Committee Summary for House Transportation (10/28/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB209 00:18:27.520 - 12:15:29 PM	General Working Session	allowing a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase.	Coker, Matthew(R)[B-]2024
HB209 00:19:36.799 - 12:16:38 PM	Executive Session	allowing a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase.	Coker, Matthew(R)[B-]2024
HB212 -	General Working Session	allowing a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle fails an emission control test.	Coker, Matthew(R)[B-]2024
HB212 00:22:47.200 - 12:19:49 PM	Executive Session	allowing a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle fails an emission control test.	Coker, Matthew(R)[B-]2024
HB298 00:26:57.600 - 12:23:59 PM	General Working Session	creating an exception to the prohibition on removing VIN tags from vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 where removal is reasonably necessary for repair or restoration.	Ohm, Bill(R)[B]2018
HB298 00:27:58.399 - 12:25:00 PM	Executive Session	creating an exception to the prohibition on removing VIN tags from vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 where removal is reasonably necessary for repair or restoration.	Ohm, Bill(R)[B]2018
HB533 -	General Working Session	relative to the use of civilian employees in commercial truck inspections.	Trottier, Douglas(R)[B-]2024
HB533 00:31:08.000 - 12:28:10 PM	Executive Session	relative to the use of civilian employees in commercial truck inspections.	Trottier, Douglas(R)[B-]2024
SB150 00:35:00.000 - 12:32:02 PM	General Working Session	defining electric vehicle charging station and charging a fee for annual testing by the division of weights and measures.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
HB414 01:49:57.040 - 1:46:59 PM	General Working Session	prohibiting the division of motor vehicles from suspending a license on the basis of debt owed to a private entity related to the towing or storing of a motor vehicle.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2024
HB414 01:57:26.080 - 1:54:28 PM	Executive Session	prohibiting the division of motor vehicles from suspending a license on the basis of debt owed to a private entity related to the towing or storing of a motor vehicle.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2024
HB439 02:19:49.840 - 2:16:51 PM	General Working Session	relative to non-driving related violations and driver's license suspension.	Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2024
HB439 02:28:49.920 - 2:25:51 PM	Executive Session	relative to non-driving related violations and driver's license suspension.	Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2024

HB209: Representative Bale Information Only00:18:27.520 - 12:15:29 PM; Representative Bale noted that he supported the bill last year but given the full repeal of vehicle inspections, it is now moot and has little chance of advancing. He recommended supporting an ITL motion.
HB209: Representative Gorski Oppose00:19:36.799 - 12:16:38 PM; Moved for ITL on HB 209.
HB209: Representative Hamlin Oppose00:19:36.799 - 12:16:38 PM; Seconded the ITL motion, stating that with the passing of the inspection repeal bill, there is no need for this bill.
HB209: Representative Veyu Oppose00:19:36.799 - 12:16:38 PM; Agreed with the ITL, seeing no benefit to interim study.
HB212: Representative Gorski Oppose00:22:47.200 - 12:19:49 PM; Moved for ITL on HB 212.
HB212: Representative Miller Oppose00:22:47.200 - 12:19:49 PM; Seconded the ITL motion, explaining that due to the inspection bill no longer being in effect, this bill is unnecessary.
HB212: Representative Bale Oppose00:23:48.799 - 12:20:50 PM; Supported the ITL, noting he opposed the bill last year but the repeal of inspections makes it nonsensical now.
HB212: Representative Plundon Information Only00:23:48.799 - 12:20:50 PM; Asked about the status of emissions testing post-January 31st, clarifying confusion around EPA extensions and DES hearings.
HB212: Chairman Walsh Information Only00:24:50.880 - 12:21:52 PM; Clarified that after January 31st, RSA 266:1 is repealed, ending all physical inspections for safety and emissions, making HB 212 purposeless.
HB298: Chairman Walsh Information Only00:26:57.600 - 12:23:59 PM; Initially saw merit but upon further review, no longer sees the need for the bill.
HB298: Representative Gison Oppose00:26:57.600 - 12:23:59 PM; Understood the intent to allow repairs on antique cars but highlighted wide-open potential for fraud, suggesting another way might be needed later.
HB298: Representative Gorski Oppose00:27:58.399 - 12:25:00 PM; Moved for ITL on HB 298.
HB298: Representative Hill Oppose00:27:58.399 - 12:25:00 PM; Seconded the ITL motion.
HB298: Chairman Walsh Oppose00:27:58.399 - 12:25:00 PM; Supported ITL due to concerns over VIN authenticity proving vehicle legitimacy, risks of fraud, impact on antique industry value, and lack of demonstrated need.
HB298: Representative Gison Oppose00:29:00.720 - 12:26:02 PM; Respected the bill's intent but stated it needs significant work to prevent fraud; supported ITL but plans to research a better bill for the future.
HB533: Representative Foot Oppose00:31:08.000 - 12:28:10 PM; Moved for ITL on HB 533, deeming it inessential due to the ending inspection program.
HB533: Representative Miller Oppose00:31:08.000 - 12:28:10 PM; Seconded the motion.
HB533: Representative Veyu Oppose00:32:14.640 - 12:29:16 PM; Supported ITL, noting potential holes in the bill despite federal requirements for commercial inspections over 10,000 lbs; the bill references state laws being repealed.
HB533: Chairman Walsh Oppose00:32:14.640 - 12:29:16 PM; Agreed no need, pointing out the bill references state inspection laws that are ending, unlike federal motor carrier inspections.
SB150: Chairman Walsh Information Only00:35:00.000 - 12:32:02 PM; Noted initial issues leading to retention; received late feedback but hasn't reviewed it yet. Open to work session discussion.
SB150: Representative Sykes Support00:35:00.000 - 12:32:02 PM; Shared a personal story of a problematic charging station experience where a non-functional screen led to overcharging ($40 vs. $7 at home) and inability to unplug promptly. Emphasized need for regulation to prevent consumer rip-offs, though most experiences are fine.
SB150: Representative Veyu Oppose00:39:07.200 - 12:36:09 PM; Raised concerns about fees disproportionate to other inspections like gas pumps and lack of third-party inspectors to cut costs. Suggested possible amendment and reconsideration in a week or two if time allows.
SB150: Chairman Walsh Information Only00:40:09.200 - 12:37:11 PM; Noted no prior subcommittee interest despite offers; timing tight until November 21st for quality work but agrees consumer protection needed.
SB150: Representative Gison Oppose00:40:09.200 - 12:37:11 PM; Acknowledged Sykes' experience but noted the bill only addresses weights and measures for electricity sales, not equipment functionality or defects causing issues.
SB150: Senator David Waters Support00:42:03.920 - 12:39:05 PM; Appreciated spring hearing feedback; discussed summer conversations and new approaches like reduced annual fees ($50 per charger) to fund a future inspection program via commissioner rulemaking, possibly using private vendors. Addressed reliability concerns, noting Tesla's effectiveness but acknowledging issues; suggested fund buildup for inspections as needed, trusting department to handle.
SB150: Representative Sykes Support00:46:58.640 - 12:44:00 PM; Clarified most charging experiences are positive (7/8 flawless), but one bad incident highlights need; believes senator's ideas allow for a better bill forward.
SB150: Representative (unidentified) Information Only00:48:05.839 - 12:45:07 PM; Asked if there are known complaints, litigation, or BBB calls about consumers not receiving purchased electricity; Senator Waters unaware but noted complaints often handled via apps or calls.
SB150: Cheryl Ayer, Director, Division of Weights and Measures Information Only00:48:54.480 - 12:45:56 PM; Cheryl Ayer explains that the Division of Weights and Measures oversees all commercial weighing and measuring devices, including emerging technologies like EV charging stations, to ensure consumer understanding of costs per kilowatt and accurate metering. She notes the lack of a current fee structure, testing equipment (costing around $100,000), and licensing for service technicians due to high costs and no requirements. She discusses the need for oversight as EV chargers proliferate, similar to gasoline pumps, which are funded through general funds. The division has funds set aside for equipment investment and plans to cross-train existing investigators rather than hire new staff. Annual testing would be handled by the state given the expense.
SB150: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only00:51:36.559 - 12:48:38 PM; The member asks about the timeline for the first EV charging station installation in New Hampshire and when the state started installing them, estimating 6-8 years ago, highlighting frustration over the lack of regulation despite the time elapsed and the push for quick action now.
SB150: Sean Jasper, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food Support00:59:50.079 - 12:56:52 PM; Commissioner Jasper urges the committee not to kill the bill, suggesting an interim study to work over the summer. He notes the issue has been on his radar but equipment was unavailable until recently. With about 500 stations, state oversight makes sense initially for audits and consumer protection, as private companies won't invest in expensive equipment. The proposed fee is minimal (less than 50 cents a day) and necessary to start somewhere before the number grows to thousands. He shares an example from Vermont of a charging error and emphasizes preventing issues. He advises against ITL as it sends a negative message and prefers committee work on a refined bill for reintroduction in 2026.
SB150: Representative Gaison Oppose01:11:01.920 - 1:08:03 PM; In the executive session, Representative Gaison moves for inexpedient to legislate (ITL), arguing the bill does not fully address described issues and there is no demonstrated consumer need for government involvement in private transactions.
SB150: Representative Sykes Oppose01:11:01.920 - 1:08:03 PM; Representative Sykes opposes the ITL, believing the consumer issues are important and the committee should send a message to the House and Senate by rejecting ITL in favor of another motion to continue addressing them.
SB150: Representative Hill Support01:12:12.640 - 1:09:14 PM; Representative Hill supports the ITL, noting a strong committee report can highlight the importance of the issues. He prefers ad hoc work on new legislation immediately rather than waiting for an interim study, allowing 12 months instead of just summer to develop a comprehensive solution.
SB150: Representative Beu Support01:13:40.480 - 1:10:42 PM; Representative Beu supports either interim study or ITL due to time constraints in the next few weeks to flesh out details, emphasizing the committee's final product next year matters more than the procedural choice.
SB150: Unidentified Representative Support01:14:46.640 - 1:11:48 PM; The representative supports ITL due to confusion over the technology, department setup, and finances, believing it allows time for a more polished bill that all can understand and support.
SB150: Representative Sakes Support01:16:04.000 - 1:13:06 PM; Representative Sakes supports pulling the 'rope' on this consumer protection issue, preferring action over inaction, using the metaphor to advocate for ITL or interim study to advance progress.
SB150: Chairman Walsh Support01:16:51.199 - 1:13:53 PM; Chairman Walsh supports ITL for consumer protection reasons, preferring ad hoc work without procedural shackles, noting the discussion is recorded and another year won't hurt given 10 years of inaction.
SB150: Representative Miller Support01:33:39.360 - 1:30:41 PM; In the HB 414 work session, Representative Miller supports the bill as a step toward solving constituent problems from forced business relationships with towing companies after incidents like crashes. He argues against holding drivers hostage via license suspension, noting it's a unique state-enforced practice not common elsewhere, even without pending amendments.
SB150: Chairman Walsh Information Only01:37:11.920 - 1:34:13 PM; Chairman Walsh acknowledges the unusual situation of contracting towing for public safety to clear roads and invites insight from the towing industry on impacts if the bill passes.
SB150: Ralph Kuster, New Hampshire Towing Association Oppose01:37:40.080 - 1:34:42 PM; Ralph Kuster explains the bill burdens towing companies, especially with increasing abandoned vehicles due to failed inspections and no insurance requirements. Processing takes 90-120 days involving DMV, lien holders, and certified letters, often ending in junking vehicles at a loss ($200-500 disposal cost plus $1,000-1,200 in paperwork and operations). License suspension prompts 90% of owners to contact and resolve debts; his company handles 100 abandoned vehicles yearly from police tows, many unpaid. Without this leverage, companies may drop out of police tow lists due to costs of trucks, insurance, and drivers. Storage is $75/day without interest, and suspensions occur via DMV hearings after 45-90 days. About 25% are out-of-state vehicles, complicating resolution across states.
SB150: Representative Petro Information Only01:40:49.520 - 1:37:51 PM; Representative Petro asks about the mechanism for suspending registration renewal to recoup costs and how many of the 100 annual tows required holding registrations; Kuster notes few do once contacted, with about 50 pending, some 7-8 years old.
SB150: Representative St. Clair Information Only01:42:55.520 - 1:39:57 PM; Representative St. Clair asks about working with insurance companies and the percentage of uninsured or out-of-state vehicles; Kuster notes NH's no-insurance rule leads to more uninsured tows and estimates 25% out-of-state.
SB150: Representative Hill Information Only01:44:06.719 - 1:41:08 PM; Representative Hill follows up on out-of-state procedures, noting delays like a year for Florida paperwork, and confirms the goal is resolution or salvage title.
SB150: Representative Hamlin Information Only01:45:14.560 - 1:42:16 PM; Representative Hamlin asks if all tows go to one lot and about disabled vs. abandoned vehicles; Kuster confirms one lot and estimates 50/50 split.
SB150: Representative Gas Information Only01:46:22.800 - 1:43:24 PM; Representative Gas asks about storage rates; Kuster states $75/day without interest.
SB150: Representative Miller Information Only01:47:23.040 - 1:44:25 PM; Representative Miller asks if the association would drop from tow lists if the bill passes; Kuster says yes, due to financial losses.
SB150: Representative Gorski Information Only01:47:23.040 - 1:44:25 PM; Representative Gorski asks when they consider pursuing license suspension; Kuster says 45-90 days after paperwork.
SB150: Senator Fox Information Only01:48:35.040 - 1:45:37 PM; Senator Fox asks if storage charges continue during the 45-90 days; Kuster says no, it shifts to a set rate post-paperwork and hearing.
SB150: Representative Vu Information Only01:49:20.480 - 1:46:22 PM; Representative Vu asks how someone loses their license permanently for this debt and if there's a time limit; no direct answer, leading to invitation for DMV input.
HB414: Brandy Cassid, Division of Motor Vehicles Financial Responsibility Information Only01:49:57.040 - 1:46:59 PM; Brandy Cassid explains the process for suspensions of operating and registration privileges. She notes that under 26240-C, license suspensions are limited to 12 months, while registration suspensions are indefinite until fees are paid or an agreement is made. She addresses a case of a 9-year suspension likely due to unpaid $100 restoration fees after the initial 15-day suspension period. She clarifies that one can drive but not register a vehicle, and the sanction applies to all registration privileges until resolved. She confirms that both titled owners must address suspensions for jointly owned vehicles, and the $100 fee is separate from towing debts and goes to the general fund. She states she is unaware of other similar situations personally.
HB414: Chairman (unnamed) Information Only01:51:03.280 - 1:48:05 PM; The chairman comments on the dangers of changing laws based on individual cases without full facts, noting it could lead to thousands of bills if done for every situation. He highlights that the discussed case is not widespread across the state.
HB414: Representative Miller Information Only01:51:03.280 - 1:48:05 PM; Representative Miller follows up on the distinction between license and registration suspensions, noting that without registration, one effectively cannot drive their own vehicle but could drive others. He seeks clarification on feasibility.
HB414: Representative Fox Information Only01:52:02.239 - 1:49:04 PM; Representative Fox clarifies that registration sanctions prevent registering any vehicle, not just the one in question, until bills are paid or an agreement is reached.
HB414: Representative Hamlin Information Only01:52:02.239 - 1:49:04 PM; Representative Hamlin asks about joint vehicle ownership, learning that both titled owners are affected by registration suspensions in New Hampshire.
HB414: Representative Sinclair Information Only01:53:23.760 - 1:50:25 PM; Representative Sinclair seeks confirmation that the $100 restoration fee is in addition to towing debts and applies after 15 days of suspension.
HB414: Representative Johnson Information Only01:53:23.760 - 1:50:25 PM; Representative Johnson asks if the witness is aware of other situations similar to the gentleman's son mentioned earlier.
HB414: Representative Sinclair (follow-up) Information Only01:54:32.400 - 1:51:34 PM; Representative Sinclair inquires about out-of-state vehicles and whether New Hampshire can suspend licenses for unpaid towing fees to NH companies, learning that towing companies must pursue through the other state and no such hearings are known.
HB414: Representative Palundon Information Only01:55:49.840 - 1:52:51 PM; Representative Palundon asks if decisions by the hearings bureau can be appealed in district court, receiving confirmation of appeal rights from administrative law judge decisions.
HB414: Representative Gison Information Only01:55:49.840 - 1:52:51 PM; Representative Gison asks if there are other NH laws suspending licenses or registrations for disputes between individuals besides towing and family court.
HB414: Representative Gorski Oppose01:57:26.080 - 1:54:28 PM; Representative Gorski moves for Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 414, arguing it's a last resort for compliance, could jeopardize the towing industry that supports safety and police, and emphasizes personal responsibility to pay bills to avoid such situations. He references past legislation reducing responsibility leading to issues and questions what replaces license suspension as leverage.
HB414: Chairman Walsh Oppose01:57:26.080 - 1:54:28 PM; Chairman Walsh supports the ITL motion, reiterating concerns about industry impact, responsibility, and lack of alternatives to ensure compliance. He notes he would introduce an amendment if ITL fails but prefers ITL for now, viewing the bill as part of a larger issue needing comprehensive review.
HB414: Representative Sykes Support01:59:30.560 - 1:56:32 PM; Representative Sykes votes against ITL to allow discussion of the unseen amendment and criticizes the process of voting before amendments. She expresses concern over permanent suspensions and the need for work sessions.
HB414: Representative Miller Support02:00:31.440 - 1:57:33 PM; Representative Miller supports a comprehensive approach but opposes ITL, highlighting the bill's focus on unfair private disputes with outsized leverage, especially for low-value uninsured vehicles. He argues against simplistic 'pay your bills' advice given economic realities and asymmetric outcomes.
HB414: Representative Plunk Landon Support02:05:55.840 - 2:02:57 PM; Representative Plunk Landon opposes ITL to see the amendment, agreeing on responsibility for personal property but noting uniform towing costs under contracts.
HB414: Representative Mayu Support02:09:09.840 - 2:06:11 PM; Representative Mayu opposes ITL, emphasizing the bill's goal to eliminate debt-based suspensions in private entity cases where drivers may be innocent or indigent, advocating for a big-picture fix but supporting this narrow change now.
HB414: Representative Hamlin Oppose02:09:09.840 - 2:06:11 PM; Representative Hamlin supports ITL, arguing against last-second amendments without time for analysis or public input, preferring bills to be perfected before amendments.
HB414: Representative Petaro Oppose02:10:16.480 - 2:07:18 PM; Representative Petaro supports ITL, noting the existing mechanisms work despite imperfections and repealing would stress the towing industry contracted by the state.
HB414: Representative Gison Support02:12:15.599 - 2:09:17 PM; Representative Gison opposes ITL, viewing driving as a liberty not to be suspended without due process when the government isn't the victim, committing to future work despite the bill's flaws.
HB414: Representative Sinclair Oppose02:13:06.560 - 2:10:08 PM; Representative Sinclair supports ITL, discussing towing companies' burdens with abandoned vehicles, lots filling up, and the need for responsibility. He suggests taxpayer subsidies as an alternative but opposes removing leverage, noting impacts on local contracts.
HB414: Representative Fox Information Only02:16:21.280 - 2:13:23 PM; Representative Fox seeks clarification on abandoned vehicles, confirming most are from police tows for accidents, not roadside pickups.
HB414: Representative Sinclair (final) Oppose02:17:37.200 - 2:14:39 PM; Representative Sinclair reiterates concerns about who will tow if companies can't afford it without leverage.
HB439: Representative Beu (sponsor) Information Only02:19:49.840 - 2:16:51 PM; Representative Beu, the bill sponsor, shares that researching HB 439 revealed its complexity in eliminating debt-based license suspensions for non-driving violations. He admits the bill has unintended consequences and flaws in proposed amendments, preferring interim study but leaving it to the committee, trusting future comprehensive work.
HB439: Representative Sykes Support02:22:08.000 - 2:19:10 PM; Representative Sykes supports the concept of ending suspensions for non-vehicular offenses, having voted in minority before, but respects the ranking member and will vote accordingly.
HB439: Representative (unnamed, asking questions) Information Only02:24:39.840 - 2:21:41 PM; An unnamed representative asks the sponsor for examples of non-driving violations leading to suspensions, such as unpaid fees, abandoning vehicles, towing charges, and fish and game fines.
HB439: Chairman Walsh Information Only02:25:52.640 - 2:22:54 PM; Chairman Walsh backs the need for a comprehensive approach with a 'plan B' replacement for removed suspensions, noting the concept has appeared multiple times.
HB439: Representative Hill Information Only02:25:52.640 - 2:22:54 PM; Representative Hill notes the issue extends to marine registrations and potentially other areas like electric bikes.
HB439: Representative May Information Only02:26:58.560 - 2:24:00 PM; Representative May points out the bill would remove suspensions for abandoned vehicles, which ties to towing leverage, questioning if private debt collection suffices and advocating comprehensive review.
HB439: Representative Petaro Oppose02:28:49.920 - 2:25:51 PM; Representative Petaro moves for ITL on HB 439.
HB439: Chairman Walsh Oppose02:28:49.920 - 2:25:51 PM; Chairman Walsh supports ITL over interim study for logistical reasons, allowing freer future work without procedural constraints, expecting productive efforts for 2026.
HB439: Representative Gison Oppose02:30:03.200 - 2:27:05 PM; Representative Gison supports ITL due to the sponsor's lack of confidence in the bill, committing to help develop better legislation and emphasizing opposition to suspensions for non-driving violations without due process.

Walsh, Thomas(Chairman)(R)[A-]2024	Crawford, Karel(Clerk)(R)[B-]2024	Gorski, Ted(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2024
Sykes, George(D)[F]2024	Hill, Gregory(R)[A]2024	Plamondon, Marc(D)[F]2024
Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2024	Pitaro, Matthew(R)[B+]2022	Coker, Matthew(R)[B-]2024
St. Clair, Charlie(D)[D-]2024	Fox, Dru(D)[CT]2024	Foote, Charles(R)[B]2024
Johnson, Erik(D)[CT]2024	Miller, Seth(D)	Hamblen, Joseph(R)
Giasson, Henry(R)