Transcript Highlights:

• They'll have greater efficiency in the floor plan, which saves cost, improving the stair itself.
• They'll have greater efficiency in the floor plan, which saves cost, improving the feasibility and the
• Building Code Council must also adopt rules establishing criteria under which housing systems and plan
• Local governments that plan under the Growth Management Act are also subject to additional requirements
• More likely, a local jurisdiction ends up taking months to update their comprehensive plan and their

Bills: HB2228, HB2273, HB2418, HB2381

Keywords: building code, safety regulations, construction, scissor stairs, state standards, embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, environment, permit review, project permits, land use, zoning, development regulations, residential development, housing permits, affordable housing, local government, county planning, city planning

Summary: The committee heard three housing- and building-code bills. HB 2228 would direct the State Building Code Council to convene a technical advisory group to recommend code amendments allowing scissor stairs in buildings with more than two dwelling units. The sponsor and several architects, developers, and housing advocates said scissor stairs can improve safety-compliant design efficiency, reduce corridor and stair footprint, and support more housing units on smaller sites. No opposition testimony was heard before the public hearing closed. HB 2381 would create a performance-based code pathway for low-rise residential buildings and allow recognition of third-party certifications. The sponsor described it as a shift from prescriptive rules to performance outcomes, with potential benefits for innovation and affordability. The Building Industry Association of Washington opposed the bill as written, saying the real need is a usable performance pathway in the energy code and suggesting an energy rating index instead. FutureWise supported the concept but urged caution about the complexity and timeline of converting code to a performance-based system. HB 2418 would change permit review processes for housing projects in urban growth areas, including vesting rules, review timelines for local governments and other fee-charging entities, and a requirement for a single permit responsible official and point of contact by 2027. Housing and development groups largely supported the bill’s coordination and timeline provisions, though some asked for clearer definitions of completeness and procedural details. FutureWise and county representatives raised concerns about the vesting changes and possible litigation, while the sponsor said the bill was intended to improve certainty and reduce permitting delays. The committee also heard HB 2273, which would require embodied-carbon reduction standards for large building projects through reuse, product-based reductions, or whole-building life-cycle assessment. Supporters from architects, Commerce, and environmental justice advocates said it would help meet climate goals and could be implemented with limited cost impacts, while concrete and aggregate industry representatives and a taxpayer group opposed it, citing supply-chain concerns, conflicts with other legislation, and affordability impacts. No votes or final actions were taken; the public hearings were closed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members, for the opportunity to present House Bill 3821. rely on SH-130 for transportation.
• Veterans rely on SH 130 for transportation for vital VA services such as specialized medical care Like
• This instructs the Transportation Commission to create a new funding category in the a unified transportation
• plan for border security to establish international trade corridors connecting our U.S.
• An important point to make is that CapMetro does not deliver transportation services in Lago Vista.

Bills: HB483, HB3345, HB3643, HB3821, HB3849, HB4472, HB4523, HB4524, HB5346, HB5347, HB5376

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Subcommittee on Transportation. Funding to all those wishing to testify in person today.
• House Bill 4523 amends Section 21.105 of the Transportation Code by adding Subsection C, which makes
• Subcommittee on Transportation. Funding to all those wishing to testify in person today.
• The Transportation Planning Committee can be seen online if you're interested in submitting public comments
• The Texas Department of Transportation approves the loan or grant.

Bills: HB483, HB3345, HB3643, HB3821, HB3849, HB4472, HB4523, HB4524, HB5346, HB5347, HB5376

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• So our next type of fee is transportation network company or TNC fees.
• They’re very focused on that highway construction program plan.
• They're very focused on that highway construction program plan.
• Is there a plan from parks to do more enforcement?
• So is there a plan? Thanks for your question, Representative Griffey.

Bills: HB2109, HB2139, HB2192

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

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held a work session featuring a National Conference of State Legislatures briefing on declining gas tax revenues and alternative transportation funding tools. Doug Schenkel and Lexi Elio described trends in state motor fuel tax revenue, rising construction costs, and the growing impact of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. They reviewed state responses such as indexed gas taxes, electric vehicle and hybrid fees, road usage charges, transportation network company fees, retail delivery fees, and per-kilowatt-hour charges on non-residential EV charging. Members asked follow-up questions about Virginia’s mileage-based fee program, enrollment rates, and whether states had reduced gas taxes when adopting road usage charges; the presenters said they would follow up with more information. The committee then heard a staff presentation comparing Washington’s transportation budget and system with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, highlighting Washington’s large ferry system, fish passage obligations, and unusually high debt service. Members asked about the Climate Commitment Act’s effect on fuel taxes, debt service interest, and whether Washington’s roadwork costs differ from other states, and staff said they could provide additional detail later. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2109, which would allow vehicles being towed on trailers to use a covering to contain mud, rocks, or other debris instead of requiring the vehicle tracks or undercarriage to be cleaned first. Staff said the bill would not affect the existing six-inch freeboard rule for loads and noted modest fiscal impacts for the State Patrol and WSDOT. Representative Dent and a constituent testified in support, explaining that tracked construction equipment is difficult and time-consuming to clean before transport. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill was left at public hearing. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2139, a request bill from State Parks to raise snowmobile registration fees from $50 to $75 and vintage snowmobile fees from $12 to $18. Supporters, including State Parks, DNR, a county commissioner, and several recreation advocates, said the increase was needed to maintain snow parks, grooming, sanitation, and safety, and that the program had seen declining registrations and rising costs. Opponents argued that many snowmobiles are unregistered, enforcement is weak, and the fee increase could further reduce compliance; they also questioned why sales tax revenue and administrative costs were not being redirected differently. State Parks said it had already reduced services at some snow parks, was exploring more targeted enforcement, and had surveyed users, with a majority favoring a fee increase. The committee then received a briefing on House Bill 2192, which would update the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s role by formally authorizing it to function as a public health authority, collect and analyze health care and crash data, convene a confidential fatality review committee, and review a broad range of records related to traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Staff said the commission already performs similar work and reported no fiscal impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a plan for expansion.
• We have a plan for expansion, which includes increasing school-based slots for school districts, but
• Senate Bill 6065 concerns school district transportation vehicle funds.
• of pupil transportation vehicles and related infrastructure.
• Furthermore, if the district previously has taken a temporary interfund loan from its transportation

Bills: SB5109, SB5835, SB6065

Keywords: mortgage lending, fraud, prosecution, financial regulations, consumer protection, retirement, lump sum payment, benefits, pension, financial security, SB 6065, school district transportation, transportation vehicle fund, pupil transportation, school buses, electric school buses, zero-emission buses, bus fleet electrification, charging stations, vehicle replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• , plan, plan.
• Understanding that no plan survives the first shot.
• So we need long-term planning.
• use a 20-year planning time horizon.
• Responses, planning frameworks, and custodial services.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is Representative Morales' bill to update the Permian Basin Reliability Plan.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the plan for the Republicans as well, 30 minutes and then caucus.
• Now that facility has a transition plan.
• This particular plan... and use it for abortion purposes.
• This particular plan that we are talking about is not, it's a state plan. It's a state program.
• I'll tell you, this is a windfall for Planned Parenthood.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB5998, SB6005, SB6003, SB6129, SB6225, SB6228, SB6231, SB6061, SB6234, SB6170, SB6176, SB6182, SB6335, SB5647, SB6047, HB2367, HB2606, SB6129, SB6228, SB6231, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, contracting rules, state highway construction, procurement limits, state regulations, infrastructure funding, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law

Transcript Highlights:

• plans that include certain elements by July 1, 2027, and review and update the plans every 10 years.
• This would remove language requiring county extreme heat response plans to include plans for government
• Act must create and adopt the extreme heat response plan, and that the plan must be developed in cooperation
• It would also remove the requirement that county extreme heat response plans must ensure that the plans
• It would also remove the requirement that county extreme heat response plans must ensure that the plans

Bills: HB2228, HB2273, HB2381, HB2418, HB2388, HB2183, HB2224, HB2267, HB2174, HB1529

Keywords: building code, safety regulations, construction, scissor stairs, state standards, embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, environment, performance-based codes, building regulations, residential construction, energy efficiency, sustainable design, permit review, project permits, land use, zoning, development regulations, residential development

Summary: The Local Government Committee met in executive session to consider several bills, with HB 2267 and HB 2388 removed from consideration and HB 1529 also removed later due to a technical issue. Staff briefed measures on scissor-stair regulations (HB 2228), embodied carbon in buildings (HB 2273), performance-based building code pathways (HB 2381), permit review processes (HB 2418), county heat response plans (HB 2183), fire protection districts (HB 2224), crash prevention zones (HB 2174), and city use of county road resources (HB 1529). Members discussed amendments on several bills, including changes to heat plan language, permit waiver timing, and building code provisions. HB 2228, as a proposed substitute, was advanced 7-0 after members said the scissor-stair concept could improve housing design while maintaining fire safety. HB 2273, which would require embodied-carbon rules and reporting for buildings, passed 4-3 after supporters emphasized reducing construction emissions and opponents said the industry was not ready. HB 2381 passed 4-3 after adopting Amendment REN 056 and rejecting REN 057; supporters said the bill would create a performance-based compliance option, while opponents objected to making the appendix mandatory for local adoption. HB 2418 passed 7-0 after adopting Amendment 420 and a proposed substitute that removed vesting language, clarified completeness review, and allowed permit-timeline waivers. HB 2183 passed 4-3 after adopting four amendments that updated terminology, addressed grid reliability during heat events, removed subsidy language, and shifted plan development authority to county legislative authorities working with local agencies. HB 2224 passed 6-1 after a substitute revised levy and taxing-limit language for fire protection districts, with the sponsor saying stakeholder concerns had been addressed. HB 2174 passed 6-1 after a substitute renamed the concept crash prevention zones, set a $73 traffic infraction penalty, and created a dedicated account for the funds; members supported the safety goal but raised liability concerns for local governments. The committee adjourned after completing its work for the day and week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Transportation will come to order. The clerk will call the roll. Craddock here.
• Bolivar Peninsula listening to the testimony today, and this new information, um, I think is a good plan
• I serve as the chief engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation.
• Uh, but typically there, we will specify, uh, that we, in, in this roadway set of plans, we need a base
• Under the current transportation code, judges are not allowed to have tinted windows in their vehicles

Bills: HB 408, HB 787, HB 1029, HB 1126, HB 1136, HB 1607

Keywords: cultural attractions, highway signs, Texas Department of Transportation, travel guidance, Museum of the Big Bend, traffic control, tourism, sunscreening devices, motor vehicle, judicial specialty license plate, vehicle safety, Texas Transportation Code, disability, parking, Governor's Committee, mobility impairment, disabled veterans, legislative recommendations, license plates, vehicle registration

Bills: HB0076, HB0084

Keywords: annexation, landowner rights, municipal law, city planning, property, local government, elections, falsification, misleading, post-election, audit, state law, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Transportation Committee.
• </c><00:05:09.960><c> uh</c> this Revenue source to Transportation uh this Revenue source to Transportation
• </c><00:54:13.040><c> of</c> the commission of Transportation of the commission of Transportation of
• in another form of transportation that we know doesn't pay for itself because that's what transportation
• us have planned summer weekend trips to Duluth.

Bills: HF1167, HF1242

Keywords: Northern Lights Express, NLX, Minneapolis-Duluth rail, passenger rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail, Duluth, Minneapolis, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, transportation funding, rail appropriation, general fund, trunk highway fund, rail project cancellation, infrastructure spending, commercial driver training, CDL, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is relating to transportation.
• This is relating to transportation.
• We sent in our of transportation.
• </c> probably be at night and must transport probably be at night and must transport their<00:30:23.440
• </c><01:48:54.719><c> Um</c> Transportation in strong support. Um Transportation in strong support.

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

Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles

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

Bills: HB408, HB787, HB 1029, HB 1126, HB 1136, HB1607

Keywords: cultural attractions, highway signs, Texas Department of Transportation, travel guidance, Museum of the Big Bend, traffic control, tourism, sunscreening devices, motor vehicle, judicial specialty license plate, vehicle safety, Texas Transportation Code, disability, parking, Governor's Committee, mobility impairment, disabled veterans, legislative recommendations, license plates, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:22.920><c> for</c><00:10:23.120><c> the</c> including the project planned for the including
• the project planned for the Local<00:10:23.839><c> 455</c><00:10:24.839><c> training</c><00:10:25.360
• She then invited testifiers. planning grant program was established planning grant program was established
• , keeping these planning processes aligned.
• keeping these uh reconstruction plan keeping these uh planning<00:57:30.640><c> processes</c><00:57:

Bills: HF1013, HF1598, HF1656, HF2162

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• And um Department of Transportation.
• finance report, transportation systems report, and the taxpayer transportation accountability report
• Um I have transportation education.
• And so um I have transportation.
• Transportation networks.

Bills: HF3169, HF3749, HF2605, HF3541, HF4102, HF3513, HF268

Keywords: suicide prevention, transportation, mental health, bridge safety, data collection, state law, bridge inspection, active transportation, truck parking, public safety, vehicle registration, fee structure, full-service providers, Capitol security, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, Minnesota State Patrol, State Patrol compensation, trooper salary

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Tuesday, May 5th, and this is a hearing of the House Transportation Committee.
• It strengthens the performance of Louisiana's transportation network, and we respectfully ask for your
• Chairman, members, Senate Bill 115 by Senator Foyle provides for the Department of Transportation and
• One, it requires the new commissioners of the Caddo-Bossier Port to have expertise in transportation,
• So I would say throughout the entire state, you'll see corridor plans that will be going on for all of

Bills: HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HCR53, HCR60, HCR68, HB714, HB762, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB56, SB69, SB115, SB133, SB151, SB170, SB235, SB278, SB330, SB420, SB438, SB449, SB489

Keywords: U.S. Highway 90, US 90, Highway 90, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, DOTD, bridge removal, closed bridges, bridge demolition, transportation funding, federal appropriations, THUD appropriations, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, infrastructure, road reconstruction, evacuation route, hurricane evacuation corridor, New Orleans metro area, Mississippi Gulf Coast, public safety

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 5, and considered a long agenda of mostly transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Among the bills reported favorably were Senate Bill 420, which adds Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission; Senate Bill 69, which updates appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission after redistricting; Senate Bill 40, which expands Louisiana’s move-over/safety protections for emergency and disabled vehicles; and House resolutions from Rep. Dickerson urging DOTD action on Highway 16 widening, turn lanes on Highway 1024, and a roundabout on Highway 1019. The committee also advanced HCR 53 creating a study committee on oversized vehicle permits, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, SB 449 giving the New Orleans Public Belt more procurement flexibility, SB 115 allowing DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA duties to speed project delivery, and SB 489 authorizing third-party verification of vehicle insurance coverage. Members heard testimony on several safety and enforcement measures. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples under CODIS-related criminal provisions; State Police explained it would help law enforcement collect required samples and aid cold cases. SB 48 would create driver’s license reciprocity between Louisiana and Ireland, and SB 235 would clarify payment and liquidated damages rules for public contracts, with contractors and industry representatives saying it would help ensure timely payment to contractors, subs, and suppliers. SB 55 clarified that seat belts must be worn across both the lap and shoulder, and SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement; committee members raised questions about due process, vehicle use, and how the devices would work, but both bills were reported favorably. Several measures drew more extensive debate. HB 762, as amended, would give OMV discretion over referring certain debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or Attorney General, and the amendment passed 14-2 after discussion about relief for drivers who cannot pay. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement received an amendment preserving existing compliant pavement markings, but a separate amendment to exempt Shreveport, Gretna, Livonia, and Westwego from the law failed on a roll call vote. HB 714, as substituted, would have created a railroad commission and required railroads to address blighted or abandoned lines, but after concerns about federal preemption, definition of blight, and whether a new commission was needed, Rep. Phelps moved to defer the bill, and the committee agreed. The meeting ended with adjournment after a brief recognition of committee staff and visitors.

Transcript Highlights:

• a Minnesota transportation We're a Minnesota transportation advocacy<00:03:21.280><c> nonprofit</c><
• </c> safe and sustainable transportation safe and sustainable transportation systems<00:03:24.800><c>
• I'm the transportation planning manager for the City of Minneapolis.
• I'm the transportation planning<01:13:36.640><c> manager</c><01:13:36.960><c> for</c><01:13:37.120><c
• The A2 front of transportation.

Bills: HF3429, HF3418, HF3431, HF1597

Keywords: intelligent speed assistance, transportation, speeding offenses, public safety, license restrictions, speed control, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority

Bills: SB 39, SB 2129, SB 2141, SB 2246, SB 2323, SB 2439, SB 2722

Keywords: railroad, train, collision, information disclosure, safety, driver's license, reporting, off-highway vehicles, public land, safety certificate, transportation, Parks and Wildlife Code, tolls, county revenue, civil penalty, ad valorem tax, transportation funding

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of planning. of planning.
• Transportation plan in case of emergency.
• Transportation plan in case of emergency.
• Transportation plan in case of emergency.
• Transportation plan in case of emergency.

Bills: HB2392, HB2462, HB2423, HB1771, HB2081, HB2334, HB2336, HB1666, HB2375, HB2415, HB2451, HB2373, HB1641, HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034

Keywords: transportation, tax credit, employer incentives, commuting, environmental impact, flexible work arrangements, carpooling, bicycling, public transportation, consumer protection, subscription services, motor vehicles, ownership expectations, transparency, biodiesel, renewable diesel, diesel blend, B5, blending mandate, clean energy

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 2356, relating to parking, drew support from the Office of Planning, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Appleseed Center, Realtors, and the Hawaii Bicycling League. Members discussed the bill in the context of the planned stadium-area mixed-use development, with questions about whether parking would be built in structures rather than as large surface lots. Senators expressed support and noted the measure’s broader housing and parking-reduction goals, but no vote was taken during the hearing. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2699, which would create a fare-free youth transit program, a special fund, annual evaluations, and appropriations tied to the environmental, energy, and food security tax. The Attorney General’s office raised technical concerns about whether the special fund met statutory requirements. The Department of Education and Department of Health supported the bill, as did the City and County of Honolulu DOT, Appleseed Center, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Hawaii Bicycling League, Our Children’s Trust, and numerous youth testifiers. Supporters emphasized reduced family transportation costs, better school attendance, improved health and mobility, and environmental benefits. One senator raised emergency-planning concerns about how children using free transit would be handled during events like tsunamis; DOT and DOE responded that emergency procedures are being developed. The chair said the committee would work on language changes, including a delayed effective date to July 2027, and defer decision-making until the 12th. The final measure discussed was SB 2470, which would require leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, and other safety improvements at state-controlled intersections, and create a process for community requests for accessible pedestrian signals. Appleseed Center, the Hawaii Association of the Blind, and the Disability Rights Center supported the bill, citing pedestrian safety, reduced collisions, and the need for audible cues for blind and low-vision pedestrians. Testifiers urged a phased-in approach that prioritizes high-traffic intersections. The hearing ended with the bill still under consideration and no final vote announced.