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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1075 01:08:00.679 - 9:05:26 AM	Public Hearing	classifying recreational vehicles as a motor vehicle in the context of new vehicle arbitration proceedings.	Flanagan, Jack(R)[B]2025
HB1252 01:29:52.259 - 9:27:18 AM	Public Hearing	requiring the department of motor vehicles to only administer the skills test for commercial driver's licenses in English and prohibiting the support of an interpreter for the administration of the skills test for commercial driver's licenses.	Gorski, Ted(R)[B+]2025
HB1059 03:05:31.616 - 11:02:57 AM	Executive Session	relative to the use of number plate scanning devices.	Scherr, Buzz(D)[D-]2025
HB1178 03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM	Executive Session	relative to permissible window tinting on motor vehicles.	Barton, Joseph(R)[A-]2025
HB1165 03:28:24.456 - 11:25:50 AM	Executive Session	relative to gender designation on state-issued identification.	King, Seth(R)[B+]2025
HB1075 03:35:21.383 - 11:32:47 AM	Executive Session	classifying recreational vehicles as a motor vehicle in the context of new vehicle arbitration proceedings.	Flanagan, Jack(R)[B]2025
HB1252 1010H 04:51:42.159 - 12:49:08 PM	Executive Session	requiring the department of motor vehicles to only administer the skills test for commercial driver's licenses in English and prohibiting the support of an interpreter for the administration of the skills test for commercial driver's licenses.	Gorski, Ted(R)[B+]2025
HB1362 1022H 05:52:22.866 - 1:49:48 PM	Executive Session	adding steering and suspension specifications relative to requirements for the equipment of motor vehicles.	Walsh, Thomas(R)[B-]2025

HB1075: Representative Jack Flanagan, Hillsborough 45 (Hollis, Brookline, Mason, Greenville) Support01:08:00.679 - 9:05:26 AM; Representative Flanagan introduces HB 1075 as a consumer protection measure to extend lemon law protections to recreational vehicles, addressing widespread manufacturing defects like flooding from bump-outs, mismatched VIN numbers, and registration issues reported online since COVID. He notes he has no personal stake but was informed by an RV dealer of common problems. The bill aims to provide recourse for buyers of expensive RVs facing manufacturer runarounds, allowing refunds or replacements under existing lemon law frameworks. He is open to an amendment narrowing the definition to motorhomes for clarity.
HB1075: Dan Ensing, Chairman of the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board Oppose01:15:00.000 - 9:12:26 AM; Dan Ensing opposes HB 1075 as written, explaining the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board's process for handling warranty disputes on motor vehicles under 11,000 pounds, motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles, which involve single manufacturers. RVs, often over 11,000 pounds, have multiple components warranted by different companies (e.g., appliances, plumbing), making the board unequipped to arbitrate comprehensively. Non-motorized RVs are excluded, and he notes the complexity requires separate warranties, not a unified approach like for standard vehicles.
HB1075: Jay O'Leary, New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association Information Only01:23:00.679 - 9:20:26 AM; Jay O'Leary provides information on why the lemon law, designed for single-warranty vehicles, does not fit RVs, where complaints often involve separate cosmetic or appliance issues from third-party manufacturers. He suggests amending the bill to limit arbitration to the chassis, engine, and drivetrain, leaving interior systems under existing warranties, to avoid holding final assemblers liable for unrelated defects.
HB1252: Representative Ted Gorski, Bedford District 2 Support01:29:52.259 - 9:27:18 AM; Representative Gorski sponsors HB 1252 to enhance road safety by mandating English-only skills and knowledge tests for CDLs, prohibiting interpreters, and requiring past non-English test-takers to retake in English. Inspired by news reports of fatal accidents involving non-English-speaking truck drivers (e.g., illegal U-turns, wrong-way driving), he cites NHTSA stats showing 15% of 2023 large truck accidents linked to language barriers. NH allows tests in seven languages, unlike English-dominant signage; state police report frequent stops of non-English-speaking drivers unable to follow commands. An amendment ensures residency, no interpreters for knowledge tests, and compliance for existing licenses, emphasizing English proficiency for reading signs, handling paperwork, and responding to emergencies.
HB1252: Holly Novolitsky, Novel Ironworks, Greenland Support01:35:00.000 - 9:32:26 AM; Holly Novolitsky supports HB 1252 based on multiple property accidents at her structural steel fabrication company caused by non-English-speaking CDL drivers misreading entrance signs and confusing destinations while seeking neighboring businesses. Drivers could not communicate verbally, only via paperwork, leading to property damage like walls being hit when exiting driveways. She urges passage to ensure drivers can read signs, directions, GPS, and bills of lading for safer operations.
HB1252: NH DMV Director Information Only01:44:52.259 - 9:42:18 AM; The speaker explains the CDL skills testing process, including pre-trip visual inspection, basic control skills closed course, and road test, all conducted in English per federal standards. Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the pre-trip inspection requiring strong English command to identify and describe vehicle components. Describes the knowledge test compliance with federal regulations, noting limitations on languages and third-party translators. Discusses national conversations via AAMVA on knowledge test languages, highlighting differences in reading comprehension versus practical skills.
HB1252: Administrator Gray, NH DMV Information Only01:50:00.000 - 9:47:26 AM; Details the CDL skills test process, including check-in, vehicle inspection lasting about 45 minutes where applicants must independently describe components in English using an English-only checklist, basic controls test with verbal instructions taking 15-20 minutes, and road test with directions and sign identification in English. Confirms compliance with federal CFR and provides responses to committee questions on uniformity across states, allowance for stricter standards, historical implementation of multi-language knowledge tests since 2015, and statistics on non-English knowledge tests (32 requests in past 12 months, 11 successful).
HB1252: Alexandria Morrell, NH Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General Information Only02:07:58.185 - 10:05:24 AM; Provides insight as Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, citing federal laws like 49 CFR 391.41 allowing interpreters for deaf applicants. Shares FMCSA 2022 crash data for large trucks and buses (6,050 fatal, 124,000 injury crashes). Notes Puerto Rico CDLs not transferable to mainland, requiring retesting. Emphasizes skills test as gatekeeping for English proficiency due to English traffic signs and dynamic road warnings, crucial for public safety.
HB1252: Bob Scully, New Hampshire Motor Transport Association Support02:25:00.000 - 10:22:26 AM; Supports the bill for ensuring safe, qualified drivers proficient in English, required federally since 1937. Outlines CDL prerequisites: age 21 for interstate, background checks, drug tests, fingerprinting for hazmat. Stresses safety risks if drivers cannot understand English signs at construction sites or elsewhere. Affirms states can add stricter requirements and current system works but needs change to validate proficiency fully.
HB1059: Representative Hamlin Support03:05:31.616 - 11:02:57 AM; Moves for ought to pass on HB 1059 to remove expiration date on use of number plate scanning devices, a valuable tool for law enforcement.
HB1059: Representative Foote Support03:06:00.000 - 11:03:26 AM; Speaks in favor of the motion, describing the bill as housekeeping to extend the use of scan plate devices on police vehicles beyond the upcoming expiration, maintaining their value to law enforcement.
HB1059: Representative Vailu Support03:07:00.000 - 11:04:26 AM; Agrees with retaining current guardrails on number plate scanning devices, supports the bill as is despite proposed amendments not yet received, to keep status quo.
HB1178: Representative Coker Support03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; Moves to pass HB 1178, explaining it allows 35% VLT tint on side windows as a modest change balancing safety and comfort, noting 35% is medium tint compared to limo (5%) or barely noticeable (50-70%).
HB1178: Chair (Representative Walsh) Information Only03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; Appreciates the explanation and notes he was late but brought samples from the industry.
HB1178: Corey Moore (Windham, NH) Support03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; Introduces himself as a 16-year window film industry professional focused on UV and heat control. Shows samples: current 70% is very light and hard to manufacture for vehicles; proposed 35% is standard in most states, safe for visibility, comparable to factory rear tints (20%), provides heat and glare rejection benefits, especially for those without prescription sunglasses. Shows limo tint (5%) as what is not desired.
HB1178: Representative Plowden Information Only03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; Asks to see samples in dark conditions simulating night stops by officers.
HB1178: Corey Moore Support03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; Responds that police lights can see through darker 20% factory tints, so 35% would be easier; 35% is standard for medical exceptions.
HB1178: Representative Gaiuson Support03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; Notes clear visibility of face through 35% sample; supports for fairness to all, not just disabled, reducing unnecessary stops.
HB1178: Chair (Representative Walsh) Support03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; Supports fairness, notes emergency vehicles have similar or darker tints; 35% is fine for safety.
HB1178: Brendan Davey (NH State Police) Oppose03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; As operations major with 25 years experience, states Department of Safety opposes darkening tint as it reduces visibility for officer safety on stops; notes 35% not far from 20% factory rear; powerful lights help but any tint hinders visibility.
HB1178: Representative Woland Oppose03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; Shares concerns from local police chiefs and sheriff about additional tinting on windows.
HB1178: Representative Hill Support03:12:03.800 - 11:09:29 AM; Notes out-of-state cars with such tint are allowed without special procedures; questions what is being protected against.
HB1178: Vice Chairman Gorski Oppose03:27:03.800 - 11:24:29 AM; Was going to vote yes but changes to no after Major Davey's input.
HB1178: Committee Roll Call Vote03:27:03.800 - 11:24:29 AM; Motion to ought to pass fails; votes: Yes - Hill, Foote, Pitaro, Coker, Gaiuson, Hamblin, Walsh; No - Gorski, Veyu, Miller, Rung, Ryan, Fox, Johnson, Mondan. No recommendation, moves to floor.
HB1165: Representative Miller Oppose03:28:24.456 - 11:25:50 AM; Moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL), calls it a solution to a non-existent problem; sponsor admitted no issue, affects 1,100 residents adversely.
HB1165: Representative Coker Oppose03:28:24.456 - 11:25:50 AM; Seconds motion; agrees it's unnecessary amid other state issues; cites Kansas example causing driving issues and costs.
HB1165: Representative Potaro Support03:28:24.456 - 11:25:50 AM; Opposes ITL; emphasizes safety in crashes for identification, factual nature for insurance and documents.
HB1165: Representative Plandin Oppose03:28:24.456 - 11:25:50 AM; Supports ITL; cites 479 against vs 16 for in written testimony, plus $25,000 cost for no problem.
HB1165: Chair (Representative Walsh) Oppose03:28:24.456 - 11:25:50 AM; Supports factual IDs over feelings; notes easy M to F changes possible, X may confuse legal/insurance situations.
HB1165: Representative Hill Oppose03:28:24.456 - 11:25:50 AM; Supports ITL; biology more complex than M/F with chromosomal variations; no one qualified to dictate facts.
HB1165: Committee Roll Call Vote03:28:24.456 - 11:25:50 AM; ITL passes 11-5; Yes (ITL) - Foote, Coker, Gaiuson, Veo, Miller, Rung, Ryan, Fox, Johnson, Plamondon; No - Gorski, Hill, Potaro, Hamlin, Walsh.
HB1075: Representative Hamlin Oppose03:35:21.383 - 11:32:47 AM; Moves ITL; recognizes intent but bill doesn't classify enough recreational vehicle types to make it workable.
HB1075: Representative Vail Support03:35:21.383 - 11:32:47 AM; Conflicted but opposes ITL; supports intent, proposed amendment to limit to motorhomes, but unsure if sufficient; thinks it can be fixed.
HB1075: Representative Gaiuson Support03:35:21.383 - 11:32:47 AM; Supports intent for broader consumer protections on motor coaches, trailers; bill doesn't go deep enough, wants future legislation.
HB1075: Representative Miller Support03:35:21.383 - 11:32:47 AM; Opposes ITL; important consumer protection step; clarifies Lemon Law covers vehicle warranties, not appliances like microwaves; supports with amendment for clarity.
HB1075: Chair (Representative Walsh) Oppose03:35:21.383 - 11:32:47 AM; Agrees consumer protection important but defers to arbitration chair's concerns; lacks time for deep dive, predicts unintended consequences; suggests future work but deadlines prevent; supports ITL.
HB1075: Committee Roll Call Vote03:35:21.383 - 11:32:47 AM; ITL passes 9-7; Yes (ITL) - Gorski, Hill, Foote, Pitaro, Coker, Gaiuson, Hamlin, Walsh; No - Vail, Miller, Rung, Ryan, Fox, Johnson, Plamondon.
HB1252 1010H: Chairman Walsh Information Only04:51:42.159 - 12:49:08 PM; Opens the executive session on House Bill 1252 and recognizes Representative Gorski for a motion.
HB1252 1010H: Representative Gorski Support04:52:00.000 - 12:49:26 PM; Moves for Ought To Pass (OTP) on HB 1252. Later moves for amendment 1010H, explaining it addresses concerns about American Sign Language by adding an exception from federal regulations per the Assistant Attorney General's recommendation. Emphasizes the bill is about safety to ensure CDL holders are proficient in English for road safety.
HB1252 1010H: Representative Miller Oppose04:54:00.000 - 12:51:26 PM; Opposes the amendment, noting it adds a new section not in the original bill, requiring the knowledge test in English and invalidating existing licenses by mailing notices to retake the test within 90 days, which would retroactively harm livelihoods. Urges rejecting the amendment and bill.
HB1252 1010H: Representative Veo Oppose04:56:00.000 - 12:53:26 PM; Opposes the bill and amendment, arguing it's not a New Hampshire issue with only 32 tests last year and all in good standing. Calls retroactive license revocation unconscionable and administratively overwhelming.
HB1252 1010H: Representative Geysen Support04:58:00.000 - 12:55:26 PM; Supports the amendment despite concerns about the 90-day period, stressing the importance of CDL holders reading English on dynamic road signs for safety in emergencies, construction, or weather changes.
HB1252 1010H: Representative Hill Support05:00:00.000 - 12:57:26 PM; Supports the amendment, citing a constituent's concern about truck drivers understanding English warnings like 'caution black ice ahead' on highways for public safety.
HB1252 1010H: Representative Miller Oppose05:01:00.000 - 12:58:26 PM; Follows up, clarifying DMV testimony that practical exams are already in English under federal rules. Opposes retroactively punishing those who took written tests in their primary language, as the test is complex and allowing it aids certification without safety compromise.
HB1252 1010H: Representative Vail Oppose05:03:00.000 - 1:00:26 PM; Opposes, noting New Hampshire's small scale (32 tests) doesn't solve a national issue. Suggests DMV collaborate with other states rather than revoking licenses. Affirms DMV vets language skills adequately and prioritizes public safety.
HB1252 1010H: Chairman Walsh Information Only05:05:00.000 - 1:02:26 PM; Notes long committee experience emphasizing public safety as policy guide.
HB1252 1010H: Clerk Vote05:06:42.159 - 1:04:08 PM; Calls the roll for the motion to pass HB 1252 as amended: Vice Chairman Gorski (Yes), Representative Hill (Yes), Representative Foote (Yes), Representative Pitaro (Yes), Representative Coker (Yes), Representative Geysen (Yes), Representative Hamlin (Yes), Representative Ayew (No), Representative Miller (No), Representative Yerong (No), Representative Ryan (No), Representative Fox (No), Representative Johnson (No), Representative Pomondon (No), Chairman Walsh (Yes). Motion passes 9-7.
HB1362 1022H: Chairman Walsh Information Only05:52:22.866 - 1:49:48 PM; Welcomes back after break and explains the merged amendment 1022H, which combines the original bill with previous amendments to avoid confusion.
HB1362 1022H: Rep. Gorski Support05:54:06.190 - 1:51:32 PM; Moves Ought to Pass for HB 1362, then moves adoption of Amendment 1022H. Explains that the amendment merges prior amendments, incorporating changes for tread depth, tire requirements, steering and suspension into RSA 266, and removes the motorcycle exemption due to valid concerns.
HB1362 1022H: Rep. Hamlin Support05:54:06.190 - 1:51:32 PM; Seconds the motion for Amendment 1022H.
HB1362 1022H: Rep. Miller Information Only05:54:06.190 - 1:51:32 PM; Raises concerns about enforcement mechanism, noting it would only apply at used car transactions without inspections, and potential for insurance denials based on non-compliance with RSA 266.
HB1362 1022H: Rep. Gorski Support05:54:06.190 - 1:51:32 PM; Responds to Rep. Miller, explaining the bill fills gaps in RSA 266 for vehicle safety standards post-inspection repeal. Notes no known insurance denials for RSA 266 non-compliance, enforcement possible in accidents or negligence cases, and aims to complete vehicle equipment statutes.
HB1362 1022H: Rep. Geas Support05:54:06.190 - 1:51:32 PM; Supports by noting that codifying standards allows police to enforce unsafe vehicles visibly, such as through pullover for wobbling or bald tires, providing clear legal basis without relying on inspections.
HB1362 1022H: Rep. Vail Support05:54:06.190 - 1:51:32 PM; Initially hesitant, viewing it as damage control for inspection repeal, but supports after discussion, emphasizing tire tread observability and preferring to err on safety side, especially with ongoing legal issues.
HB1362 1022H: Rep. Gorski Support05:54:06.190 - 1:51:32 PM; Reiterates that the provisions should have been in RSA 266 originally as housekeeping, independent of inspection program, and tire standards were added per suggestions.
HB1362 1022H: Rep. London Support05:54:06.190 - 1:51:32 PM; Praises the amendment for advancing safety inspections, concurs with concerns on RSA 266 enforcement and wording (e.g., 'upon inspection' not feasible roadside), notes lack of lighting references, but ultimately supports for detailing safe vehicle operation despite enforcement doubts.
HB1362 1022H: Clerk Vote06:09:06.190 - 2:06:32 PM; Calls roll for Amendment 1022H adoption; all 16 members vote yes.
HB1362 1022H: Clerk Vote06:09:06.190 - 2:06:32 PM; Calls roll for Ought to Pass as amended; all 16 members vote yes with consent.

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