Brooke Green — Introduced as the sponsor of House Bill 508.
Brooke Green — Introduces House Bill 508 and explains that it has been sitting idle since early in the session.
Brooke Green — Responds to Representative Harris's question.
Brooke Green — Explains how local entities use federal grants and how the bill would allow standalone projects.
Brooke Green — Will carry House Bill 508 on the floor and is welcomed to present the next bill.
Brooke Green — Will carry House Bill 508 on the floor and is then invited to present House Bill 880.
Jerald Raymond — Representative Dustin Manwaring of District 29 is introduced as the sponsor of Senate Bill 1272, then explains the bill’s purpose and begins outlining the repeals. The chair later opens the floor for questions, and the discussion concludes with notice that Manwaring will carry the bill on the floor.
Brent Crane — Representative Crane is called on after no one is signed up to testify and then immediately moves Senate Bill 1272 to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
Charlie Shepherd — Asked whether the bikes would be legal to drive on state highways if the bill is adopted.
Charlie Shepherd — Followed up by asking about the maximum speed of the bikes.
Charlie Shepherd — Asked whether there was another question.
Charlie Shepherd — Suggested applying ATV-style restrictions if the vehicles are classified as legal for state highways.
Marco Erickson — Representative Green argued that e-bikes or motor bikes sold as e-bikes—especially Class 4 devices—should be licensed and registered if ridden on roads, and that riders without a driver’s license should not be allowed to operate them on streets. He cited law enforcement concerns and examples of online electric cargo bikes and other devices that can reach 35 to 50 mph, noting that a 750-watt motor would classify a bike as Class 4 and may be a problematic threshold because many current products already meet it. He also raised the question of whether motorcycle-style training should be required, suggested the bill be sent to general orders for further work on the 750-watt issue, and explained that while many low-speed devices can currently be ridden broadly, higher-speed e-moto bikes create safety conflicts on sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use pathways, especially when purchased for children. He concluded that such faster devices should face limits on where they can be used, with local flexibility for shared-use pathways and trails.
James Holtzclaw — Representative Holtzclaw questioned whether bicycles rated at 750 watts or more would require a driver's license, noting that some store-bought bikes, including those sold at Costco, exceed that threshold. He followed up by asking whether such bikes could be ridden on the road and emphasized that 750 watts is not especially powerful and that these machines still look like bicycles rather than motorcycles.
James Petzke — Representative Petzke responded to concerns about e-bikes by describing dangerous behavior he has observed from children riding pedal-less electric bikes that function like dirt bikes. He said he has seen them speeding, riding without lights, and traveling on the wrong side of the road, reinforcing the broader safety concerns raised in the discussion.
Richard Cheatum — Representative Holtzclaw is acknowledged for bringing the 750-watt issue to the sponsor’s attention, and then participates in a brief discussion emphasizing the need to balance safety concerns with preserving electric bike access for older residents. He cautions against unnecessarily taking away the opportunity for people to use electric bikes.
Brooke Green — Introduces legislation on e-bikes and motorbikes and explains the proposed classification.
Mark Harris — Representative Mark Harris asks whether federal funds can already be issued to projects like this, and the discussion continues with an explanation of how federal grants are used.
Mike Pohanka — Likely the member referred to as 'Rep. Sam Pahonka' in the motion; transcription is unclear.
Mike Pohanka — Representative Pohanka discussed how e-bikes have taken over the walking path in Twin and urged the legislature to take action and consider limitations. The surrounding mentions simply introduce and reference this same concern, making it a single coherent moment about e-bike impacts and possible legislative response.
Chris Mathias — The chair makes a light joke, saying that Representative Green is not Representative Mathias, and the later mention simply repeats the same reference to Representative Mathias in that remark.
Chris Mathias — Representative Green discussed a bill aimed at regulating disruptive e-bike/moto-bike technology, explaining that the devices need to be classified before communities can impose limits. In response to questions, he clarified that ordinary e-bikes can be ridden on streets and shared-use paths, but the bill is intended to address more disruptive moto-bike style devices and other versions of e-bikes that fit the listed categories. He emphasized that other states are facing similar issues, that a definition is needed so local governments can respond appropriately, and that he would send the bill to general orders and make modifications. He also said he did not intend to restrict recreational users, but wanted to clean up the bill to avoid unintended effects and address devices that can be modified to go much faster. The discussion concluded with the motion carrying.
Charlie Shepherd — Asked whether the proposal would require bicycles to help pay their way and whether the bikes would need to be licensed and registered.
Charlie Shepherd — Was addressed by Representative Green in response to his question.