Transcript Highlights:

• They then shifted to the parks and trails piece, saying Greater Minnesota parks and trails were included
• by the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission would qualify as park and trail projects, which
• by the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission would qualify as park and trail projects.
• by the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission would qualify as park and trail projects.
• by the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission would qualify as park and trail projects.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As all of you know, or most of you know, we've been working on a trail system, an ATV/UTV trail system
• Uh, some trails in Floyd County, trails in Lawrence County are coming shortly and trails in Johnson County
• ATV UTV trail system for the last since ATV UTV trail system for the last since 20<00:04:44.880> since
• Uh some trails in Floyd<00:04:54.880> County,<00:04:55.840> trails<00:04:56.160> in<
• are coming shortly and trails in Johnson are coming shortly and trails in Johnson County.<00:05:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12 Approval of Minutes 00:02:25 Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48 Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58 Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56 Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members. The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky. Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you get vapor trails or contrails that form behind these.
• But if you have low humidity levels in the upper atmosphere, you don't get any vapor trail.
• <00:13:07.040> Some<00:13:07.200> days you don't get any vapor trail.
• Some days you don't get any vapor trail.
• you'll be covered with vapor trails you'll be covered with vapor trails everywhere.<00:13:17.519

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:56 Approval of Minutes 02:26 Discussion of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Related Legislative 02:43 Presentation of Geoengineering and Related Legislation 07:42, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the prior meeting’s minutes. Senator Williams then presented a discussion draft involving KCNA and COOT/Kentucky Wired governance changes. He said the proposal would make the COOT executive director the KCNA director, place the education CIO as chair of a new board of constitutional officers, terminate existing KCNA employees at inception, and return KCNA funds to the general fund. He described the measure as a temporary holding pattern focused on customer connectivity until an audit is completed next summer. Senator West asked whether the bill would change existing Kentucky Wired contracts, and Williams said the contracts would remain in place and COOT would simply handle the work without an extra layer of bureaucracy. No vote was taken; the item was for discussion only. The committee then heard a presentation on geoengineering and related legislation from Rep. John Hodgson, Sen. Rollins, and retired meteorologist Randy Baker. They described geoengineering as attempts to alter climate or weather, including solar radiation modification, stratospheric aerosol injection, marine cloud brightening, and cloud seeding. The presenters distinguished these activities from ordinary jet contrails, crop dusting, ground-level emissions, and airport fog control, and said the proposed Kentucky bill would exclude those ordinary activities. They argued Kentucky lacks a current prohibition on weather modification, said the bill would protect farmland, crops, animal agriculture, aquaculture, and human health, and cited public concern, federal uncertainty, and similar legislation in other states. They also said cloud seeding is used in some western states but remains scientifically unproven and potentially harmful. Members asked about enforcement, federal preemption, and whether other states’ actions could affect Kentucky. The presenters said high-altitude spraying would be difficult to hide, that satellite imagery could detect large releases, and that the bill was intended as an assertion of state sovereignty even if federal law later changed. They also said there were no known active geoengineering projects in Kentucky. The discussion remained informational, with no committee vote or final action taken on either topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• 53.680> you Um, and to that end, I know that you received award for your work on parks and trails
• , and it was reported that since you joined the environment committee, the state parks and trails general
• <00:03:07.680> and<00:03:07.920> it<00:03:08.080> was work on parks and trails
• general fund appropriation and trails general fund appropriation has<00:03:13.680> increased<
• and amenity that has not been trails and amenity that has not been done<00:04:30.800> for<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We hear from parks and trail systems.
• Uh the benefits in parks and trails Uh the benefits in parks and trails extensively<00:08:50.399
• to the regional trail system.
• direction for regional parks and trails direction for regional parks and trails facilities.<00:10
• to the regional system and add trails to the regional trail<00:10:13.360> system.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 85, this one is about the parks and trails.
• Chapter 85, this one is about the parks and trails.
• Chapter 85, this one is about the parks and trails.
• There's the State Parks and Trails Lottery and L, Metro Regional Parks Lottery and L, local trail grants
• <00:28:22.200> and account regional parks and trails and account regional parks and trails

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an organizational hearing of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. Members and staff introduced themselves, with several legislators noting their backgrounds in farming, mining, water management, and outdoor recreation, and the chair reviewed draft committee rules emphasizing decorum, quorum, timely starts, and submitting bill hearing requests to the committee administrator. The committee also heard from nonpartisan staff and caucus staff who will support the committee this session. House Research and House Fiscal staff then provided an overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and the major agencies and programs it oversees. The presentation covered the Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Environmental Quality Board, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Metropolitan Council regional parks and water resources, Conservation Corps of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoological Board, Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Staff summarized the main statutory chapters and subject areas under each, including wildlife, state lands, mining, water use, air and water permitting, environmental review, wetlands, drainage, and natural resources funding. The finance portion explained the committee’s appropriation types and major funding sources, including direct, statutory, and open appropriations. Staff highlighted the general fund, bonding, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Game and Fish Fund, and the Heritage Enhancement Account, along with how those dollars are typically used for parks and trails, habitat, land acquisition, flood and drainage projects, and agency operations. Members also discussed whether DNR and BWSR responsibilities in overlapping water statutes can conflict; staff said responsibilities are generally clear in statute, though conflicts can occur and are usually resolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:23.360> on walking through the trails on walking through the trails on Manchester's
• <00:25:41.039> lead my children used daily the trails lead my children used daily the trails
• Third, it establishes the Rail Trail Program Fund and the Rail Trail Emergency Fund.
• transfers ownership of four rail trail transfers ownership of four rail trail rail<02:27:35.439>
• <02:27:47.319> in program to improve the rail trails in program to improve the rail trails

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She is the Platte River Trails director and has been great to work with.
• She is the Platte River Trails director and has been great to work with.
• She is the Platte River Trails director and has been great to work with.
• She is the Platte River Trails director and has been great to work with.
• She is the Platte River Trails director and has been great to work with.

Bills: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and at trail crossings.
• I also have a comment about crossings for trail users.
• Right now, it's not really clear if you're on a bicycle how you can cross on a trail.
• of the Natick Trail Network and advanced responsible, accessible recreation.
• The Friends of Natick Trails support Senate 3077.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not building a new trail, and it creates 23 nodes along that trail.
• <00:08:44.279> uh Trail we're not building a new Trail uh Trail we're not building a new Trail
• and uh creates 23 nodes along that trail and uh creates 23 nodes along that trail it's<00:08:48.040
• <00:09:53.519> Loop way but this interpretive Trail Loop way but this interpretive Trail Loop
• Thank you, Madam Chair, for the opportunity. and trails and and other so folks um and trails and and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• years, the town of Groton, led by a gentleman named Paul Funch, has designed and built an accessible trail
• An act designating the Marion Stoddard Riverwalk seeks to officially name this portion of this trail
• I'm chair of the Groton Trails Committee.
• that we may honor Marion's accomplishments by naming the accessible trail in J.
• that we may honor Marion's accomplishments by naming the accessible trail in J.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access. A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice. The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• the ORV trail.
• <03:26:12.479> So, trail and then onto the ORV trail.
• So, trail and then onto the ORV trail.
• They're on trails.
• They're on trails.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• trail system.
• In the parks and trails area, which I deeply love.
• For me, there is never enough Money for trails.
• You could put a billion dollars in trails, and I'll spend it on trails because the more people are outside
• So parks and trails could get more money, and I'd be happy.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there’s no questions there, I can move on to the parks and trails fund.
• can move on to the parks and trails can move on to the parks and trails fund<00:15:53.720> uh
• Then 20% would go to regional parks and trails outside the metropolitan area.
• I think that's about all I have for the parks and trails fund, Chair McDonald.
• Trail Trail treatment<00:56:45.319> um<00:56:46.160> I<00:56:46.280> don't<00:56

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Legacy Finance Committee held its first meeting of the session, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair emphasizing the committee’s role in overseeing Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment funds. The committee then received an overview of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund from Mary Davis. She explained that the fund receives 19.75% of the 1% sales tax, is constitutionally limited to arts education, arts access, and preserving Minnesota history and cultural heritage, and is not a guaranteed base for prior recipients. She reviewed major recipients and statutory requirements, including the Minnesota State Arts Board’s 47% share, funding for the Historical Society, libraries, humanities and cultural organizations, public media, and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council. She also noted the 5% reserve requirement, reporting obligations, and a 2023 legislative directive to improve access through free or reduced admission and outreach to households regardless of income. The committee next heard from Janelle Taylor on the natural resources funds, focusing on the Clean Water Fund and Parks and Trails Fund. She said the Clean Water Fund receives 33% of Legacy revenues and must be used to protect, enhance, and restore water quality and protect groundwater, with at least 5% dedicated to drinking water sources. She described the Clean Water Council’s recommendation process and said most of the money goes to Board of Water and Soil Resources projects, with additional funding for PCA and DNR monitoring. In response to a question about Hastings and PFAS contamination, she said the legislature could appropriate clean water money if the project fits the constitutional criteria and protects drinking water sources. For the Parks and Trails Fund, she explained it receives 14.25% of Legacy revenues and is allocated under the long-standing 40-40-20 split: 40% to state parks and trails, 40% to metropolitan regional parks and trails, and 20% to Greater Minnesota regional parks and trails. House Fiscal Analysis staff then reviewed the reserve requirement and available balances, noting that each Legacy fund must keep a 5% reserve to protect against forecast changes. For the upcoming biennium, they cited approximately $327.229 million available for the Outdoor Heritage Fund, $184.73 million for the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, and $133.13 million for the Parks and Trails Fund, with the Clean Water Fund total discussed earlier at about $311 million. Members briefly discussed the importance of the reserve and the zero-base nature of the funds. The committee then moved on to an overview of the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Outdoor Heritage Council from Mark Johnson and Joe Pelco, who explained that the fund was approved by voters in 2008, lasts 25 years, receives about one-third of the 3/8 of 1% sales tax, and is used to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. They described the council’s statutory role, the small grants program for projects from $5,000 to $500,000, and the annual recommendation process, but no votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last 35 years, we've actually been told that we've built one of the densest trail networks in
• Over the last 35 years, we've actually been told that we've built one of the densest trail networks in
• As volunteers, we build trails and maintain trails.
• So I said we have all of these trails in the network in the world, and the challenge that we have is
• So with the office, we have conceived of the Shaker Ridge Trail Network.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we did at that time expand the WMA trails to essentially where outboard motors could get you, not
• I want to say that the trails, speaking of the trails that were created, okay, this bill allows you to
• They're not creating new trails. They're just kind of gliding down the designated trail.
• You know, they're not creating new trails. They're just kind of gliding down the designated trail.
• I mean, not that we don't want to get off the rabbit trail, but is that even a thing?

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Within the parks and trails, we've returned to peace in the valley, taking out wilderness inquiry and
• very important projects throughout every one of the 87 counties, including clean water, parks and trails
• The park. a Trail Fund, expanding access to the park and the trail across the state of Minnesota.
• We're all about parks and trails. I enjoy the summer times.
• My son, my daughter, and I go out and enjoy the beautiful lakes and the beautiful trails that we have

Transcript Highlights:

• Keep in mind, Cook County has taken care of the lower 47 miles of that trail.
• <00:16:25.440> Thank preserving the Gunflint Trail. Thank preserving the Gunflint Trail.
• The proposed multi-use trail will provide a safe, dedicated route.
• The proposed multi-use trail will provide a safe, dedicated route.
• The proposed multi-use trail will provide a safe, dedicated route.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Real quick, the Hatfield McCoy trail system averages $7.4 million a year, and it's bringing in people
• system averages $7.4 million a trail system averages $7.4 million a year<00:25:19.120> and<00
• system but they're riding into the trail system but they're riding into the<00:25:25.120> little<
• hour to unload a sideb side at a trail hour to unload a sideb side at a trail head<00:28:47.200>
• A prime example is Highway 119 in Harlan County, Putney trailhead, and the Black Mountain trail system

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:

• Were those all on trails, or are those accidents referring to also on roads?
• They submit them to Bureau Trails.
• Check it out, make sure it's a good area to connect the trail network.
• Fryeburg, Maine, for example, has a great trail-and-train track setup.
• folks do not take responsibility for cleaning up or tending to the trail.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee heard testimony on House Bill 375, which would allow municipalities to designate certain road segments for ATV travel, create maps and signage for those routes, set seasonal limits, and require certain equipment on ATVs such as lights, a horn, flashers, and directional signals. The sponsor, Rep. Dan Maguire, said the bill is intended to support tourism and give towns a structured, optional way to permit ATV use on roads, not to override existing uses. Members asked about possible overlap with agricultural vehicle rules, golf carts, speed limits, and whether the bill could allow ATV use on busier roads or expressways; the sponsor said he did not intend to interfere with existing lawful uses and believed golf carts would only be included if they met the relevant statutory requirements. NHDOT State Maintenance Engineer Alan Hennessy said the department had concerns with language exempting municipalities and the Bureau of Trails from the permitting process, arguing that the existing permit system provides needed review, public notice, and signage requirements. He also raised questions about road funding and maintenance if ATVs were allowed on state highways. Fish and Game Captain Michael Eastman testified that his commission opposed the bill as written, citing concerns about the ATV definition, the distinction between ATVs, UTVs, and other OHRVs, and the potential impact on state highways and road maintenance. He said towns can already open roads to OHRV use under existing law, and he noted that accident data for road use would generally be handled by local police or State Police rather than Fish and Game. Craig Reny, chief of the Bureau of Trails, said the current Bureau of Trails/DOT permit process for highway crossings and connectors works well and is used to ensure safety through engineering review. He said his bureau was not taking a position on the bill but wanted to clarify that existing procedures already address many of the issues the bill appears to cover. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.