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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB499 00:03:00.800 - 12:01:47 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the duties and reporting requirements of the traffic safety commission.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB500 00:16:11.920 - 12:14:58 PM	Public Hearing	relative to restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB500 00:21:18.720 - 12:20:05 PM	Executive Session	relative to restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB469 00:30:32.799 - 12:29:19 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) allowing the director of the division of motor vehicles to adopt administrative rules regarding the use of electronic signatures and relative to signature requirements where ownership of a vehicle is transferred to an insurer after payment of damages.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB629 00:51:10.480 - 12:49:57 PM	Public Hearing	renaming the new roundabout on Route 302 at the East Conway Road intersection to "Oliveira Circle."	McConkey, Mark(R)[B]2025
SB649 01:03:31.680 - 1:02:18 PM	Public Hearing	increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025
SB649 01:13:33.600 - 1:12:20 PM	Executive Session	increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025
SB632 2024- amendment on line 14 01:15:00.000 - 1:13:47 PM	Public Hearing	relative to a certain highway sign in Concord.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB469 01:37:28.320 - 1:36:15 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) allowing the director of the division of motor vehicles to adopt administrative rules regarding the use of electronic signatures and relative to signature requirements where ownership of a vehicle is transferred to an insurer after payment of damages.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB649 01:38:52.960 - 1:37:39 PM	Executive Session	increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025
SB469 2026-0023s 01:41:06.800 - 1:39:53 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) allowing the director of the division of motor vehicles to adopt administrative rules regarding the use of electronic signatures and relative to signature requirements where ownership of a vehicle is transferred to an insurer after payment of damages.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB632 0007s 01:44:31.920 - 1:43:18 PM	Executive Session	relative to a certain highway sign in Concord.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
Unclear 01:46:27.119 - 1:45:14 PM	Executive Session	Unclear

SB499: Senator Birdsdale Support00:03:00.800 - 12:01:47 PM; Senator Birdsdale introduced SB 499, explaining that it adds duties to the Traffic Safety Commission to track causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire, such as speeding, wrong-side driving, and vehicle issues. The commission has agreed to monitor these and produce reports to address accident causes.
SB499: Senator Apprentice Information Only00:04:51.040 - 12:03:38 PM; Senator Apprentice discussed a recent conversation with Executive Counselor Stephen about integrating New Hampshire's trauma system with the Traffic Safety Commission, noting motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of trauma deaths for ages 1-44. She inquired about amending the bill to add a trauma medical review committee member and suggested proceeding with a committee amendment after discussion.
SB499: Dan Bennett Support00:05:38.800 - 12:04:25 PM; Dan Bennett indicated support for SB 499 without providing detailed testimony.
SB499: Eddie Edwards, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Safety Support00:06:10.080 - 12:04:57 PM; Eddie Edwards expressed support for SB 499 on behalf of the Department of Safety. He requested an amendment to strike 'for that year' from the reporting requirement due to data accumulation timelines, noting that reports would cover the previous year. He also supported adding a trauma system representative, having discussed it that morning, and mentioned his recent appointment as chair of the commission.
SB500: Senator Prren Support00:16:11.920 - 12:14:58 PM; Senator Prren, the prime sponsor of SB 500, explained the bill's origin from a conference with the New Hampshire Motor Transportation Association. It addresses truck drivers' inability to use facilities like bathrooms at delivery sites due to liability concerns, as unloading can take hours and drivers are often waiting in queues.
SB500: Bob Scully, New Hampshire Motor Transport Association Support00:19:24.240 - 12:18:11 PM; Bob Scully represents the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association and highlights the trucking industry's driver shortage, particularly the need to recruit women drivers. He notes that 39% of potential women drivers cite lack of restroom access as a barrier. The bill is described as a decency measure allowing truck drivers to use existing restroom facilities available to employees and customers without requiring any new construction.
SB500: Committee Vote00:21:18.720 - 12:20:05 PM; The committee moves into executive session and recommends Senate Bill 500 ought to pass on consent without opposition.
SB469: Senator Tim Lang Support00:30:32.799 - 12:29:19 PM; Senator Tim Lang sponsors the bill as a modernization effort to allow electronic signatures in DMV processes, prompted by discussions with Carvana, an online car-selling company limited in New Hampshire due to signature requirements. The bill has support from insurance companies, tow truck operators, and DMV Director Morasco for streamlining salvage titles and other processes.
SB469: Dan Bennett, New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association Support00:32:32.240 - 12:31:19 PM; Dan Bennett supports SB 469, explaining how electronic signatures streamline paperwork, reduce delays, improve efficiency, enhance accuracy, reduce errors, and provide better security and audit trails. It benefits dealers, lenders, consumers, and the DMV by speeding up vehicle delivery and aligning with national trends in electronic transactions.
SB469: John Morasco, Director of DMV, and Jennifer Olirri, Bureau of Registration Administrator Support00:35:53.680 - 12:34:40 PM; John Morasco and Jennifer Olirri from the DMV support the bill for modernizing processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing customer experience while maintaining document integrity. It aids projects like e-titles and benefits industries like towing. Electronic signatures improve fraud prevention through authentication and audit trails, complying with legal standards.
SB469: Kathy Reinstein and Kate Han, Carvana Support00:39:33.920 - 12:38:20 PM; Kathy Reinstein, head of government affairs for Carvana's Northeast region, expresses strong support for SB 469, appreciating collaboration with senators and the committee. They submit a letter of support and offer to answer questions.
SB469: Mark Binder and Wendy Pulo, Copart Support00:40:29.760 - 12:39:16 PM; Mark Binder and Wendy Pulo from Copart, an auction company in Candia handling total loss vehicles, support SB 469 with an amendment to remove notary requirements for insurance settlements. This would streamline high-stress total loss claims, allowing electronic signatures to speed up processes, reduce delays, and ease burdens on customers without a vehicle, supported by industry groups like AMBA and Nitsa.
SB469: Ralph Crest, New Hampshire Towing Association Support00:44:50.000 - 12:43:37 PM; Ralph Crest represents approximately 100 members of the New Hampshire Towing Association and supports the bill because it will speed up paperwork on abandoned cars, allowing quicker identification and notification of consumers, reducing the burden of long-term storage.
SB469: DJ Bettencourt, Commissioner, New Hampshire Insurance Department Support00:45:46.720 - 12:44:33 PM; Commissioner DJ Bettencourt testifies in support of the bill, emphasizing modernization of insurance and motor vehicle processes. New Hampshire is one of only 15 states requiring wet signatures on title-related documents, causing delays and frustration for consumers during traumatic total loss claims. Electronic signatures would allow electronic submission, reduce processing time from weeks to days, eliminate waste from lost or damaged paper documents, save agency time, lower claim handling costs for carriers potentially benefiting premiums, and speed up vehicle replacement to minimize rental costs.
SB629: Senator Mark McConi, District 3 Support00:51:10.480 - 12:49:57 PM; Senator Mark McConi introduces SB 629 to name the new roundabout at Route 302 and East Conway Road intersection in Conway as Oliveira Circle. The naming honors Katherine Oliveira and her husband David, killed in a motorcycle accident at that intersection in 2018. He hopes the roundabout calms traffic and provides solace to the family. He requests the bill ought to pass.
SB629: Pamela Clarkson Support00:52:29.359 - 12:51:16 PM; Pamela Clarkson, sister of Katherine Oliveira, supports naming the roundabout Oliveira Circle to honor her sister and brother-in-law David, victims of a fatal 2018 motorcycle accident at the intersection. She thanks the committee, Senator McConi, town administrator John Eastman, and the Conway Select Board for their support. The roundabout has alleviated her anxiety and fear when approaching the intersection, preventing her from selling her East Conway Road home. She shares the profound impact of the loss on family, friends, students (Katherine was a teacher), and co-workers (David at Lowe's), and provides letters from supporters including family members and a cousin, retired police officer Keith Maderas, emphasizing the appropriateness of the honor and road safety awareness.
SB629: Lee Baronis, Bureau Administrator, New Hampshire DOT Information Only01:00:23.920 - 12:59:10 PM; Lee Baronis from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation states the department takes no position on the bill but is available for questions. If passed, DOT would handle signing arrangements. He confirms roundabouts are effective traffic calming measures that reduce speeds and prevent high-speed crashes, noting their success in many instances despite high costs.
SB649: Senator Donovan Fenton, District 10 Support01:03:31.680 - 1:02:18 PM; Senator Donovan Fenton introduces SB 649 to increase fines, add license suspensions for repeat offenses, and enhance penalties when handheld device use contributes to crashes. Distracted driving causes preventable fatalities; in 2023, there were 127 fatal crashes (up 42% in a decade), with 5-10 attributed to distraction. Current penalties fail to deter repeat offenders, per law enforcement and safety experts. As a member of the Governor's Highway Safety Task Force, she urges support to enhance road safety for all.
SB649: Bob Scully, New Hampshire Motor Transport Association Support01:05:11.520 - 1:03:58 PM; Bob Scully represents the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association and supports SB 649. He highlights that the trucking industry already has strict penalties for handheld device use, including fines up to $2,750 for drivers and $11,000 for companies, with repeated violations leading to job loss. He notes frequent observations of distracted driving on roads, particularly in areas like Merrimack and Concord, and emphasizes the dangers of accidents involving trucks. Scully expresses full support for the bill and even suggests higher fines to ensure focus on the road.
SB649: Dan Goodman, AAA Northern New England Support01:06:44.880 - 1:05:31 PM; Dan Goodman, manager of public affairs and traffic safety for AAA Northern New England, supports SB 649. He cites 2023 data showing 3,275 nationwide deaths from distracted driving crashes, averaging nine per day, likely underreported. A recent AAA survey reveals a gap between awareness (97% see social media scrolling as extremely dangerous) and behavior (30% admit texting while driving). He references research showing stronger penalties reduce self-reported texting. AAA partners with the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety on PSAs promoting 'do not disturb' modes and serves on safety commissions advocating coordinated strategies of laws, enforcement, and education.
SB649: Tracy Borvash, New Hampshire Motorcycle Rights Organization Support01:10:00.000 - 1:08:47 PM; Tracy Borvash, president of the New Hampshire Motorcycle Rights Organization and chair of the Motorcycle Safety Task Force, supports SB 649 and suggests even higher fines. She stresses the need for severe consequences to deter bad behaviors on roadways, which she observes daily while driving both cars and motorcycles. Motorcyclists face heightened risks as drivers already fail to notice them, and distractions exacerbate this. She urges the committee to strengthen penalties to protect vulnerable road users.
SB649: Lieutenant Chris Dorman, New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety Support01:11:30.159 - 1:10:17 PM; Lieutenant Chris Dorman from the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety supports increasing fines for distracted driving, a leading cause of collisions. He endorses higher penalties to prevent initial and repeat offenses. In response to questions, he notes challenges in enforcement without warrants but believes severe penalties will deter violations. He affirms the department's favor for stronger measures.
SB649: Committee Vote01:13:33.600 - 1:12:20 PM; The committee moves into executive session and votes unanimously on a motion for SB 649 ought to pass with a motion to speak on the floor.
SB632 2024- amendment on line 14: Senator Rearden Information Only01:15:00.000 - 1:13:47 PM; Senator Rearden introduces SB 632, which allows transferring ownership of an existing highway sign near Interstate 93 Exit 12 in Concord to a nonprofit like the Chamber of Commerce for promoting historical and cultural events. The sign, approved in 2003, predates regulations and would boost downtown revenue by attracting interstate travelers.
SB632 2024- amendment on line 14: Steve Duprey, Concord resident Support01:17:08.320 - 1:15:55 PM; Steve Duprey provides history of the sign, built in 1958 for the Brick Tower Motor Inn, predating interstate completion and sign ordinances. After selling the property, he obtained legislative permission in 2003 to retain it as off-site advertising. He supports transferring it to a nonprofit for community events like market days, avoiding city ownership due to legal issues with Concord's outdated ordinances. He details an amendment clarifying size limits, nonprofit use, limited advertising for costs, and compliance with local standards.
SB632 2024- amendment on line 14: Lee Baronas and Sher King, NH Department of Transportation Information Only01:23:26.880 - 1:22:13 PM; Lee Baronas and Sher King from NH DOT provide neutral information on SB 632 under the Highway Beautification Act. The bill grants an exception for off-premise advertising within 500 feet of an interchange, otherwise prohibited. They note potential federal funding risks (up to 10% of $230M), enforcement challenges from precedents, and concerns like multiple signs or distractions. They clarify the sign's history as on-premise originally, now off-premise, and emphasize the bill's generality.
SB632 2024- amendment on line 14: Brianna Marco, Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Support01:31:32.159 - 1:30:19 PM; Brianna Marco, president and CEO of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, supports SB 632. The bill allows the chamber to use the sign to promote downtown events like the Moravian Coffee Festival and farmers markets, turning interstate traffic into local visitors and boosting small businesses. She notes operational costs and thoughtful limitations ensuring nonprofit, community-focused use without city involvement.
SB632 2024- amendment on line 14: Steve Duprey, follow-up Support01:33:29.760 - 1:32:16 PM; Steve Duprey clarifies the amendment specifies the existing parcel and sign, predating federal law, arguing against federal funding withholding as it would constitute a taking. He emphasizes limiting to nonprofit, non-commercial messaging with infrequent changes.
SB632 2024- amendment on line 14: Lee Baronas, follow-up Information Only01:36:19.840 - 1:35:06 PM; Lee Baronas clarifies distinctions between on-premise and off-premise advertising, noting the 2003 exception enabled off-premise use for the Courtyard by Marriott. He reiterates concerns about the bill's generality potentially allowing more signs.
SB469: Committee Vote01:37:28.320 - 1:36:15 PM; The committee enters executive session and unanimously votes SB 469 ought to pass with consent.
SB649: Senator (unnamed) Information Only01:38:52.960 - 1:37:39 PM; The senator discusses whether to strengthen penalties in SB 649 or proceed as is, noting supportive testimony from the hearing and offering to amend if desired.
SB649: Francis Support01:39:58.480 - 1:38:45 PM; Francis expresses favor for the bill as it stands and is willing to make a motion to move it forward.
SB649: Unnamed speaker Support01:39:58.480 - 1:38:45 PM; The speaker supports leaving the bill as is, acknowledging evidence that fines deter distracted driving but preferring to see how it progresses through the Senate and House, given past experiences with small fines.
SB649: Committee (motion) Vote01:41:06.800 - 1:39:53 PM; Motion to move SB 649 ought to pass, seconded, unanimous vote in favor, and consent granted. Senator Fenton takes it out.
SB469 2026-0023s: Senator Prentton Information Only01:41:06.800 - 1:39:53 PM; Senator Prentton requests reconsideration of SB 469 due to an agreed-upon amendment that was overlooked in the initial vote.
SB469 2026-0023s: Committee (motion) Vote01:42:02.719 - 1:40:49 PM; Motion to reconsider SB 469, then motion for ought to pass with amendment 2026-0023s, seconded, unanimous vote in favor of the amendment and the bill as amended, consent granted. Senator Fenton takes it out.
SB632 0007s: Unnamed senator Support01:44:31.920 - 1:43:18 PM; The senator notes the amendment addresses committee concerns and is straightforward, moving for passage.
SB632 0007s: Committee (motion) Vote01:45:26.560 - 1:44:13 PM; Motion to pass amendment 0007s, seconded, unanimous in favor; motion for ought to pass as amended, seconded, unanimous in favor; consent granted. Senator Fenton takes it out.
Unclear: Senator Birdsel Information Only01:46:27.119 - 1:45:14 PM; Senator Birdsel updates that they may have found a way to address an addition within the current membership of the traffic safety commission by combining with the hospital association, planning to confirm and proceed next Tuesday.

Ricciardi, Denise(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	McConkey, Mark(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025