Transcript Highlights:

• A<00:03:24.640> bus A bus A bus is<00:03:26.240> less<00:03:26.480> expensive<00
• And a bus a rapid bus is what the And a bus a rapid bus is what the community<00:03:33.880> wants,
• And just more specific to the question of the bus, the plan would be an arterial bus, rapid bus, as with
• And just more specific to the question of the bus, the plan would be an arterial bus, rapid bus, as with
• with an arterial bus. with an arterial bus.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on opposition to the proposed Blue Line light rail extension in the West Broadway/North Minneapolis corridor and support for alternatives, especially arterial bus rapid transit. Committee members and invited speakers argued that the rail project would cost about $3.2 billion to $3.5 billion to build, require roughly $57 million a year to operate and maintain, and could burden Hennepin County taxpayers if federal funding does not materialize. They promoted House File 3507, which would direct $30 million toward bus transit in the corridor, and House File 3441, which was described as highlighting the operating costs of light rail. Testimony from community leaders and residents emphasized concerns about displacement, business disruption, safety, and neighborhood impacts. Speakers said the project could require demolition of homes and businesses, reduce parking and traffic access on West Broadway, and harm a predominantly Black business district in North Minneapolis. Several compared the project to past rail impacts such as Rondo, and said bus rapid transit would be more flexible, less expensive, and better aligned with community needs. One speaker also raised concerns about the placement of stations and the effect on residents who rely on transit for work, shopping, and access to services. Representative Kristin Robbins and others framed the issue as a budget priority, saying Hennepin County should focus on transit options that cost less and on funding for HCMC, which they said faces a serious deficit. In response to questions, the bill supporters said the effort was bipartisan, that federal funding for the rail project was uncertain, and that the legislature should move money toward bus service now rather than wait for a future federal agreement. No vote or formal committee action was taken in the excerpt, but the members indicated they would continue making the case for the bills and follow up with the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• It um addresses<00:02:16.720> school<00:02:17.120> bus<00:02:17.360> stop<00:02:
• 17.800> arm addresses school bus stop arm addresses school bus stop arm violations,<00:02:18.880
• the stop arm.
• bus that's painted yellow with the stop bus that's painted yellow with the stop arm.<00:03:58.920
• to stop.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• stop zones, bus lanes, and bike lanes.
• Block bus stops are safety program.
• <00:09:17.839> They've 40% decrease in bus lanes and 30% decreases in bus stop violations.
• in bus stop violations.
• Um so this all in bus stop violations.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 3966, a bill authorizing transit agencies and local governments to use bus-mounted cameras to enforce existing rules against illegally parked or stopped vehicles in bus lanes, bus stops, and bike lanes. Representative Jones, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to protect transit investments, improve bus speed and reliability, and keep lanes clear for riders. The bill was amended with the A1 author’s amendment before testimony began. Testimony was generally supportive. A representative from the City of Minneapolis said bus and bike lanes are frequently blocked, citing repeated blockages at 7th Street and Nicollet Mall and Lake Street at Lyndale Avenue, and said the city was working with the author on technical details. A representative from Hayden AI also supported the bill, describing automated enforcement systems used in other cities and arguing they improve safety, accessibility, and transit performance. She said the system only captures violations, deletes other footage, uses human review before citations, and does not use facial recognition. Members raised questions about cost, privacy, who receives citations, and whether the cameras could capture other data or non-vehicle obstructions. The author and testifier said the bill is limited to parked or stopped vehicles, that data protections mirror existing camera laws, and that citations go to the vehicle owner or lessee, with appeals available for stolen vehicles or other defenses. A proposed oral amendment to delete an appropriation section was discussed but not pursued. After debate, the committee voted on the motion to re-refer House File 3966, as amended, to the Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law Committee; the motion failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• One involves school bus cameras and school bus stops, and then the other involves the school speed zones
• stop signs where our most vulnerable citizens are waiting for a school bus.
• I've actually seen another school bus blocking a stopped school bus and a third school bus driving by
• at stop signs that are on the side of a school bus.
• , the bus stops not being in very public, safe areas.

Bills: S0382, S0654, S0684, S0880, S1080

Keywords: traffic enforcement, speed detection systems, school safety, traffic violations, reporting requirements, local authority, electronic signatures, vehicle titles, insurance regulations, auditing, total loss vehicles, specialty license plate, specialty plates, Florida DMV, DHSMV, Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, alumni association, commemorative plate, license plate fees

Summary: The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement, which would standardize procedures for red-light, school-zone speed, and school bus camera enforcement. The bill would allow clerks to retain 10% of penalty revenue, permit virtual hearings, require records retention, limit surveillance/data use, tighten school-zone flashing-light requirements, and add school board approval and reporting requirements for school bus camera programs. An amendment clarified reporting periods and which entity receives liability-transfer affidavits. Members raised questions about information-sharing, facial recognition, school-zone warnings, and school bus stop safety, but the committee accepted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 1080, which was amended by a delete-all to address FDOT direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and takeover agreements involving sureties and replacement contractors. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved a slate of appointments in tabs 1 through 6 by one vote. Next, the committee heard SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. A strike-all amendment shifted the bill away from immediate enforcement changes and instead created an e-bike task force, required crash data collection and reporting, and retained rules requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, provide audible signals, and limit speed near pedestrians. Members discussed enforcement practicality, access concerns for riders who rely on e-bikes, and the need for public education and transparency. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee then reported favorably SB 684, which removes certain signature requirements for electronic odometer disclosures in total-loss vehicle and vessel insurance transactions, and SB 880, which creates a new license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association. The meeting ended after all items were approved and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Island<00:16:35.680> utilized of bus stops on Hawaii Island utilized of bus stops on Hawaii
• stops on the Big Island are not designated like the bus stops here.
• <00:18:31.679> routes<00:18:32.080> for bus stop locations for those routes for bus
• Like um, in like the bus stops here.
• ,<00:19:11.520> there's<00:19:11.679> no bus stops, there's no bench, there's no bus

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education heard three resolutions. STR 53 SD1 sought to have the Legislative Reference Bureau work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access so residents can participate in the legislative process. Testimony from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure, emphasizing that many advocates cannot always travel to the Capitol and need better access. STR 117 SD1 urged the Department of Education to work with the Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and the County of Hawaii to inventory bus stops on Hawaii Island used by students and develop safety improvements; DOE described an upcoming live route audit, noted the large number of routes and stops on the Big Island, and said some stops are on private roads. The Department of Transportation, Hawaii County Council, the mayor’s office, and others supported the measure, and members discussed whether the effort could eventually expand statewide. STR 134 asked the Department of Education to provide a detailed report on the true cost of producing school meals to improve transparency and avoid unnecessary price increases. DOE said it already tracks food, labor, benefits, supplies, equipment, and other costs to calculate per-meal costs, but does not currently include transportation costs in the same way; it stated its breakfast cost was $5.80 and lunch cost was $8.66. Support testimony came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the Hawaii Hunger Action Network, and others, who said clearer cost information is especially important amid funding uncertainty. In decision making, the committee amended and passed STR 53 SD1, reverting it to the original draft by replacing the Legislative Reference Bureau with the Controller and adding coordination with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office, while removing references tied to the LRB and the public access room outreach clause. The committee also amended and passed STR 117 SD1, shifting the lead role to the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and adding a request for the County of Hawaii to consider funding the effort. STR 134 was passed unamended. Representative Souza was excused for the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• bus with a stop foot long lit up yellow bus with a stop sign<01:28:15.920> out<01:28:16.159><
• stop, we've had parents that at the bus stop, we've had parents that have<01:33:20.719> also<
• But in order to report somebody who runs the school bus stop bar, the little stop sign that comes out
• The camera is only going to be activated when the school bus is stopped and the red stop sign comes out
• And as I said, the bus drivers stop.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:58.159> stop school bus rel uh school bus stop school bus rel uh school bus stop related
• This is from school bus stop laws.
• > stops operators to establish school bus stops operators to establish school bus stops on<00:30:
• c> able to access the bus stop um but to able to access the bus stop um but to prevent<00:32:44.000><
• <00:59:53.280> All the bus. I don't want to stop. All the bus. I don't want to stop.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were going to get them at the bus stops.
• , not just on the school bus, but in the school bus stops.
• is a A school bus stops designation.
• That that's where the bus stops.
• So it would be the bus route and wherever it stops it'll be it'll be the bus route, that particular bus

Transcript Highlights:

• One involves school bus cameras and school bus stops, and then the other involves the school speed zones
• stop signs where our most vulnerable... ...blocking a stop school bus and a third school bus driving
• by because they couldn’t see that stop school bus with their lights flashing.
• at stop signs that are on the side of a school bus.
• , the bus stops not being in very public, safe areas.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement, a comprehensive bill addressing red light, school zone speed, and school bus camera programs. The sponsor said the measure was intended to improve consistency, transparency, privacy protections, and due process, including virtual hearings, record-retention rules, limits on remote surveillance and data use, school zone flashing-light requirements, clerk fee retention, and school board approval and reporting for school bus camera systems. An amendment clarifying reporting periods and liability-transfer affidavits was adopted without objection, and after questions about information sharing, facial recognition, school zone warnings, and school bus stop safety, the committee reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then adopted a delete-all amendment to SB 1080 on transportation, which required FDOT rules on direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and certain takeover agreement terms involving sureties and replacement contractors. With no opposition, the amended bill was reported favorably. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of a slate of appointments in tabs 1 through 6 after taking a single roll call vote. Next, the committee considered SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. A strike-all amendment shifted the bill away from immediate enforcement changes toward data collection and study, while retaining rules requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, provide an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, and creating a task force to study e-bike safety and recommend future policy. Members raised concerns about enforceability, shared-use paths, access barriers for users who rely on e-bikes, and whether data would be shared with local governments; supporters from law enforcement and advocacy groups appeared in support. The amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee reported favorably on SB 684, which allows electronic signatures in connection with total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 880, which creates a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate. The meeting ended after all items were approved and the committee rose without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• in bus stop violations.
• stop zones, bus enforcement of bus stop zones, bus lanes,<00:12:46.639> and<00:12:46.880>
• Blocked bus stops are safety program.
• in bus stop violations.
• in bus stop violations.

Bills: HF3919, HF3791, HF1781, HF3908, HF4233, HF3966, HF3430

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft

Transcript Highlights:

• Sounds good. ...for passing a stopped school bus. And who's introducing?
• <00:11:27.279> And for passing a stopped school bus.
• <00:16:41.199> school<00:16:41.440> bus, watching people pass a stop school bus, watching
• people pass a stop school bus, including<00:16:42.160> a<00:16:42.399> bus<00:16:42.720
• And I the only the stop school bus.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we can all agree that protecting children at the bus stop should be a priority.
• for a school bus cross-arm or stop sign.
• I was stopped, but, you know, just right across the street, she didn't get flagged by the bus driver.
• , I believe they only have one stop... ...bus, we, unlike Illinois, I believe they only have one stop
• So, Representative Ely, you unfortunately didn't see the stop sign and you went past a school bus.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• violation of going around a school bus violation of going around a school bus stop<00:04:53.800>
• And only the only time there would be a recording would be when the bus would be stopped, the stop arm
• And only the only time there would be a recording would be when the bus would be stopped, the stop arm
• And only the only time there would be a recording would be when the bus would be stopped, the stop arm
• And only the only time there would be a recording would be when the bus would be stopped, the stop arm

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, if you become a full-time bus driver, regardless of the amount, your retirement would stop.
• Well, if you become a full-time bus driver, regardless of the amount, your retirement would stop.
• Well, if you become a full-time bus driver, regardless of the amount, your retirement would stop.
• Well, if you become a full-time bus driver, regardless of the amount, your retirement would stop.
• Well, if you become a full-time bus driver, regardless of the amount, your retirement would stop.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• all year for school bus stop uh stop arm all year for school bus stop uh stop arm violations<00:
• arm to outfit their bus fleets with stop arm to outfit their bus fleets with stop arm cameras<00
• The bus was stopped to let a little boy off, and a car was approaching from the opposite direction, and
• The bus was stopped to let a little boy off, and a car was approaching from the opposite direction, and
• The bus was stopped to let a little boy off, and a car was approaching from the opposite direction, and

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the February 19 minutes, and opened with guest recognitions and a brief prayer for a colleague who had a medical episode. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force to study Advanced Air Mobility and related policy issues in Kentucky. The sponsor and witnesses described AAM as emerging eVTOL “flying car” technology, argued Kentucky has strong aviation and logistics assets to compete for the industry, and said the task force would include legislative, KYTC, and industry representatives. Senators asked about the technology and potential uses, including rapid transport of medical specialists. The resolution was reported favorably after roll call, with several members expressing support and at least one member noting a desire for more information while still voting yes. The committee next considered Senate Bill 38, as amended by committee substitute, dealing with school bus stop-arm safety cameras. The sponsor cited survey data showing hundreds of illegal school-bus passings in Kentucky and argued the bill would help change driver behavior by allowing, but not requiring, school districts to use camera systems funded through violators rather than district budgets. Testimony emphasized that the measure is voluntary, vendor-neutral, provides an appeals process in district court, limits camera activation to when the stop arm is deployed, and keeps revenues within the school district and court system. Representative David Hale supported the bill, sharing a personal story about a near-miss involving a child crossing after a bus stop. The committee approved the committee substitute and then reported SB 38 favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 63 on street-legal special purpose vehicles. The sponsor and Backroads of Appalachia representatives said the bill would define and regulate these vehicles, while expressly excluding farm and agricultural vehicles from its requirements. They explained the bill would require inspection, registration, and a motorcycle plate for qualifying vehicles, set limits on where and how far they can be driven, and allow local or state restrictions where applicable. Supporters framed the bill as an economic development measure for Eastern Kentucky and the broader state, citing tourism, trail-system spending, and examples from other states. A committee member asked for clarification about farm-to-farm use, and the witness confirmed the bill would not affect agricultural use. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 63, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so a lot currently about bus stops?
• <00:03:50.720> and have an actual bus stop with a seat and have an actual bus stop with a
• bus stops are, but to know where these bus stops are, but how<00:04:07.519> to<00:04:07.680><
• to<00:04:54.639> the you say, um bus stops are equal to the you say, um bus stops are equal
• <00:05:12.160> stops problem there wasn't the the bus stops problem there wasn't the the bus

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Education committees heard STR 1117 and SR 98, which urge the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and Hawaii County to inventory bus stops used by children on Hawaii Island and develop safety improvements. DOE testified that routes are based on student locations, families must register riders, and access is complicated by county roads and privately owned or HOA-managed roads; members noted the need to focus on the most affected areas and on safety rather than just counting stops. The committees recommended both resolutions be passed with amendments, including adding the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and technical changes, and both measures were adopted by vote. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then heard several resolutions on international relationships and transportation safety. STR 196/SR 76 supporting broader ties with Norway, STR 197/SR 77 supporting broader ties with Sweden, and STR 195/SR 175 supporting broader ties with Sweden all moved forward; testimony generally favored learning from those countries, and the committee adopted amendments to add collaboration language and, in the Norway measure, a reference to prisons and criminal justice. The committee also heard STR 181/SR 51 on lowering the blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05; the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance supported the measure and suggested adding flexibility for the DOT director to appoint additional working group members. The committee amended the resolution to broaden the working group and direct it to examine data, impacts, and implementation issues, then adopted it. On later agendas, the committee approved CR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week with amendments to create a task force on light pollution and dark skies. It also passed CR 180/SR 150, which would have DOT report on commercial tour operator safety and performance, after amending it to clarify the purpose, require online public information, involve the NTSB, and create a transparency/scoring framework. STR 150 on subsidizing waterborne cargo transport was also passed with technical amendments. Finally, STR 222/SR 197 on towing companies having on-site ATMs was amended into a task force proposal led by the Office of Consumer Protection, and the committee adopted that recommendation. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was to pass with amendments or, for one Sweden measure, pass unamended, and the votes were unanimous with no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• stop or occupied a bus stop because they had no other choice or really didn't intend to use the bus.
• right across in 1649 these two are bus right across in 1649 these two are bus stops<00:26:47.840
• <00:35:18.880> because<00:35:19.440> it the bus stop is not usable because it the bus
• <00:42:57.599> stop<00:42:57.920> several the person is still the bus stop several
• This is the one about the bus stops. A lot of discussion on this one.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees. The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package. The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every school bus is going to have a stop-arm violation on average every third day.
• <00:24:50.240> arm school bus is going to have a stop arm school bus is going to have a stop
• , get off the bus.
• school bus.
• running a stop sign running the the stop running a stop sign running the the stop sign<00:29:59.559

Keywords: Roll Call 00:39 Approval of Minutes 01:45 SB 136 Discussion 02:51 SB 136 Vote 07:14 SB 43 Discussion 08:49 SB 43 Vote 20:02 SB 38 Discussion 20:45 SB 38 Vote 35:50 SJR 66 Discussion only 37:08 Admin. Reg. Review 41:10, 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 4 minutes, and then took up several Senate measures. Senate Bill 36, dealing with cleanup language for CAVIS and electronic submission of liens and satisfactions, was amended by committee substitute to require lien holders to begin using electronic title and registration systems starting July 1, 2026. After questions from members and testimony from county clerk Jason Denny and title-industry representative Tom Underwood, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably with the substitute attached. The committee then considered Senate Bill 43, which updates the medical review board process under KRS 186.444. Senator Donald Douglas and Senator Jimmy Higdon described the bill as a response to complaints about fairness and transparency in medical review cases, including a constituent example involving a disabled veteran whose VA medical clearance was rejected. The bill changes who may serve on the board, adds flexibility and transparency, shifts reimbursement language to allow the Transportation Cabinet to set costs by regulation, and includes provisions aimed at broadening participation by qualified health care providers. Members discussed the role of school resource officers, the use of family affidavits in reporting, and the need to keep costs down; the committee adopted the substitute, approved a title amendment, and reported the bill favorably. Senate Bill 38, concerning stop-arm violations on school buses and the use of cameras and enforcement procedures, also received a committee substitute and was reported favorably. Senator Greg Elkins and supporters said the bill is intended to address widespread illegal passing of stopped school buses and to help fund stop-arm cameras, while critics raised concerns about automated enforcement and the role of a live officer. Members cited survey data and personal stories about school-bus safety, and the sponsor explained that school resource officers would work with local law enforcement on citations, which are contemplated as civil penalties. The committee also heard discussion-only testimony on Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force on aviation, aerospace, and logistics economic development; no vote was taken on the resolution because it had just passed the Senate and had not yet been formally received by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it is a more clear distinction for drivers approaching any school bus in that they have to stop if
• <01:28:12.000> if school bus in that they have to stop if school bus in that they have to
• When making a student stop, the amber lights are activated to give an initial warning, but school bus
• So, when the bus driver's driving, I'm assuming before he gets to the stop, he pushes the button that
• The bus must be fully stopped at that point.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when that bus is stopped letting off children.
• <00:04:57.199> stopped school bus when that bus is stopped school bus when that bus is stopped
• A school bus with a camera system.
• I actually went in front of the school bus, and, uh, I was behind the school bus.
• A car, oncoming car would not stop. She A car, oncoming car would not stop.

Keywords: 00:20 Roll Call 01:56 HB 7 13:46 HB 7 Vote 17:54 HB 226 24:05 HB 226 Vote 25:13 HB 258 27:13 HB 258 Vote, 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met for its second meeting of the 2026 session and first took up House Bill 7, sponsored by Representative Hale, which would allow school districts to install stop-arm camera systems on school buses to enforce civil penalties against drivers who illegally pass stopped buses. Hale said the bill had passed the House before, described widespread violations and the danger to children, and outlined the bill’s provisions, including public warning signs, privacy protections, and fines of $300 for a first offense and $500 thereafter. Supporters cited child safety and personal experiences with school-bus-related incidents, while one member opposed the bill on the grounds that it relied too heavily on technology instead of a human officer. The committee then voted and reported HB 7 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 226, sponsored by Representative Bratcher, which would redirect the $5 fee from Kentucky National Guard specialty license plates from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs to the Kentucky National Guard Association. Bratcher and National Guard representatives said the change would send roughly under $15,000 a year to support readiness, mobilization, and professional development for serving Guard members, and argued that specialty plate revenue should go to the organization tied to the plate. Representative Donworth raised concerns about taking money from the veterans trust fund and suggested a direct budget allocation instead, but the sponsor said the amount was small and that the current arrangement did not return the funds to the Guard. The committee voted to report HB 226 favorably. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 258, sponsored by Representative Payne, as amended by a committee substitute. The bill raises the weight limit for hauling milk from 80,000 to 90,000 pounds and clarifies that the rule applies to both state and federal highways, based on federal treatment of milk as a non-divisible product. After the substitute was adopted, the committee approved the bill, and HB 258 was reported favorably with the committee substitute attached.