Transcript Highlights:

• Really embracing the idea that humans make mistakes, humans are vulnerable, responsibility is shared,
• So I think we try to kind of step back from judging why they're riding.
• Ride Free program, which is really the transit support grant program from there.
• There's a lot of opportunities around shared support on behavioral health.
• And if they feel safe, then they're going to stick on riding our vehicles. Other questions?

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on October 16, 2025, for a budget and revenue overview, a traffic safety presentation, and a discussion of potential transit and active transportation grant programs. Committee staff reviewed the adopted 2025-27 transportation budget, noting $15.5 billion in expenditures, the large share for WSDOT, and the mix of revenue sources including fuel tax, vehicle-related fees, federal funds, Climate Commitment Act revenue, and new 2025 revenues from SB 5801 and SB 5802. Staff said the 2025 session produced a balanced four-year plan, preserved major project schedules, maintained highway preservation funding, and added money for culverts, local preservation, and other priorities. They also described a September forecast showing lower motor fuel consumption than previously expected, but still enough revenue growth to keep the transportation plan balanced. For the 2026 supplemental, staff said agency requests were relatively modest overall, with most capital requests reflecting reappropriations and timing shifts rather than new projects, while WSDOT’s addendum identified much larger future needs for maintenance, preservation, paving, culverts, and safety work. Senators asked for more detail on how revenues are distributed by fund type and geography, how much of the maintenance and preservation request is actual maintenance versus equipment, whether paving needs could be supported through bonding, and how electric vehicle sales trends might affect forecasts. The committee then heard a remote presentation from Dr. Jessica Chikino of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on traffic safety trends and countermeasures. She said U.S. traffic fatalities have risen sharply over the past decade, with especially large increases for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and argued that the U.S. lags other high-income countries in roadway safety. Her presentation highlighted IIHS’s “30 by 30” goal to reduce fatalities 30% by 2030 through safer speeds, stronger impaired-driving countermeasures, better pedestrian protection, and safer commercial vehicles. She discussed research linking higher speed limits to higher fatality risk, the benefits of lower urban speed limits, speed safety cameras, traffic calming, lighting, pedestrian beacons, and safer intersection design. She also described ongoing work with Bellevue on smart signal technology and pedestrian safety pilots. Committee members thanked her for the presentation and said they would share the materials with others. In the final work session, the committee revisited transit and active transportation grant concepts that had been included in the Senate budget proposal but did not advance in 2025. Barb Chamberlain of WSDOT’s Active Transportation Division explained how grant programs need runway, staff capacity, applicant readiness, and clear criteria, and compared program design to getting a plane off the ground. She discussed the proposed Senior Transportation Emphasis Program and regional trails/cycle highways concepts, noting that some projects could be structured as funding-first programs while others would work better as project-line or project-first models. She said regional trail projects are already eligible under existing programs but often score lower because current criteria emphasize safety and population served. Justin Leighton of the Washington State Transit Association then reviewed transit grant programs and argued that transit safety and security needs remain underfunded, including operator barriers, lighting, shelters, behavioral health coordination, and non-uniformed security staff. He said many transit capital programs are oversubscribed, that operator barrier retrofits alone could cost $20 million to $30 million, and that agencies face uncertainty about how recent sales tax changes apply to security-related contracts. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And judging by the lighting, their attire, and the times of the posts, these bipartisan shared drinks
• these bipartisan shared drinks occurred right<00:10:53.720> in<00:10:53.800> the<00:10
• <00:25:08.840> share,<00:25:09.120> sometimes sometimes through ride share, sometimes
• sometimes through ride share, sometimes riding<00:25:09.920> with<00:25:10.080> a<00:25
• This information will also be shared with the complainants. Signed by your two co-chairs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to give my time to our young adult Yandel, who has a testimony to share with you all.
• And because I have a need, this person gives me a ride and I go with this person.
• So thank you for taking the time to share.
• So thank you for taking the time to share.
• I'm scared these kids ride up in the back of me, but he boom boom, and I'm going to...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}

Transcript Highlights:

• more details about the to share more details about the projects.
• Um, this would be for scenic chairlift rides in the spring, summer, and fall.
• <00:15:07.279> to lift as a scenic chairlift ride to lift as a scenic chairlift ride to offset
• > the<00:15:13.040> spring,<00:15:13.279> summer, chairlift rides of the spring,
• summer, chairlift rides of the spring, summer, and<00:15:13.760> fall.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Capital Project Overview Committee met at 9:00 a.m. and first approved the September 29 minutes. The committee then considered University System of New Hampshire Capital Project 260001, a $70 million request involving two residence hall renovation projects at UNH. UNH officials said the work is needed to address aging 1970-era buildings, including heating, plumbing, and other deferred maintenance, and to improve student recruitment, retention, and living conditions. Members asked about the construction timeline, which was estimated at about four years, and about enrollment decline, which was estimated at roughly 15% over 10 years. The committee approved the project after discussion, with members noting the buildings’ age and need for repair. The committee next heard Capital Project 26003 from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for Cannon Mountain. Commissioner Sarah Stewart and staff described an $893,000 tranche, part of a larger effort to address deferred maintenance at the mountain, including guest facilities, lift infrastructure, a passenger ramp for scenic chairlift use, snowmaking improvements, a line replacement, a pump rebuild, and operations equipment. Members asked about the $6 million bonding limit established in 1999, and the department said it appears insufficient and may need updating in the future. The committee approved the Cannon Mountain request. The department also provided an informational update on the Cannon Mountain aerial tramway. Officials said a structural engineering firm is analyzing towers, terminals, and footings, with the goal of confirming the existing infrastructure can support a new tram system and refining bid specifications. They said the work is on track, with an updated cost estimate expected in January and a bid targeted for May. Members asked about the limited number of manufacturers capable of doing the work and whether the project could be delayed; the department said it is in active discussions with the likely bidders and pre-qualifying them. The meeting ended with brief discussion of informational reports, including a question about apparent delays in some New Hampshire Veterans Home projects, which staff said they would follow up on, and the committee adjourned with the next meeting set for March 16 at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:19:02.760> companies<01:19:03.280> could you know, the ride-share companies could
• you know, the ride-share companies could easily<01:19:04.600> set<01:19:04.800> up<01:
• So anyway, that's just my suggestion to the ride-share companies, and I think this is a fantastic bill
• I do a lot of ride shares. They got a lot of nice cars.
• They got a I do a lot of ride shares.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and recognitions. Members marked World Ovarian Cancer Day, promoted Cinco de Mayo and a related potluck, welcomed DeMolay International guests, and recognized correctional officers and employees during Corrections Officers and Employees Week. Several committees also announced upcoming meetings and bill hearings, including Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Transportation, Housing, and Local Government, Capital Development, and Appropriations. Committee reports were read, including favorable recommendations on several bills and a postponement indefinitely of House Joint Resolution 1029. The Majority Leader then moved a slate of bills to special orders, and the House agreed without objection. The chamber then proceeded to floor consideration of Senate Bill 134, concerning payment card network fees. Senate Bill 134 drew debate over whether merchants should continue paying swipe fees on the tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters said the bill would provide meaningful relief to small businesses and restaurants, with estimated savings of $8,000 to $10,000 per business and about $217 million statewide. Opponents argued the bill shifted costs to banks and could have unintended consequences, suggesting the state should instead directly pay or reimburse the fees. After debate, the House passed Senate Bill 134 by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• transportation are consistently regulated to protect the safety of the people who operate it and who ride
• humans, um, and eliminate any way for municipalities to protect the safety of those who operate and ride
• But this isn't about, I mean, I could ride a motorcycle or drive a car.
• not going to come ride with me.
• And so I just wanted to share some perspectives that I've gained over that time on, I think pragmatic

Transcript Highlights:

• You can go ahead and share your proposal.
• Thank you for joining us and for sharing your experience.
• Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts.
• Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
• Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us, though.

Bills: HF1367, HF2732, HF1897, HF1424, HF1383, HF2728, HF2863, HF1685, HF2929

Keywords: child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination

Transcript Highlights:

• Y'all seen them brothers riding around your neighborhood in them Crown Vics with the tinted windows.
• Yeah, that's what I was riding in with two grandchildren in the car, by the way. Okay?
• <00:20:23.400> neighborhood brothers riding around your neighborhood brothers riding around
• Yeah, that's what I was riding<00:20:27.760> in<00:20:28.560> with<00:20:28.800> two
• two grandchildren in the riding in with two grandchildren in the car,<00:20:29.960> by<00:20:

Bills: SB293, SB293

Keywords: SB293, Lee County, solid waste, waste collection fees, garbage fees, trash collection, county commission, fee exemption, low-income households, poverty level, federal poverty level, public sanitation, local act, municipal services, waste management, first responder, interference, criminal law, public safety, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• 24-Hour care but rather a shared 24-Hour care but rather a shared responsibility<01:05:03.720>
• questions and concerns and I will share questions and concerns and I will share a<01:31:18.760><
• with those needing a ride?
• with those needing a ride?
• with those needing a ride?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, the way the program works is if you have this card, it’s a dollar a ride.
• It's something that they're looking for as these rides aren't completely free.
• You can um go ahead and share your proposal.
• Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us, though.
• <01:47:54.239> your thank you so much for sharing your thank you so much for sharing your

Bills: HF1367, HF2732, HF1897, HF1424, HF1383, HF2728, HF2863, HF1685, HF2929

Keywords: child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination

Transcript Highlights:

• to teaching Riders Under 12 to ride to teaching Riders Under 12 to ride responsibly<00:15:07.600
• 16 involved in ATV crashes we're riding 16 involved in ATV crashes we're riding adult<00:15:31.680
• <00:15:47.240> an kids wait until they're 16 to ride an kids wait until they're 16 to ride
• Thank you for your testimony. about the situation he shared two emails about the situation he shared
• Quillis might like to further share on that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Certainly would share that with the chairs of our oversight committees as well.
• And so I think again, if every legislative member should go on that tour, just to, or the ride-along,
• It was basically, ah, my neighbor was mad, we had a battle, and I just wanted a ride to the hospital.
• I think, from a police ride-along, the only difference they do is the police ride-along; they just give
• I'd like to share this work will be ongoing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met on February 6, 2025, for an update on emergency medical services (EMS) policy and implementation. Senator Seberger described the work of the EMS Task Force, which traveled statewide to hear concerns from providers about staffing, reimbursement, and retention. She said the task force led to the Sprint Medic model and two innovation zones in Otter Tail and St. Louis counties, and she urged continued monitoring and possible reconstitution of the task force to evaluate what is working and what could be expanded statewide. She also said future EMS work should continue to explore alternative response models and telemedicine, but that the most immediate need is additional funding, especially to address unpaid non-transport calls. Dylan Ferguson, director of the newly formed Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services, gave a detailed update on the office’s structure and priorities after the transition from the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He described the office’s three divisions, the appointment of deputy directors, the first meetings of the advisory councils, and work on a statewide EMS strategic plan. He also reviewed the $24 million emergency ambulance aid program, explaining its 40-40-20 formula, the emphasis on rural services, the reporting and spending deadlines, and the positive response from ambulance providers. He noted that the $6 million Sprint paramedic grant program is underway, with Otter Tail County moving forward and St. Louis County still finalizing its application. Ferguson also outlined the office’s budget request for modest staffing and contract-cost increases, two rulemaking efforts to update outdated ambulance vehicle standards and expand medication options for basic life support services, and ongoing data collection on workforce needs, violence against EMS providers, and ambulance crashes. He highlighted the paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education, saying nearly 300 scholarships have been awarded. Members and Senator Seberger praised the EMS reforms and emphasized that non-transport calls create significant unreimbursed costs, especially for rural and volunteer services, but no votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Events like ATV jamborees and trail rides bring in visitors from across the state and beyond, helping
• Events like ATV jamborees and trail rides bring in visitors from across the state and beyond, helping
• <00:03:58.319> bring<00:03:58.519> in jamborees and trail rides bring in jamborees
• and trail rides bring in visitors<00:03:59.079> from<00:03:59.239> across<00:03:59.519>
• The DNR, DPS, traffic safety officials, and the State Patrol share serious concerns about safety.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We show them our city, we share our stories; we tell them about our great state, and we help them decide
• And who ride it, such as scooters and pedicabs.
• traffic, San Antonio might be one of the few newer cities where you can ride an electric horse-drawn
• But we still like to go sit and ride through at nighttime on the carriages and things.
• not going to come ride with me.

Bills: HB386, HB1449, HB1701, HB2142, HB2675, HB2857, HB3063, HB3171, HB3641, HB3732, HB4045, HB4370, HB4491, HB4505, HB4626, HB5267, HB5356

Keywords: construction contracts, change orders, local government, budget limits, Texas legislation, HB 1449, mobile food vendors, food trucks, mobile food service establishments, permits, county health permit, municipal permitting, Health and Safety Code Chapter 437A, Chapter 437, inspection agreements, permit reciprocity, fee cap, preemption, large counties, population over one million

Transcript Highlights:

• Why are these people being rejected or why or are companies not riding to the extent that they could?
• Companies are riding about 53% of the area now.
• be able to better answer because they'll have actual stats, but when I talked to members, They're riding
• They just may not be riding to the level they were 2 or 3 years ago. All right.
• The idea is that the more risk you have pooled, The cheaper it is to share that risk amongst a large

Transcript Highlights:

• As we entertain these rides, I noticed arms moving behind there.
• Sometimes they'd get a ride, but the time for them to get a ride...
• Or it's called a safe ride or health ride or something, you know, for senior citizens?
• Assist them the best way possible to get them a ride to there.
• For example, the soft audit, which the share system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two-thirds of the individuals who ride transit in Minnesota today ride the bus instead of the train.
• Two-thirds of the individuals who ride transit in Minnesota today ride the bus instead of the train.
• Two-thirds of the individuals who ride transit in Minnesota today ride the bus instead of the train.
• Two-thirds of the individuals who ride transit in Minnesota today ride the bus instead of the train.
• Two-thirds of the individuals who ride transit in Minnesota today ride the bus instead of the train.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:15.799> a shopping and errands typically riding a shopping and errands typically riding
• riding riding bikes<00:33:55.360> thank<00:33:55.519> you<00:33:56.039> any<00:
• tend to take it on vacation and ride tend to take it on vacation and ride some<00:47:17.640>
• um when I when I was younger and riding um when I when I was younger and riding in<01:31:15.840>
• close this hearing just want to share close this hearing just want to share numbers<01:53:39.480

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles. Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules. Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• provide some protections around sharing provide some protections around sharing with<00:08:49.480
• , and it's really a valuable ride-along, and it's really a valuable tool<00:14:26.720> to<00:14
• <01:23:42.920> Um Johnson Stewart could not get a ride.
• Um Johnson Stewart could not get a ride.
• <01:28:52.120> somehow, people have to hail a ride somehow, people have to hail a ride somehow

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It wasn't flashy or new, but it carried generations across a ride of river.
• It's a long way to go for three minutes, but I felt it was important to come and share my story.
• Instead, two years ago this month, he was killed while riding his electric scooter.
• I know I can speak for the committee in saying we share your grief and your sympathies.
• I, too, want to share my thanks to Connor's mom.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, beginning with agency and records measures from Senator Massullo. SB 488, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles agency package, would update reporting thresholds for crashes, expand DHSMV’s use of email for certain transactions, and align tank vehicle definitions with federal rules; it was reported favorably. Its companion, SB 490, creates a public records exemption for certain email records and also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 892, revising enhanced sentencing procedures for repeat offenders, and SB 124, which cleans up outdated Florida Virtual School language without changing day-to-day operations. Later, SB 584 on commercial driving schools, SB 656 codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and related grant program, and SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute all passed favorably as well. The most extensive debate centered on SB 216, which would tighten reemployment assistance eligibility by adding job-search requirements, interview attendance rules, identity and immigration verification every two weeks, and fraud-reporting duties for the Department of Commerce. Senator McLean argued the bill targets fraud and improves program integrity, while opponents and several members raised concerns about fiscal impact, administrative burden, and reduced access for unemployed workers, especially seniors and rural residents. Dr. Rich Templin of the Florida AFL-CIO testified against the bill, warning it could sharply reduce recipiency and worsen an already restrictive system. Despite opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a divided roll call. The committee also approved CS/SB 382 on electric bicycles, which requires riders to yield to pedestrians on shared pathways, sound an audible signal before passing, and limits speed near pedestrians; it also creates a task force to study further regulation. Michelle Lynch, whose son was killed in an e-scooter crash, testified in support of broader safety rules and urged the committee to add e-scooters back into the bill. Several members echoed concerns about e-scooter safety and asked for further work, but the bill advanced favorably. At the end of the meeting, members requested to be recorded on specific tabs, and the committee adjourned without further business.