Committee Summary for House Transportation (02/03/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1549 00:07:34.960 - 9:07:56 AM	Public Hearing	establishing that titles, bills of sale, and identification documents are required only at initial registration or transfer of ownership.	McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025
HB1551 00:28:58.159 - 9:29:20 AM	Public Hearing	relative to permanent vehicle registrations.	Granger, Michael(R)[A+]2025
HB1698 00:51:42.880 - 9:52:04 AM	Public Hearing	relative to electronic credentials.	Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2025
HB1758 01:08:04.160 - 10:08:26 AM	Public Hearing	relative to school bus drivers' certificates.	Oppel, Thomas(D)[F]2025
HB1560 2026-0422h 01:46:16.880 - 10:46:38 AM	Public Hearing	relative to annual motor vehicle inspection standards and reinstatement.	Leishman, Peter(D)[D-]2025
HB1415 03:47:16.399 - 12:47:38 PM	Executive Session	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 2026-0445h 03:54:12.800 - 12:54:34 PM	Executive Session	modifying title exemptions for motor vehicles manufactured before the year 2000.	Granger, Michael(R)[A+]2025
HB1466 2026-0382h 04:00:04.720 - 1:00:26 PM	Executive Session	relative to obtaining a certificate of title for certain trailers.	Walsh, Thomas(R)[B-]2025
HB1482 04:06:03.760 - 1:06:25 PM	Executive Session	authorizing the department of motor vehicles to adopt seasonal tourism-themed license plates.	Cahill, Michael(D)[CT]2025
HB1492 2026-0407h 04:15:13.359 - 1:15:35 PM	Executive Session	relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways.	Leishman, Peter(D)[D-]2025
HB1594 2026-0322h 04:33:54.639 - 1:34:16 PM	Executive Session	establishing a weight-based tiered registration fee schedule for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.	Bridle, Nicholas(R)[C]2025
HB1551 04:41:22.160 - 1:41:44 PM	Executive Session	relative to permanent vehicle registrations.	Granger, Michael(R)[A+]2025
HB1551 04:46:51.520 - 1:47:13 PM	Executive Session	relative to permanent vehicle registrations.	Granger, Michael(R)[A+]2025

HB1549: Representative McFarland, Grafton 18 Support00:07:34.960 - 9:07:56 AM; Representative McFarland explained that the bill addresses a gap in RSA 261:148 by clarifying that ownership and identification documents are required only at initial registration or transfer of ownership, not at renewals. This reduces confusion among town clerks and aligns with existing practices. He emphasized that it preserves fraud prevention at key points while making renewals easier for situations like illness or deployment, allowing family members to handle them without redundant paperwork. He requested the committee find the bill ought to pass.
HB1549: Representative Miller Information Only00:09:40.399 - 9:10:02 AM; Representative Miller questioned the addition of personal recognizance for ID requirements, seeking consistency across state practices and clarification on its application.
HB1549: Representative Hamlin Information Only00:12:36.560 - 9:12:58 AM; Representative Hamlin sought clarification on potential fraud risks, such as same-named family members or stolen vehicles, and how the bill addresses them without requiring repeated proofs.
HB1549: Representative Gison Information Only00:13:43.519 - 9:14:05 AM; Representative Gison recalled prior discussions framing the bill as housekeeping to prevent misinterpretation of renewal requirements and confirmed agreement on clarifying the law's intent. He followed up on whether clerks can reference state records for renewals without physical copies.
HB1549: Representative Miller (follow-up) Information Only00:15:46.639 - 9:16:08 AM; Representative Miller highlighted lines 27-30 of the bill, questioning ID needs at transfer versus renewal, and noted the bill's focus on high-risk points like ownership changes.
HB1549: Jennifer Olirri and Jennifer Gorner, Department of Motor Vehicles Information Only00:18:10.640 - 9:18:32 AM; The DMV administrators provided neutral clarifying testimony, explaining that ID is required on title applications at initial registration or transfer, but renewals can be handled via mail, online, or in-person with personal recognizance in small towns. They noted options like permission letters or powers of attorney for proxies, and that systems flag issues like stolen vehicles independently. They addressed same-name confusions and emphasized training alignment over statutory changes, confirming no widespread issues with renewal documentation demands.
HB1549: Representative Veo Information Only00:21:15.200 - 9:21:37 AM; Representative Veo asked about the clerk interface for handling personal recognizance without ID numbers, particularly for initial registrations.
HB1549: Representative Miller (follow-up) Information Only00:22:18.400 - 9:22:40 AM; Representative Miller inquired if the issue is more about training town clerks than changing the law, given that renewals shouldn't require extra documents per existing statute.
HB1549: Committee Chair (scenario question) Information Only00:24:14.960 - 9:24:36 AM; The Chair described a scenario of joint title application for a new vehicle where one owner is absent, seeking protocol clarification on signatures and town practices.
HB1551: Representative Henry Gasion, Hillsboro 29th District, Goffstown Support00:28:58.159 - 9:29:20 AM; Representative Gasion introduced the bill as the start of a plan for permanent vehicle registrations, particularly for vehicles 11 years or older, to address lost revenue from out-of-state registrations via trusts in states like Maine. He acknowledged the bill needs significant amendments for feasibility, including handling transfers and higher fees, but emphasized its potential to boost highway fund revenue from in-state and out-of-state owners by offering permanent plates without annual renewals.
HB1551: Representative Miller Information Only00:30:53.520 - 9:31:15 AM; Representative Miller questioned the legality and prevalence of residents registering vehicles out-of-state to avoid NH fees, referencing prior debates on inspections.
HB1551: Representative Petaro Information Only00:31:48.559 - 9:32:10 AM; Representative Petaro confirmed the bill targets vehicles 11 years or older for permanent registration.
HB1551: Representative St. Clair Information Only00:33:05.360 - 9:33:27 AM; Representative St. Clair asked if the bill allows out-of-state residents to register in NH for revenue gain, possibly via second addresses.
HB1551: Bob Skelly, New Hampshire Motor Transport Association Information Only00:33:37.440 - 9:33:59 AM; Bob Skelly from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association provides information on the bill, stating it needs significant work. He emphasizes excluding commercial motor vehicles due to the International Registration Plan (IRP), a national compact for proportional fund distribution based on miles driven. Non-compliance could force New Hampshire trucking companies to register in multiple states. He offers to work with the committee on trailer registrations in Maine.
HB1551: Representative Granger Support00:36:41.200 - 9:37:03 AM; Representative Granger supports the bill, explaining it arose from complaints about vehicle registration fees during discussions on a car inspection bill. He argues for allowing out-of-state individuals to pay permanent registration fees to fund New Hampshire roads, reducing burdens on residents. He cites Montana's permanent registration model, which attracts registrations for tax avoidance, and suggests New Hampshire could compete to capture that revenue. He is open to adjustments, viewing the bill as a starting point for study and refinement.
HB1551: Jennifer Olri, Department of Motor Vehicles Information Only00:46:17.599 - 9:46:39 AM; Jennifer Olri, Registration Bureau Administrator at the DMV, provides neutral information and clarification. She notes ongoing issues with trailers registered in Maine for up to 10 years using agent addresses, which diverts revenue from New Hampshire municipalities and the state. The bill as written would cause revenue loss, especially since average vehicle age in the Northeast is 10.5 years, limiting permanent registrations to older vehicles. She recommends studying prior Senate bill language and involving the New Hampshire Town Clerks Association.
HB1698: Representative Tom Manion, Hillsboro 1 Pelham Support00:51:42.880 - 9:52:04 AM; As prime sponsor, Representative Manion supports the bill to clarify that nothing in the law requires individuals to obtain electronic credentials. He addresses constituent panic after HB2 incorporated SB70, allowing optional electronic IDs, fearing mandates like digital passports in other countries that track vaccination status and deny services. As a software engineer, he personally supports the technology but represents constituents without smartphones or email who fear exclusion from society.
HB1698: Representative Jonah Wheeler, Peterborough and Sharon Support00:56:41.200 - 9:57:03 AM; Co-sponsor Representative Wheeler supports the bill, emphasizing concerns beyond paranoia, citing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's digital ID push that could restrict buying/selling without it, and global trends like AI-driven digitalization in Albania. He opposes full digitalization as a threat to liberty, privacy, and in-person government, advocating for optional use without compulsion. He references Palantir's data collection for agencies as a concerning example of surveillance risks, including hacking vulnerabilities.
HB1758: Representative Thomas Oppel, Grafton 9 (Canaan, Dorchester, Orange) Support01:08:04.160 - 10:08:26 AM; Prime sponsor Representative Oppel supports reciprocity for school bus driver certification between New Hampshire and Vermont to address shortages in rural districts like Mascoma Valley Regional School District, spanning 30 miles across five towns. Vermont accepts NH certifications, but not vice versa, causing delays and costs. This would expand the driver pool for border areas, providing flexibility to bus companies like Butler Bus without differing requirements.
HB1758: Tim Josephson, Mascoma Valley Regional School Board Chair Support01:15:41.120 - 10:16:03 AM; Tim Josephson, former House member and Mascoma Valley Regional School Board Chair, supports the bill due to ongoing bus driver shortages in their large rural district serving 1,000-1,100 students across five towns. They started the year short three drivers, leading to doubled routes, late arrivals, and long days for elementary students (e.g., 6:05 AM pickup to 4:45 PM drop-off). Reciprocity with Vermont would aid flexibility for companies like Butler Bus operating on both sides of the border.
HB1758: Representative David Frack, Grafton 16 Enfield Support01:21:20.000 - 10:21:42 AM; Co-sponsor Representative Frack supports the bill, representing Enfield, the largest population town in Mascoma School District. He notes the district's struggles with driver shortages and how reciprocity would help by allowing certified Vermont drivers to operate in New Hampshire more easily.
HB1758: Unnamed Speaker, Upper Valley Resident Support01:22:05.840 - 10:22:27 AM; Described the Upper Valley region spanning 23 towns across New Hampshire and Vermont, including major centers like Hartford, White River Junction, Lebanon, and Hanover. Highlighted the community's interconnectedness with interstate school districts like Dresden (Hanover and Norwich) and Rivendell (Orford, Fairlee, West Fairlee, and Vershire). Argued that the bill would facilitate reciprocity for bus drivers to operate across state lines, as Vermont already allows it, providing flexibility for bus companies to assign certified drivers permanently and easing shortages.
HB1758: Chris Burke, Department of Motor Vehicles Information Only01:23:44.960 - 10:24:06 AM; Provided informational testimony on the process to become a school bus driver in New Hampshire. Explained that a DSMV 126 form is submitted for background checks (motor vehicle and criminal), followed by 10 hours of pre-service training, a 25-question test, and issuance of a certificate. Noted that applications are processed same-day with no backlog, allowing certification in as little as a week. Responded to questions on benefits to private and community bus services, training similarities with Vermont (8 vs. 10 hours), lack of data on Massachusetts and Maine, no requirement for additional training under current bill language, distinction from other bus drivers, need for NH certificate for background checks, and clarified no existing reciprocity with Vermont as NH drivers must complete Vermont training.
HB1560 2026-0422h: Representative Henry Gisen, Hillsboro 29th District, Goffstown Support01:46:16.880 - 10:46:38 AM; Introduced the amendment to retain the intent of HB 649, which passed the House 212-143 but was not signed into law. The amendment makes driving an uninspected vehicle a secondary offense to reduce police encounters, lowers fines, prohibits using lack of inspection for insurance denial or liability assignment without forensic proof, and maintains owner responsibility. Addressed the Gordon Darby lawsuit under the Clean Air Act's executive rules, not legislation, arguing it does not violate supremacy clause. Noted the company's for-profit model and lack of NH interest, with contract legally terminated after 90 days' notice. Responded to questions on legal costs (to be reviewed by legal/AG), naming vendors (position statement on funding), EPA waiver potential leading to further lawsuits on equal state treatment, no exemption from inspections (just reduced penalties), contract termination clause allowing 30-day notice for any reason, no impact on insurance or liability proof, police enforcement of unsafe vehicles remains, and intent as protective measure post-court ruling to buy time for EPA approval or citizen adjustment. Clarified the amendment advises termination but bidding is executive; does not prevent rebidding.
HB1560 2026-0422h: Representative Tom Manion, Hillsboro 1 Pelham Support02:04:09.520 - 11:04:31 AM; Spoke in support, citing data from HB 649 showing no correlation between road fatalities and inspections. Noted high-insurance states like New York and Louisiana have mandatory inspections. Referenced expert Brian Chase's testimony that in thousands of crash investigations, only three were due to component failure, two with valid stickers. Quoted Chase on the federal ruling's misconceptions: NH lacks a true emissions system, and Gordon Darby only provides diagnostic computers that flag trouble codes, often failing vehicles without actual emissions issues. Urged support for the amendment.
HB1560 2026-0422h: Lawrence Arts, NSHA Support02:05:56.400 - 11:06:18 AM; Lawrence Arts provided historical context on the establishment of the Gordon Derby contract in 2004, which was done under the radar of the legislature and led to Senate Bill 222 for funding. He noted changes made post-2004 to address inspection issues, including motorcycles and pre-1996 vehicles, and the creation of a vehicle emissions advisory committee. He supported the bill to clarify confusion from a recent court decision that expanded Clean Air Act authority to safety inspections, which he argued are unrelated federally. Arts expressed concern over public ignorance about inspection requirements, potential increase in non-compliant vehicles, and police enforcement burdens. He criticized judicial overreach and emphasized the need for legislative resolution as a stopgap while courts decide.
HB1560 2026-0422h: Craig Wright, Department of Environmental Services Information Only02:14:21.760 - 11:14:43 AM; Craig Wright from DES provided background on DES's role in reviewing emissions data from the Department of Safety's programs and submitting reports to the EPA as part of New Hampshire's State Implementation Plan (SIP). He noted DES takes no position on the amendment and offered to answer technical questions on the SIP process, EPA's role, and the two documents submitted to EPA on December 24th under House Bill 2. He agreed to forward a link to the 318-page SIP and a reader-friendly summary of changes, explaining that removing emissions testing requires comprehensive adjustments under two Clean Air Act sections, with approval at EPA's discretion. Examples from other states were mentioned as precedents.
HB1415: Representative Hamlin Vote03:47:16.399 - 12:47:38 PM; Moved ought to pass HB 1415 FN. Later moved amendment 0314H to address a $60 fee for plate production, but after clarification from DMV's Jennifer Olri that existing RSA language already covers a $4 per plate fee conflicting with the intent, the motion and second were withdrawn. The executive session was recessed to February 10th to prepare a new amendment ensuring the fee reverts to registration fees without technical issues.
HB1421 2026-0445h: Representative Miller Vote03:54:12.800 - 12:54:34 PM; Moved ought to pass HB 1421. Moved and explained amendment 2026-0445h, which aligns language with prior DMV practices on title expiration cycles and allows optional titling for vehicles over 20 years old, reflecting subcommittee intent and DMV needs. Amendment adopted unanimously. Ought to pass as amended passed 10-5 with minority report from Representative Miller, who noted the value of titles as a resource.
HB1421 2026-0445h: Representative Gison Support03:54:12.800 - 12:54:34 PM; Seconded motions for ought to pass and amendment.
HB1466 2026-0382h: Representative Coker Vote04:00:04.720 - 1:00:26 PM; Moved ought to pass HB 1466 FN. Moved and explained amendment 2026-0382h, exempting boat trailers over 3,000 pounds and 10 years old from titling due to low theft risk and minimal value, while allowing optional titling. Noted input from subcommittee, DMV, and marine trades association. Amendment adopted unanimously. Ought to pass as amended passed 15-0 on consent calendar.
HB1466 2026-0382h: Representative Veo Support04:01:08.239 - 1:01:30 PM; Praised the bill as well-thought-out from subcommittee with limited scope, encouraging support.
HB1482: Representative Petaro Oppose04:06:03.760 - 1:06:25 PM; Moved inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 1482, citing it as too ambitious, eliminating the Old Man of the Mountain from plates, and confusing like other states' themed plates.
HB1482: Representative Gison Oppose04:06:03.760 - 1:06:25 PM; Supported ITL, arguing the bill is too ambitious by changing plate colors, removing Old Man of the Mountain and state motto, complicating storage for small town clerks, and lacking funding support.
HB1482: Representative Sinclair Oppose04:07:15.120 - 1:07:37 PM; Supported ITL reluctantly, liking plate variety but opposing removal of Old Man of the Mountain; suggested rethinking for future manageability.
HB1482: Representative Vu Oppose04:09:27.520 - 1:09:49 PM; Supported ITL, agreeing it's well-intended but too much with recent plates; suggested waiting for DMV's new printing system to reduce expense.
HB1482: Chairman Walsh Oppose04:09:27.520 - 1:09:49 PM; Supported ITL, wary of surging custom plates before new manufacturing system, preferring to limit to charities and retain Old Man of the Mountain.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:15:13.359 - 1:15:35 PM; Chairman Walsh opens the executive session on HB 1492, calls for a motion to discuss, and facilitates committee discussion on the proposed amendment and potential further changes.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Representative Miller Support04:15:59.199 - 1:16:21 PM; Moves ought to pass on HB 1492. Moves amendment 2026-0407h. Explains the amendment's key provisions: informing consumers of appeal rights on invoices, extending appeal period to 30 days, and allowing appeals without upfront payment. Notes these enhance consumer protections. Suggests considering additional issues like consumer choice in towing providers and destinations from HB 414.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Representative (unidentified) Support04:17:02.239 - 1:17:24 PM; Seconds motions. Agrees with the amendment as a culmination of work with stakeholders like New Hampshire Transport, DMV, and Towing Association. Supports transparency in towing contracts and removing license suspension for private debt.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:18:09.199 - 1:18:31 PM; Facilitates discussion on amendment process and potential further amendments. Raises issue of confidential price schedules under RSA 106-L, suggests making them public for transparency. Discusses challenges with standardizing towing rates and license suspension. Proposes withdrawing current amendment to allow drafting of a new one incorporating additional items for next session.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Representative Veo Support04:21:03.680 - 1:21:25 PM; Supports standardized price schedules for transparency and comparing services. Expresses discomfort with license suspension for private debt.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Representative Gison Support04:23:09.040 - 1:23:31 PM; Agrees with removing license suspension for tow debt and making contracts transparent since the committee appropriates funding.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Representative Petro Information Only04:24:13.520 - 1:24:35 PM; Asks if the committee received the price schedule, notes its confidentiality under statute.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Representative Sykes Support04:24:13.520 - 1:24:35 PM; Supports the three changes in the amendment for consumer rights. Willing to forgo presenting his amendment to allow further work on transparency and license suspension issues, emphasizing their importance.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:25:26.319 - 1:25:48 PM; Suggests reconsidering license suspension. Proposes leaving the current amendment and drafting a separate one for additional items to vote on next session. Notes complexity of replace-all amendment.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Representative Miller Support04:27:28.800 - 1:27:50 PM; Likes the flexible approach. Floats additional consumer protections: allowing choice of towing provider and destination in non-emergency situations.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:28:37.279 - 1:28:59 PM; Acknowledges challenges in wording consumer choice provisions due to timing issues in emergencies.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Representative Gison Information Only04:29:36.159 - 1:29:58 PM; Notes state troopers' views on immediate towing for safety but supports allowing private carriers if they can arrive in time. Agrees destination choice is problematic but worth wording carefully.
HB1492 2026-0407h: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:30:25.439 - 1:30:47 PM; Agrees it's difficult to define 'in time' for towing. Assigns Representatives Sykes and Miller to draft separate amendment. Calls to withdraw current amendment for simplicity, recesses session until February 10th.
HB1594 2026-0322h: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:33:54.639 - 1:34:16 PM; Opens executive session on HB 1594 FN, recognizes motion for ought to pass, and for amendment.
HB1594 2026-0322h: Representative Miller Support04:33:54.639 - 1:34:16 PM; Moves ought to pass and amendment 2026-0322h. Explains amendment cleans up language, aligns weight tiers with DMV database using GVWR for easier implementation, maintains original intent of lower fees for lighter vehicles like neighborhood electrics.
HB1594 2026-0322h: Representative Coker Support04:35:01.359 - 1:35:23 PM; Seconds motions.
HB1594 2026-0322h: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:35:01.359 - 1:35:23 PM; Asks question about changes to fee tiers, particularly zero fee for under 1,000 lbs vehicles like golf carts. Supports user fees but okay with zeros if fair.
HB1594 2026-0322h: Representative Miller Information Only04:35:57.600 - 1:36:19 PM; Clarifies that 1,000-3,000 lbs tier covers previous $25 category vehicles using GVWR, includes neighborhood electrics and possibly golf carts if registered.
HB1594 2026-0322h: Chairman Walsh Support04:36:55.520 - 1:37:17 PM; Notes stories of golf carts being overcharged, believes new tiers accommodate fair fees. Calls vote on amendment: unanimous adoption.
HB1594 2026-0322h: Clerk Information Only04:39:00.320 - 1:39:22 PM; Calls roll for ought to pass as amended: 14 yes, 1 no (Representative Petro).
HB1594 2026-0322h: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:39:51.440 - 1:40:13 PM; Closes executive session on HB 1594 with recommendation of ought to pass as amended.
HB1551: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:41:22.160 - 1:41:44 PM; Opens executive session on HB 1551 FN, calls for motion.
HB1551: Representative Petaro Oppose04:42:17.360 - 1:42:39 PM; Moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL). Notes prime sponsor said it's not ready, needs more stakeholder work for a better solution.
HB1551: Representative Hamlin Oppose04:42:17.360 - 1:42:39 PM; Seconds motion.
HB1551: Representative Gison Oppose04:43:20.798 - 1:43:42 PM; Co-sponsored but found massive holes. Agrees to ITL reluctantly, plans more research on revenue loss to other states, sees potential for out-of-state income and easier transactions.
HB1551: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:43:20.798 - 1:43:42 PM; Notes long-standing conversation, much work needed, ITL appropriate without interim study.
HB1551: Representative Vu Information Only04:44:17.360 - 1:44:39 PM; Appreciates discussion on issues with Montana and Maine registrations, worth effort to correct.
HB1551: Clerk Information Only04:44:17.360 - 1:44:39 PM; Calls roll for ITL: 15 yes, 0 no.
HB1551: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:45:19.120 - 1:45:41 PM; Closes executive session with ITL recommendation by consent.
HB1551: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:46:51.520 - 1:47:13 PM; Chairman Walsh requests reports from attendees before they leave and inquires if anybody needs copies. He mentions that copies are available and asks someone to wait two minutes while he grabs two copies.

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