transportation, public safety, pilot project, Wilkin County, Grant County, autonomous vehicles, transportation regulations, driverless cars, safety standards, first responder interaction, school bus, third-party testing, driver certification, transportation regulation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , where there's no warning on the label not to drive.
• , where there's no warning on the label not to drive.
• And the last thing is I like to remind everyone, as we all drive, we all grew up driving, but remember
• driving is a privilege, it's not a right.
• driving but remember driving is a privilege it's not a right and if we don't respond if we don't respect

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• to drive up there, wait two hours while they take the class, then drive back home and do that 10 times
• <00:11:15.560> to don't mind driving to don't mind driving to Vermont<00:11:17.760> okay
• address that but how many driving address that but how many driving schools<00:11:41.399> will
• So the drive right now under our current commercial model, it's the classroom and the driving portion
• of<00:15:33.759> the only 10 hours of the driving out of the only 10 hours of the driving

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and what is risky driving.
• and what is about what is safe driving and what is risky<00:32:34.720> driving.
• horizon, it's drug impaired driving. horizon, it's drug impaired driving.
• looking at drug impaired driving. looking at drug impaired driving.
• So, I represent all the driving instructors. I also own a driving school myself.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill proposes various changes to the prohibition of driving under the influence of intoxicating
• Driving under the influence, as we all know, is a terrible offense.
• Driving under the influence. To speak quickly to a couple of those, just to give this some context.
• Driving while impaired is not a mistake. It is a conscious decision that endangers lives.
• And yet we also know drunk driving can also be a choice.

Bills: SB60, SB85, SB323, SB309, SB465

Keywords: elderly, vulnerable persons, criminal penalties, theft, civil penalties, criminal justice reform, traffic stops, law enforcement, data recording, public safety, racial profiling, SB323, Nevada, Department of Corrections, offenders, inmates, incarcerated people, prison phone calls, free phone calls, family communication

Transcript Highlights:

• But talking about drive-thrus. So my name is David Monti.
• influence does not make driving unsafe?
• We don’t have drive-thrus for alcohol. Thank you.
• Specifically prevents us from opening a drive-through.
• There's also nothing that allows us to open a drive-through.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its fourth hearing, with opening remarks from Senate Chair Adam Gómez and House Chair Dan Donahue emphasizing the committee’s broad agenda, including retail modernization, labor protections, advertising rules, sustainability, and financial resources. Testimony began with public health advocates supporting H.157/S.9 to ban cannabis billboard advertising, arguing that billboards normalize use for youth and are linked to cannabis-related harms such as psychosis, addiction, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Witnesses cited research, family stories, and court decisions in Mississippi and Virginia upholding similar restrictions, while committee members questioned the scope of the state’s authority to regulate billboards on private property and the relevance of federal highway funding and federal cannabis law. The committee also heard testimony on H.175, a proposal to allow cannabis drive-through sales. A dispensary operator argued drive-throughs would improve access, especially for disabled customers and veterans, and said security and ID checks could be handled with cameras and staff screening. Committee members pressed him on how employees would assess impairment, whether drive-throughs could increase access for minors, and whether the industry should be treated like alcohol, with the witness responding that staff already refuse service to intoxicated customers and that education, not prohibition, is the better approach. Another bill, H.3982, would apply the bottle deposit law to carbonated hemp- or THC-infused beverages; the sponsor said the measure would standardize recycling requirements for products already sold in dispensaries and other markets, and members asked about container types and recycling compatibility. A major portion of the hearing focused on labor peace agreements, with UFCW representatives, cannabis workers, and Sen. Lydia Edwards supporting S.77/H.161. They said the bill would require cannabis businesses to remain neutral when workers seek to organize, arguing that unions improve safety, wages, benefits, and job stability in an industry they described as underregulated and prone to retaliation. Witnesses cited workplace hazards, wage theft, and the death of a worker at a Holyoke facility as examples of why stronger worker protections are needed. Committee members asked how the proposal differs from existing labor law, whether tying LPAs to licensing and renewal could create legal or administrative problems, and how other states handle similar requirements. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• a drive-thru and they would serve you drinks.
• That matters not how you get stoned and drive. You are not supposed to be stoned and drive.
• You can drive home. It is absolutely 100% legal to drink and drive in the state of Florida.
• Meaning you can't drive down the road, drinking a beer.
• You can't drive down the road, smoking a joint.

Transcript Highlights:

• I really think we need to be focused in this committee on what drives growth, not what drives inflation
• So if we want to drive growth in Minnesota, we need to drive research and development here.
• purpose of this bill is to drive purpose of this bill is to drive economic<00:58:48.400> growth
• we need to drive research and Minnesota we need to drive research and development<00:59:25.839> here
• new development here that will drive new development here that will drive new jobs<00:59:27.880><

Bills: HF4, HF173

Keywords: tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief, state surplus, fiscal forecast, wealthy taxpayers, high-income exclusion, 2026 ballot, referendum, surplus distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• When you are a CDL tester, you can't drive it.
• You need to have a CDL holder to drive a truck, a trailer, and to shuttle you to the location.
• <00:05:04.639> it you are a CDL tester you can't drive it you are a CDL tester you can't drive
• brothers um one of them is uh drives brothers um one of them is uh drives cars<00:10:27.720>
• The United States Army trained me how to drive big trucks, and so I got one as a result of that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you cannot drive it for everyday use. You can't even drive it across town.
• often you can drive, or even why you drive.
• ,<00:58:14.400> or can drive, how often you can drive, or can drive, how often you can drive
• and supervised driving practice. and supervised driving practice.
• allowed in the drive? allowed in the drive?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor Josh Green's vaccination drives Governor Josh Green's vaccination drives whether<00:23:
• chips so once again vaccination drives chips so once again vaccination drives are<00:24:23.600><
• fund Governor Green's vaccination drives fund Governor Green's vaccination drives by<00:24:44.000
• providers in these vaccination Drive providers in these vaccination Drive efforts<01:07:24.640><
• <01:08:37.199> this there's a financial Factor driving this there's a financial Factor driving

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on April 1 at 2:04 p.m. and first heard HCR 129/HR 125/HD1, which asks state and county transportation and education agencies to work together on pedestrian safety and traffic congestion around Haiku Elementary School. The Department of Education said it stood on its written testimony, and no other testimony was offered on that measure. The committee then took up HCR 173/HR 169/HD1, urging the Department of Health to begin education outreach and vaccination drive efforts at schools with vaccination rates under 30 percent, starting in the 2025-26 school year. The Department of Education and Department of Health both supported the resolution and stood on their written testimony. Support also came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Nurses Association, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Health Committee, and Free Citizens of Malua. A number of testifiers opposed the measure, arguing that vaccination efforts do not belong in schools, that the proposal would pressure families and undermine parental rights and religious freedom, and that it could create liability and misuse public funds. Several opponents also raised concerns about informed consent, government overreach, and vaccine safety. One supporter, Kye Swan, said vaccines are the way to fight infectious disease and asked the committee to pass the resolution so children could be vaccinated before the school year starts. No vote or final committee action on the resolutions was announced in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE FIRST TAB THREE CS FOR SB 138 ON DRIVING AND VOTING OFFENSES BY SENATOR WRIGHT, SENATOR WRIGHT YOU
• THIS IS WHY THOSE ENHANCED PENALTIES CONTINUING TO DRIVE ON A SUSPENSION AS WELL AS CRIMINALIZING OF
• IT'S GOOD PUBLIC POLICY TO PUT THE PUBLIC ON NOTICE ABOUT WHICH SUBSTANCES ARE ILLEGAL TO DRIVE UNDER
• , WHERE THERE IS NO WARNING ON THE LABEL NOT TO DRIVE.
• THE LAST THING IS I'D LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE WE ALL DRIVE, WE ALL GREW UP DRIVING BUT REMEMBER DRIVING

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:05.520> your of gas you're going to be driving your of gas you're going to be driving
• :47:37.359> you'll<00:47:37.680> see drive around your district, you'll see drive around
• So, What do you drive? Let's >> Well, okay. So, What do you drive?
• Um, a 97 Cruiser that I still drive.
• I drive >> like, you know, take the summer.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In our study, we further examine the link, specifically by looking at drive times.
• So shorter drive times: how does that relate to cannabis use?
• So our first piece looks at drive times and reported cannabis use.
• And here it's roughly a 50% reduction in drive time predicts about a 2% increase.
• And urban areas generally drive it, but that might just be density.

Summary: The committee heard a work session on earthquake insurance, beginning with background from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. OIC staff explained that earthquake and earth movement are generally excluded from standard property policies, that earthquake coverage is usually purchased through endorsements or standalone policies with high deductibles and relatively high premiums, and that surplus lines are a limited backstop market not covered by the state guarantee fund. They also described parametric insurance and captive insurance as more specialized products generally suited to commercial or governmental buyers rather than ordinary consumers. A second panel of insurance and banking experts focused on commercial earthquake exposure, especially for older buildings, collateralized loans, and potential knock-on effects to banks and consumers if a major quake caused widespread damage. Members asked about consumer impacts, mitigation incentives, inventories of vulnerable buildings, and whether legislation such as prior work on unreinforced masonry could help reduce risk. The Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is expensive and that affordability is a major concern, while also noting banks participate in disaster-recovery planning and would be affected by major regional losses. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy on its cannabis and Initiative 502 research. WSIPP staff described the agency as a nonpartisan research institute that conducts legislative-directed studies and explained that its long-term I-502 assignment includes periodic reports leading to a final benefit-cost evaluation in 2032. Staff summarized findings from a 2023 report showing that cannabis possession convictions fell sharply after legalization, though some racial disproportionalities persisted, and that closer retail access was associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving drivers from nearby areas, and higher rates of cannabis use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. A 2023 youth-focused report found that students attending schools near retailers were more likely to report cannabis use, had more unexcused absences, and were less likely to graduate on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, staff said retail access was associated with higher probabilities of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, related hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, with event-study analysis suggesting the increases appeared after retailers opened rather than before. Members asked about racial disproportionality, the meaning of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, THC and impairment, whether the findings reflected medical versus recreational use, and how the results should be interpreted in light of broader trends and data limitations. No formal committee action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I drive 216 miles round trip each way every week.
• That doesn't preclude you from knowing enough of the language to drive safely.
• I mean, driving is an important part of our life. We don't have buses in my area.
• And it hasn't improved the driving of a lot of these individuals.
• Driving in Missouri is a privilege, not a right.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh these devices prevented folks from driving when they shouldn't have been driving.
• Uh these devices prevented folks from driving when they shouldn't have been driving.
• Uh these devices prevented folks from driving when they shouldn't have been driving.
• Uh these devices prevented folks from driving when they shouldn't have been driving.
• Uh these devices prevented folks from driving when they shouldn't have been driving.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received committee and House messages before moving into third reading and final passage on several bills. Early action included passage of House Bill 1318, which concerns traffic safety near schools; Senator Cutter offered and the chamber adopted a third-reading amendment naming it the Liam Stewart School Zone Act in honor of a child killed in a traffic accident near a school. The bill then passed 33-1. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 134 on payment card network fees, and laid over Senate Bill 17 until April 30. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 45 on workforce development opportunities in Colorado’s nuclear sector, Senate Bill 91 on excluding certain printed news deliverers from employee definitions under labor law, Senate Bill 114 on spirituous liquor manufacturer sales rooms, Senate Bill 162 on releasing healthcare test results to patients, Senate Bill 23 on school finance, Senate Bill 93 on workers’ compensation coverage compliance, Senate Bill 155 on homeowners insurance availability, Senate Bill 146 on restricting single-use food service ware, and Senate Bill 156 on State Workforce Development Council practices. Most of these bills passed, with recorded opposition on several measures: SB 91 passed 26-8, SB 114 passed 31-3, SB 162 passed 29-5, SB 93 passed 19-15, SB 155 passed 22-12, SB 146 passed 20-14, and SB 156 passed 32-2. SB 23, the school finance act, drew broad support and passed 34-0 after multiple senators emphasized education funding priorities and constitutional obligations. During debate, senators highlighted policy rationales and personal stories. On SB 162, Senator Weissman explained his no vote as a patient-autonomy concern despite acknowledging the bill’s earnest intent. On SB 23, supporters said the bill preserved and strengthened K-12 funding, while one senator argued schools should do better on safety and teacher pay. On SB 155, supporters said the homeowners insurance bill could help change market direction and improve affordability. On SB 156, Senator Marchman described the bill’s focus on out-of-school youth and the need to connect young people who are not in education, employment, or training with workforce supports. The Senate also began special-order second reading of consent-calendar bills, adopted the committee reports, and advanced House Bill 1313 on affordable housing fund requirements with amendments related to Prop 123 implementation and stakeholder processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 10:41.360> electric more people will drive electric more people will drive electric vehicles.<
• argument that a person driving argument that a person driving themselves<00:42:28.560> in
• <00:47:15.920> through fee is for the people driving through fee is for the people driving
• <00:48:27.200> We state that drive on our roads. We state that drive on our roads.
• person that drives a little bit more. person that drives a little bit more.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you've been drinking, please don't drive.
• >> This was his second impaired driving >> This was his second impaired driving offense
• impaired driving seriously. impaired driving seriously.
• <00:23:11.240> back I can tell you that that I drive back I can tell you that that I drive
• , who drive who have multiple offenses, who drive recklessly, recklessly, recklessly, um<00:24:58.440

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Judy Seeberger and traffic safety officials held a press conference focused on a deadly Minnesota motorcycle season and urged both drivers and riders to take greater care. Seeberger described several near-misses and a preventable crash at an intersection near her home, and asked motorists to put phones down, avoid impaired driving, and look twice or three times at stop signs, lane changes, and intersections. Mike Hanson, director of the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, said 37 motorcyclists had been killed so far this year, compared with 24 at the same time last year, and warned the state could approach 90 motorcycle fatalities if current trends continue. He said about half of motorcycle deaths are single-vehicle run-off-the-road crashes, often tied to speed, inattention, or skill level, while the other half involve a motorcycle and another vehicle; he also noted passenger fatalities are higher than usual and that riders over 60 are now being killed more often than younger riders. Hanson and others emphasized education, training, visibility, helmets, high-visibility gear, and sober driving. He said the state’s motorcycle safety training program is expanding with 11 additional basic rider courses, which should train about 121 more riders, and that safety materials are available to clubs and community groups. He also highlighted the new lane filtering and splitting law, saying it is limited to 25 mph or less and must be done within a rider’s skill level; he said he has seen it done both safely and unsafely and urged riders to follow the law and not be “knuckleheads.” Representatives from the Saint Croix Valley Riders and the Litas St. Croix Valley also spoke. Don Morley said his group promotes safety and awareness, reimburses members for rider training, and supports the new lane filtering/splitting law while stressing that riders and motorists must share the road. Heather Sevlin and other speakers tied the safety message to the death of Dana Milan, saying her crash was preventable and calling for justice and accountability in the impaired-driving case involving Robert Rodriguez, who they said was on a second DUI offense. In response to questions, Seeberger said she would support stricter penalties for repeat impaired or reckless drivers but would not support mandatory helmet legislation. Hanson said the legislature should continue to rely on rider experts and training advocates when considering motorcycle safety policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• drunk he was driving on a valid license. drunk he was driving on a valid license.
• We need to drive.
• And then one last piece to promote people who are required to drive with interlock to in fact drive a
• And then one last piece to promote people who are required to drive with interlock to in fact drive a
• consequence if you are caught driving consequence if you are caught driving after<01:30:49.920><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all