Bills: HF894 , HF903 , HF949

Committee: Joint Local Government

Keywords: liens, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, water vessels, title release, Iowa law, partial payments, construction, farm-to-market road, Iowa, local government, county auditor, county commissioner, Iowa elections, election administration, procurement, competitive bidding, informal bid process, official bonds, recordkeeping

Bills: HB2588 , HB2722 , HB2727

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority, property tax levy, general obligation bonds, municipal corporation, public transportation benefit area, WTSC, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, ferry terminal, wharf, shuttle service, marine transportation

Bills: SF22 , SF5 , SF47 , SF81 , SF106 , SSB1002 , SF31 , SSB1003 , SSB1008

Committee: Joint Judiciary

Keywords: distracted driving, hands-free driving, voice-activated, cell phone use while driving, mobile phone, electronic communication device, texting while driving, driving safety, reckless driving, traffic law, motor vehicle code, Iowa Code Chapter 321, preemption, local ordinance, hands-free mode, Bluetooth, navigation system, public safety exemption, emergency vehicle, commercial driver

Bills: HB2092 , HB2114 , HB2172 , HB2251 , HB2374 , HB2410 , HB2552 , HB2588 , HB2718 , HB2722 , HB2727

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: passenger rail, transportation, committee, advisory, infrastructure, defective license plates, vehicle registration, Department of Licensing, state regulations, route jurisdiction, abandonment, local governance, climate change, commitment act, emission reductions, sustainability, environmental policy, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to do with snowmobiles, obviously, and where snowmobiles are operated across the state, namely
• You know, these snowmobiles are a lot of fun.
• I represent a snowmobile family.
• I am not a snowmobiler. I'm an avid cross-country skier. years. I am not a snowmobiler.
• One, in our area, we are overrun with unregistered snowmobiles. 40 to 50% of the snowmobiles at a lot

Bills: HB2109 , HB2139 , HB2192

Committee: House Transportation

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

Transcript Highlights:

• A vintage snowmobile is defined as a The fee for snowmobiles is $50.
• A vintage snowmobile is defined as a snowmobile that was manufactured at least 30 years ago.
• The registration fees for snowmobiles are deposited into the snowmobile account, which is used for snowmobile-related
• I am the chair of the SMAC, or the Snowmobile Advisory Committee, which advises State Parks on snowmobile
• I am president of the largest snowmobile club in the Spokane area, the Spokane Winter Night Snowmobile

Bills: SB5234 , SB6110 , SB6176

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: snowmobile, snowmobile registration, vehicle registration fees, registration fee, Department of Licensing, DOL, recreational vehicles, winter recreation, vintage snowmobile, parks and recreation, vehicle license fee, RCW 46.17, fee schedule, renewal fee, initial fee, Washington state, electric-assisted bicycles, electric motorcycles, transportation regulation, safety standards

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to do with snowmobiles, obviously, and where snowmobiles are operated across the state, namely
• You know, these snowmobiles are a lot of fun.
• I represent a snowmobile family.
• I am not a snowmobiler. I'm an avid cross-country skier.
• One, in our area, we are overrun with unregistered snowmobiles. 40 to 50% of the snowmobiles at a lot

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from NCSL staff on national transportation funding trends and alternative user-fee options as gas tax revenue declines. The presentation covered declining fuel-tax purchasing power, the effects of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, and a range of state responses including indexed gas taxes, EV and hybrid registration fees, voluntary and mandatory road usage charges, transportation network company fees, retail delivery fees, and per-kilowatt-hour EV charging fees. Members asked about Virginia’s mileage-fee program, enrollment rates, and whether states had reduced gas taxes alongside new fees; the presenters said they would follow up with additional information. Committee staff then presented a comparison of Washington’s transportation budget with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, focusing on population, lane miles, road condition, fuel taxes, preservation spending, mega-projects, and governance structures. The discussion highlighted Washington’s unique transportation pressures, including ferries, fish-passage obligations, high debt service, and major capital projects. Members asked follow-up questions about debt service, interest costs, CCA impacts on fuel prices, and whether project costs differed by state. The committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2109 would allow vehicles being towed on trailers to use coverings to contain mud, rocks, or debris instead of requiring prior cleaning; the bill’s sponsor and construction witnesses supported it as a practical solution, and the fiscal note showed modest costs to WSP and WSDOT. House Bill 2139 would raise snowmobile registration fees to support snow park and trail grooming; State Parks, DNR, and several snowmobile advocates supported it, while some snowmobile users opposed it, arguing that enforcement of unregistered sleds should be addressed first. House Bill 2192 would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review authority and allow it to collect certain health data; the sponsor and agency supported the bill as a public-health tool, while one attorney raised concerns about limiting civil discovery and evidentiary access in fatal crash litigation.

Transcript Highlights:

• A vintage snowmobile is defined as a The fee for snowmobiles is $50.
• A vintage snowmobile is defined as a snowmobile that was manufactured at least 30 years ago.
• The registration fees for snowmobiles are deposited into the snowmobile account, which is used for snowmobile-related
• I am the chair of the SMAC, or the Snowmobile Advisory Committee, which advises State Parks on snowmobile
• I am president of the largest snowmobile club in the Spokane area, the Spokane Winter Night Snowmobile

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held a work session on impaired driving, beginning with data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and a discussion of a proposed reduction in the legal per se blood alcohol concentration limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Mark McKekney presented crash and fatality data showing that about half of traffic fatalities involve an impaired driver, that alcohol remains the most common substance involved, and that impairment is strongly associated with speeding and higher crash risk. He also summarized a Washington/AAA survey finding support for lowering the limit rose from 54% to 71% after respondents received information about safety impacts, and he said the most persuasive arguments were that the change would save lives and reduce impaired driving. Committee members asked about how much alcohol can produce a 0.05 BAC, enforcement practices, blood testing in fatal crashes, and whether other states or countries use lower limits. The committee then heard emotional testimony from Joshua Jackman, who described severe injuries and long-term consequences from being struck by a drunk driver in 2007, and said the proposed law could help prevent similar tragedies by encouraging people to plan ahead. A panel followed with testimony from AAA Washington, the Washington State Patrol, and the Department of Transportation. AAA supported a 0.05 standard and cited research and international experience showing fewer fatalities and serious injuries without major effects on arrests or the hospitality industry. The State Patrol said the bill is intended to prevent crashes rather than increase arrests and would not change stop standards or DUI investigative practices. WSDOT described the safety, work-zone, congestion, equipment-damage, and liability costs caused by impaired driving, including recent crashes involving snowplows and road crews. No vote was taken on the impaired-driving discussion. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5234, which would raise snowmobile registration fees from $50 to $75 and vintage snowmobile fees from $12 to $18, with additional revenue going to the snowmobile account for grooming, plowing, sanitation, and other State Parks snowmobile programs. State Parks said the program has seen declining registrations and reduced services, while supporters from the snowmobile community said the increase is needed to stabilize the program and keep trails open. Some testimony supported the need for more revenue but opposed the fee increase as the wrong solution, arguing the program needs broader reform and that many snowmobiles remain unregistered. The hearing record noted 3 people signed in pro and 105 con. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6110, which would clarify the definition of e-bikes, exclude vehicles capable of exceeding 20 mph solely on motor power or easily modified to do so, and direct the Department of Licensing to convene a work group to develop recommendations for regulating electric motorcycles. Committee discussion focused on the distinction between legal e-bikes and faster e-motos, with questions about wattage, speed, youth use, and whether the bill should define e-motorcycles more directly. Students, local officials, city representatives, trail advocates, and bicycle groups testified in support, describing safety concerns, injuries, and confusion in enforcement, while also emphasizing that true e-bikes improve mobility and access. Several local government and advocacy witnesses asked for a clearer statutory definition of e-motorcycles and a civil enforcement path for juveniles. No final action was taken on the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> add as somebody who snowmobiles add as somebody who snowmobiles regularly<00:33:17.279><c> and</
• </c> Statewide uh that promote snowmobiling Statewide uh that promote snowmobiling as<00:35:46.720><c
• Snowmobile users pay to snowmobile, and that money is then used to maintain the trails.
• </c> renie and his team also the snowmobile renie and his team also the snowmobile clubs<01:27:17.520
• Snowmobiles are on it and all that.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> motor</c> And it updates snowmobile, motor And it updates snowmobile, motor vehicles,<00:33:05.560
• ,</c> 12 is for ATVs and vessels, snowmobiles, 12 is for ATVs and vessels, snowmobiles, 10<00:44:11.560
• ,</c> clear that it's for vessel, snowmobiles, clear that it's for vessel, snowmobiles, and<00:44:28.600
• Section vessels, snowmobiles, and ATVs.
• . snowmobile. snowmobile.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> round use of the same Trail snowmobile round use of the same Trail snowmobile in<00:16:10.759><c
• When this trail was built, there were over 100 different manufacturers of snowmobiles.
• snowmobile grant-in-aid trails in many communities in the area.
• </c><00:20:44.440><c> trails</c> Minnesota's Premier snowmobile trails Minnesota's Premier snowmobile
• Snowmobilers, hikers, and horseback riders.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> carry a loaded long arm on a snowmobile, carry a loaded long arm on a snowmobile, even<00:08:26.240
• For many sportsmen in be a snowmobile.
• </c> public trail or designated snowmobile public trail or designated snowmobile corridor.<00:13:25.760
• snowmobile? Sure. snowmobile? Sure.
• Um, can you speak to at snowmobile.

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Transcript Highlights:

• I had gotten hit by a snowmobile, I think it was a snowmobile, was it, Martin?
• I had gotten hit by a snowmobile, I think it was a snowmobile, was it, Martin?
• I had gotten hit by a snowmobile, I think it was a snowmobile, was it, Martin?
• I had gotten hit by a snowmobile, I think it was a snowmobile, was it, Martin?
• I had gotten hit by a snowmobile, I think it was a snowmobile, was it, Martin?

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> snowmobile. This is the A37 amendment. snowmobile. This is the A37 amendment.
• And I as much as I love snowmobiles.
• </c> snowmobiling, um I would do two things. snowmobiling, um I would do two things.
• </c> we'll give him a ride on a snowmobile we'll give him a ride on a snowmobile and<00:50:17.600><c>
• </c> probably the snowmobile, but uh Mr. probably the snowmobile, but uh Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• The closure has also pushed ATV and snowmobile traffic onto busy Highway 24, creating a serious safety
• traffic onto busy Highway 24, snowmobile traffic onto busy Highway 24, creating<00:54:15.920><c> a</
• It's part of the Ele... snowmobile trail.
• So snowmobile trails especially are important.
• So snowmobile trails especially are important.

Bills: HF2418 , HF1666 , HF232 , HF344 , HF402 , HF431 , HF468 , HF547 , HF583 , HF1476 , HF1711 , HF2787 , HF2788 , HF3207

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, uh snowmobiles and OHRV.
• Uh there's Ora and snowmobile users.
• Um, and snowmobiles and uh bicycles.
• </c> different than, I think, snowmobiling. different than, I think, snowmobiling.
• So maybe this bill could be amended to say it's only... snowmobile on O RV trails, if you're 12 snowmobile

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• You look right now, um, any one of our sport outdoor winter activities, snowmobiling, biking on trails
• biking on Trails activities snowmobiling biking on Trails or<00:04:21.799><c> ice</c><00:04:22.120><
• I've gotten a lot of calls in regards to snowmobiles and snowmobiling, the trail grant and aid program
• What can you say to our snowmobilers that are hurting right now?
• and um uh in regards to um snowmobiles and um uh snowmobiling<00:31:18.080><c> the</c><00:31:18.200>

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 81 would exempt off-highway vehicles, otherwise known as OHVs, so that would be snowmobiles
• 00:01:12.520><c> be</c> otherwise known as OHS so that'd be otherwise known as OHS so that'd be snowmobiles
• <00:01:14.560><c> um</c> snowmobiles um snowmobiles um ebikes<00:01:16.680><c> uh</c><00:01:16.759><c
• the committee, my name is Christian Fran, and I'm testifying on behalf of the Minnesota United Snowmobilers
• arguably could be greater than the health impact to these parts being used in youth model ATVs and snowmobiles

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is the online registration for snowmobiles and all is now running well?
• and all is registration for snowmobiles and all is now<04:01:28.920><c> running</c><04:01:29.920><c>
• Okay, then when was the last time you raised OHRV snowmobile license fees?
• Uh, when they're registering their snowmobile...
• They have to register their snowmobile in New Hampshire, or can they use their registered snowmobile

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at 2:30 we'll open HB 513 relative to snowmobiles and trail connectors.
• He said that if we solve this problem, we are going to help the snowmobile industry, which will also
• He said there is a lot of wooded area and a lot of snowmobilers.
• </c> job to help the snowmobile job to help the snowmobile clubs<04:40:40.480><c> any</c><04:40:40.680
• He said he represents the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 332, a bill to add protection and remediation of surface waters as a new authorized purpose for New Hampshire village districts. Prime sponsor Rep. Rosemary Rung said the bill is intended to give local voters in lake communities a voluntary tool to address cyanobacteria blooms and other water-quality problems through village districts, including the ability to raise revenue, adopt ordinances, and pursue treatments or watershed management measures. She emphasized that the proposal is meant to complement, not replace, state law and that any district action would still need to comply with existing permitting and environmental requirements. Supporters, including Andrea Laro of New Hampshire Lakes and Elizabeth Harper of the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, said the bill would help municipalities collaborate on lake protection when state resources are limited. They argued that local districts could bring subject-matter expertise, access grants and technical assistance, and respond more quickly to problems such as septic impacts, runoff, culvert repairs, and in-lake treatments. They also suggested clarifying the bill’s wording around “protection and remediation” to better define the scope of authorized activities. Opponents, including Steve Wolf and Chris Norwood of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, argued that village districts can already be overly broad and sometimes expand beyond their original purposes. Wolf said existing town and state agencies already handle shoreline protection and warned that village districts can impose ongoing taxes and create governance problems. Norwood urged a study bill instead, citing concerns about the scope of village districts and examples where some districts have taken on planning and zoning powers beyond their original mission. No vote or final action on HB 332 was taken in the excerpt.