Committee Summary for House Transportation (01/13/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1354 00:10:21.120 - 9:06:22 AM	Public Hearing	authorizing the division of motor vehicles to issue license plate decals for amateur radio operators.	Thackston, Dick(R)[B+]2025
HB1483 00:25:09.200 - 9:21:10 AM	Public Hearing	creating a motor vehicle license plate for amateur radio operators.	Ulery, Jordan(R)[A-]2025
HB1350 00:52:19.520 - 9:48:20 AM	Public Hearing	relative to antique motor vehicles.	Farrington, Samuel(R)[A+]2025
HB1176 01:16:02.880 - 10:12:03 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the display of license plates on vehicles.	Notter, Jeanine(R)[A-]2025
HB1190 01:42:42.800 - 10:38:43 AM	Public Hearing	enabling the division of motor vehicles to create a temporary traditional driver's license for youth operators about to turn 21.	Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2025
HB1415 03:08:13.040 - 12:04:14 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a special veterans license plate and creates a fund and administrative programs from the proceeds of the sale of such plates.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025
HB1421 03:29:53.120 - 12:25:54 PM	Public Hearing	modifying title exemptions for motor vehicles manufactured before the year 2000.	Granger, Michael(R)[A+]2025
HB1430 03:48:21.120 - 12:44:22 PM	Public Hearing	relative to title registration requirements for motorcycles.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025
HB1111 04:05:11.760 - 1:01:12 PM	Public Hearing	relative to driving test accommodations and retest suspension periods.	Smith, Steven(R)[B]2025
Unclear 04:35:13.359 - 1:31:14 PM	Executive Session	Unclear

HB1354: Representative Dick Thaxton, Troy and Fitzwilliam Support00:10:21.120 - 9:06:22 AM; Representative Thaxton introduced the bill as a constituent request, explaining the history of ham radio operators dating back to 1905. He highlighted their role in providing critical communication during crises, such as hurricanes, when other systems fail. He described ham radio operators as amateurs, non-profit, and community-oriented. He suggested amending the bill to make it effective January 1, 2028, due to license plate production issues. He clarified that amateur radio requires an FCC license and is for individual communication, not public broadcast. He estimated around 5,700 licensed operators in New Hampshire and expressed openness to a companion bill for full plates with a list for emergency outreach, stating it would be better.
HB1354: Jennifer Olirri, Registration Bureau Administrator, Division of Motor Vehicles Information Only00:20:19.280 - 9:16:20 AM; Ms. Olirri explained that the fiscal note was based on the bill's language indicating a plate symbol applied to permanent plates, not a simple decal. She noted that DMV does not produce decal plates under current law (RSA 261-B), which requires nonprofits to handle development, approval, distribution, and tracking, with DMV only producing and distributing them. She discussed the new plate production system under RFP, aimed at efficiency and cost-effectiveness via the Department of Corrections. She anticipated easier creation of new plate types post-implementation but noted that removing decal options or adding plate types would require legislation. She could not provide a timeline for the new system but confirmed an RFP was issued with submissions received, no contract yet.
HB1483: Representative Jordan Nullery, Hillsboro 13 Support00:25:09.200 - 9:21:10 AM; Representative Nullery introduces the bill, explaining its purpose as a constituent-urged measure similar to a previous bill. He highlights the critical role of amateur radio operators (ham operators) in emergencies, such as during hurricanes in the central US, where they provided communication when government systems failed. He discusses the history and capabilities of ham radios, including their use in low-frequency bands for long-distance communication, and shares personal experiences driving an ambulance and using radios. Nullery emphasizes that ham operators maintain off-grid equipment for backups during disasters, practice with emergency services, and reference examples like the movie Independence Day. He notes that the plates would allow ham operators to use microphones while driving under FCC regulations, providing visible identification to law enforcement for hands-free exemptions and access to restricted areas during crises. The bill is revenue-neutral as operators pay for the plates like vanity plates, with minimal costs due to upcoming DMV system upgrades. He offers to answer questions and suggests consulting ham operators present.
HB1483: Richard Khan, Hudson, NH, NV1Z Support00:37:52.800 - 9:33:53 AM; Richard Khan supports the bill, sharing his experience as a ham radio operator since 1973. He reiterates the revenue-neutral aspect and the public service value of ham radio, mandated by FCC rules for emergency communications. Khan recounts personal involvement in Hurricane Gloria, where he and his wife relayed trouble reports for power outages, saving time without needing phones. He stresses ham radio's utility even when cellular systems are overwhelmed and its role in technical support for public services, like emergency location exercises. Khan argues the plates recognize the hobby's importance beyond vanity, valuing volunteers' contributions and providing a sense of appreciation. He addresses the lightning bolt symbol as standard in states like Massachusetts and mentions historical state recognition, such as a proclamation broadcast via ham radio. Khan offers to answer questions about the hobby.
HB1483: Jennifer Olirri, Registration Bureau Administrator, Division of Motor Vehicles Information Only00:45:55.839 - 9:41:56 AM; Jennifer Olirri provides information on the fiscal aspects of creating the new plate type. She explains that the $25,000 cost in the fiscal note covers internal technology development, testing, and hours in the MAP system by the state's IT team. For the physical plates, there's no additional cost as they work with vendors using regular production materials after image approval by the director and commissioner. Olirri cannot comment on past higher estimates (around $280,000) for custom plates but notes recent system changes and vendor certifications involve state-paid development costs. She clarifies no known vendor costs to the state and mentions efficiencies may have been implemented. Olirri also references a fiscal note for another plate change involving elimination of an existing type, with costs provided by development teams.
HB1350: Representative Sam Farington, Rochester Support00:52:19.520 - 9:48:20 AM; Representative Farington introduced HB 1350, explaining that it removes restrictions from the existing statute on antique plates, which currently limit use to club activities, parades, and functions of public interest, but not commerce or everyday use. He noted that clerks cannot verify intended use when issuing plates, creating a conflict. He addressed the fiscal note's high estimate, arguing it assumes all 75,000 eligible vehicles would switch, which is unlikely, and emphasized that the bill simplifies the law without changing eligibility.
HB1350: Representative Miller Information Only00:53:13.280 - 9:49:14 AM; Representative Miller questioned the need to remove restrictions on antique vehicles, highlighting the reduced registration fees and the fiscal note's projected millions in lost revenue due to increased everyday use and road wear. He sought clarification on whether criteria must all be met or just one, and raised concerns about removing the fire truck exemption added last year for departments to register expired trucks affordably.
HB1350: Caleb Labby, Brentwood Support00:57:35.200 - 9:53:36 AM; Caleb Labby supported HB 1350, arguing that New Hampshire should not restrict when, where, or why safe, registered vehicles are driven, aligning with the 'live free or die' ethos. He criticized the current RSA 259:4 language as outdated and vague, leading to unclear ordinary use like driving to lunch or across town. He noted enforcement challenges for law enforcement without objective measures. Labby cited Connecticut's 1979 removal of similar restrictions, which allowed regular use without issues. The bill modernizes the statute, respects vehicle owners, and preserves automotive history without enabling abuse.
HB1350: Representative Gison Information Only01:02:20.000 - 9:58:21 AM; Representative Gison, a collector with a 1970 Harley-Davidson, asked for Labby's interpretation of whether riding an antique vehicle to work would violate the 'daily use' clause, as it isn't for a show or club event.
HB1350: Jennifer Olirri, Registration Bureau Administrator, Division of Motor Vehicles Information Only01:06:05.599 - 10:02:06 AM; Jennifer Olirri clarified that the struck language in HB 1350 specifically applies to retired fire apparatus over 20 years old, as added by last year's legislation to allow registration outside the 25-year antique threshold for exhibitions, parades, etc., but not commerce. She noted 'daily use' is vague but interpreted as not a regular driver, with antiques typically stored in winter to avoid road damage. Lower fees reflect lower road use, funding highway and local maintenance. She confirmed the Division does not interpret the law as prohibiting driving across town; antiques can be used on roads without location restrictions, just not as everyday drivers.
HB1176: Representative Nter, Hillsboro 12, town of Marlborough Support01:16:02.880 - 10:12:03 AM; Representative Nter sponsored HB 1176 to eliminate the front license plate requirement, inspired by visits to Vermont and Florida where only rear plates are needed. He argued it would preserve beautiful vehicles from drilling damage and boost the economy by allowing sales of decorative rear plates, like those with flowers or state slogans.
HB1176: Nicholas Alexander, Administrator, Turnpikes Bureau, Department of Transportation Oppose01:18:23.199 - 10:14:24 AM; Nicholas Alexander opposed HB 1176, stating it would impair the E-ZPass tolling system, which relies on front plate images for electronic tolls, dispute resolution, and violation enforcement without transponders. Removing front plates would reduce turnpike revenue and increase processing costs. He noted states like Pennsylvania and Florida use rear-only plates but face higher costs; New Hampshire's system, especially at certain tolls, isn't fully equipped for rear capture, particularly for commercial vehicles with obscured plates or trailers from different owners. While technology is advancing, cutting front plate visibility in half would hinder processing millions of annual transactions.
HB1176: Bob Scully, New Hampshire Motor Transport Association Information Only01:26:19.920 - 10:22:20 AM; Bob Scully represents the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association and takes no position on the bill but recommends exempting commercial motor vehicles. He explains that for tractor-trailers, the rear plate on the trailer differs from the tractor's plate, making front plates essential for identification, especially if the trailer changes. He suggests amending the bill to exempt commercial vehicles from the single-plate requirement.
HB1176: John Drury, retired chief of police, New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association Oppose01:28:05.920 - 10:24:06 AM; John Drury, a retired chief of police and member of the New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association, opposes the bill. He shares experiences from his 20 years on the Strafford County accident reconstruction team, where front plates were crucial for solving crimes and identifying vehicles at accident scenes. He discusses challenges in spotting vehicles without front plates during high-speed pursuits or BOLOs, the reflectivity of plates for nighttime visibility, and how front plates aid in parking lots, store cameras, and avoiding misidentification. He addresses aerodynamics concerns as minimal and highlights brackets that attach plates without damaging vehicles. He notes that 29 states, including all New England states except Vermont's exception, require two plates, and warns of issues for one-plate vehicles in two-plate states.
HB1176: Banny Matuchi, New Hampshire State Police Oppose01:34:04.159 - 10:30:05 AM; Banny Matuchi from the New Hampshire State Police opposes the bill, arguing that eliminating the front plate requirement compromises law enforcement and officer safety. Front plates enable quick visual identification of passing vehicles, confirmation of registration, and support for license plate readers in detecting stolen vehicles, AMBER/Silver alerts, and BOLO vehicles. He highlights risks of misidentification, reduced enforcement in pursuits, and diminished effectiveness at intersections. National organizations emphasize two plates for accuracy and public safety. He urges maintaining the two-plate requirement.
HB1190: Representative Veu Support01:42:42.800 - 10:38:43 AM; Representative Veu, the bill sponsor, introduces HB 1190-FN, a repeat of last year's HB 612 which passed both houses unanimously but died in committee of conference. The bill addresses issues for youth operators turning 21, whose vertical licenses expire at midnight on their birthday. If birthdays fall on weekends or holidays, applying early results in another vertical license, requiring a duplicate horizontal one later, or risks driving expired. The bill allows applications up to 60 days early (increased from 30) for a temporary license, accommodating college students or out-of-state workers. This improves convenience and reduces DMV workload.
HB1190: John Morasco, Director, and Jen Bailey, Assistant Director, New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles Support01:45:48.239 - 10:41:49 AM; John Morasco and Jen Bailey from the DMV support the bill, thanking the sponsor for reintroducing it. They emphasize its importance for customer service, as many youth renewing online near their 21st birthday receive unwanted vertical licenses. The bill enables 60-day early renewals to produce horizontal licenses on the birthday, with the extension providing a buffer for any vendor delays. They note current same-day/next-day production and full support for the measure.
HB1415: Representative Gison Support03:08:13.040 - 12:04:14 PM; Representative Gison introduces HB 1415-FN in the absence of the prime sponsor. The bill creates an optional special license plate to support veterans, with proceeds funding the New Hampshire Veterans First Fund for services like suicide prevention, housing, and general support. It is not restricted to veterans; any resident can purchase it. It works in conjunction with HB 1753, with an amendment to merge them, and is an opt-in program to boost veteran-related initiatives.
HB1415: Nicole Desile Bixler, Deputy Adjutant General, Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services Support03:10:19.040 - 12:06:20 PM; Nicole Desile Bixler supports the bill as part of the New Hampshire First for Veterans initiative, backed by the governor and multiple state departments. The special plate allows any citizen to honor veterans and create a funding stream to attract and retain them in the state. With over 50% of NH's 85,000 veterans over 55 and only 1,000 new veterans annually from 200,000 separating nationwide, the goal is to attract 5,000 yearly. Veterans offer strong work ethic and skills in logistics, engineering, healthcare, etc., boosting the economy via VA benefits. Challenges include 5% in poverty, 150 homeless, and high suicide rates, especially post-separation. The plate funds address these, showing appreciation for veterans' sacrifices.
HB1415: Major General David Mikolitis, Adjutant General, Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services Support03:18:46.880 - 12:14:47 PM; Major General David Mikolitis supports the bill, outlining the department's role in veteran outreach, services, and cemetery management under a 2019 executive order. NH's veteran population has declined from 115,000 to 85,000, amid low unemployment needing workforce. The First for Veterans initiative aims to attract active-duty members to live, learn, and serve in NH. With limited discretionary funds, the plate mimics successful programs like the moose plate, providing dedicated funding for veteran causes. Anyone can purchase it, not just veterans, to recruit and support them as valuable citizens and employees.
HB1415: Kevin Grady, State Veterans Advisory Committee, Hooksett Support03:22:52.000 - 12:18:53 PM; Kevin Grady, a 28-year resident of Hooksett and 25-year Air Force veteran, represents the State Veterans Advisory Committee, chartered by RSA 15-A:8 to advocate for veterans. The committee reviews bills impacting veterans and takes positions. They support HB 1415-FN as it attracts veterans to New Hampshire. He agrees with prior testimony from Deputy Adjutant General Bixler. He clarifies the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services was created to provide a single point of contact for veterans' issues, addressing fragmentation. HB 1753 will establish the New Hampshire First for Veterans organization, which this plate will support; it does not yet exist. He notes an education process is needed, as veterans may prefer free standard veteran plates over paying initial fees for this one, though they'll understand ongoing costs like a moose plate. He suggests combining this bill with HB 1753 for a comprehensive program.
HB1421: Representative Granger, Prime Sponsor Support03:29:53.120 - 12:25:54 PM; Representative Granger sponsors HB 1421-FN to assist tow truck drivers who tow abandoned older vehicles at police request but struggle to dispose of them without titles, leading to storage issues and complaints from towns. He notes people rarely abandon vehicles under 15 years old. The bill proposes reverting to a 15-year rolling exemption for titles, as it was before 2014 when it became static at pre-2000. Prior to 2014, this was law, and titles prevent theft, but older cars are seldom stolen. He references similar past bills like HB 414 and is open to amendments.
HB1421: Jen Bailey and Jennifer Gornert, Department of Motor Vehicles Information Only03:35:25.040 - 12:31:26 PM; Jen Bailey, Assistant Director of the DMV, and Jennifer Gornert, Title Bureau Administrator, provide informational testimony without a position. They explain that exempting vehicles from titling increases fraud risk, as titles on secured paper with controlled numbers track ownership nationally via NMVTIS, preventing odometer tampering, theft, and unbranded rebuilt salvage vehicles. Exempt vehicles use non-secure bills of sale. For abandoned vehicles, tow companies notify DMV with forms TDMV71 and 505 to get owner info, place liens, notify parties, wait periods, and auction or junk using VIN verification, notice of sale, and TDMV 109. This process applies to exempt vehicles too, allowing titling if needed. They note neighboring states have 15-20 year exemptions, but Massachusetts titles all. Other steps include 30-day waits and quick sales for low-value vehicles. The bill could create ownership gaps affecting interstate sales and fraud.
HB1430: Representative Reed, Prime Sponsor Support03:48:21.120 - 12:44:22 PM; Representative Reed sponsors HB 1430-FN to revert motorcycle title requirements for registration to a rolling 20-year (or 10-year) exemption, as before changes 10 years ago pushed by a dealership owner to benefit business. Motorcycles are recreational and seasonal in NH, not primary transport, often stored long-term, leading to lost titles. Unlike cars, they're not relied on year-round due to weather. He compares to RVs exempt from titles despite value. Requiring titles since 2000 makes old motorcycles (e.g., 50-year-olds by 2050) unregisterable, devaluing them. He supports broader bills like HB 1421 but seeks at least this for motorcycles, as title loss is common for recreational use. Includes some three-wheel vehicles depending on definition.
HB1430: Jennifer Gornert, Department of Motor Vehicles Information Only03:53:42.000 - 12:49:43 PM; Jennifer Gornert returns to inform on HB 1430-FN, reiterating title exemptions increase fraud risk. Motorcycles are easy to steal and transport, heightening vulnerability. No position, but highlights consumer impact. Antique vehicles (25+ years) can get titles via documentation and NMVTIS check; the exemption window for non-antique pre-2000 vehicles closed this year. Abandoned motorcycles follow the same process as other vehicles, including antique titling if qualified. VIN verifications by police confirm physical VIN but not national database checks, limiting fraud mitigation.
HB1111: Representative Steven Smith, Prime Sponsor Support04:05:11.760 - 1:01:12 PM; Representative Steven Smith from Sullivan County District 3 (Unity, Newport, Charlestown) introduces HB 1111 to address driving test accommodations and retest suspension periods. The bill stems from a case of someone with a condition preparing for their license who failed a test, but the transcript cuts off before full details.
HB1111: Donna Splain Support04:09:04.640 - 1:05:05 PM; Donna Splain testified in support of HB 1111, sharing her personal experience with her son's difficulties in obtaining a driver's license due to anxiety during the road test. He failed three times, leading to severe consequences she described as punitive, including a one-year suspension of his learner's permit, prohibition on practice driving, requirement for a costly remedial driver's ed course ($500-$600), and a $100 reinstatement fee—double the standard. She highlighted the lack of clear information on the DMV website and had to use AI to find details. During the third test, her son froze when asked about directionals, and the examiner berated her for intervening, threatening automatic failure, which exacerbated his anxiety. She advocated for allowing a parent in the car during the test to provide comfort and also urged amendments to reduce the punitive measures for failures, as her son had not broken any laws.
HB1111: John Morasco, Director of DMV Oppose04:12:01.279 - 1:08:02 PM; John Morasco, Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles, provided testimony opposing key aspects of HB 1111 while acknowledging the department's focus on customer service and empathetic examiners. He emphasized that examiners are trained to calm nervous applicants and shared a positive example from the new Raymond DMV. He expressed concerns about safety risks from allowing a third person (e.g., parent) in the car during road tests, citing past incidents of emotional escalations requiring police involvement and recent investments in examiner safety like cell phones and tracking. He noted that while accommodations exist for knowledge tests, the road test must assess independent driving competence for long-term public safety. He clarified that there is no year-long suspension after three failures—only a 10-day wait and required training—and turned over to Ashley for further details.
HB1111: Ashley Gray, DMV Oppose04:15:59.600 - 1:12:00 PM; Ashley Gray from the DMV provided detailed opposition to HB 1111, clarifying misconceptions and outlining current practices. She explained that after three road test failures, there is no suspension or restoration fee; instead, a 10-day wait and five hours of documented training with a licensed school are required, allowing practice driving to continue. She opposed allowing additional passengers due to increased distractions, unrealistic testing environments for independent licensing, and heightened safety risks from hostile behaviors, often from parents. Regarding IEPs, she noted they are for K-12 education, not public safety assessments, and implementing them would require untrained staff to interpret medical documents, exceeding statutory scope under RSA 263. Current accommodations include oral knowledge tests, extended time (rarely needed as tests average 6-11 minutes), feedback, and pre-test meetings for anxious applicants. She highlighted that the bill's proposed three-month suspension would hinder skill-building by prohibiting practice and add unnecessary record/fee implications. For interpreters, they are allowed for knowledge tests but not in vehicles; handheld translating devices are used by examiners without distracting the applicant. She confirmed no ADA-mandated accommodations beyond internal policies, uniform standards for all, and no increased retest fees.
Unclear: Chair Information Only04:35:13.359 - 1:31:14 PM; The chair announced that after reviewing all bills, the committee decided to defer executive sessions and reports to next Tuesday's meeting, opting instead for a full day of hearings to allow members to go home early today. Simple bills would be handled then.

Walsh, Thomas(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Crawford, Karel(Clerk)(R)[C+]2025	Gorski, Ted(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Sykes, George(D)[F]2025	Hill, Gregory(R)[A-]2025	Plamondon, Marc(D)[F]2025
Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2025	Pitaro, Matthew(R)[A-]2025	Coker, Matthew(R)[C]2025
St. Clair, Charlie(D)[D-]2025	Fox, Dru(D)[F]2025	Foote, Charles(R)[B]2025
Johnson, Erik(D)[F]2025	Miller, Seth(D)[F]2025	Hamblen, Joseph(R)[B]2025
Giasson, Henry(R)[A+]2025