Committee Summary for Senate Transportation (05/06/2025)

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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB612 00:03:18.800 - 12:02:14 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) enabling the division of motor vehicles to create a temporary traditional driver's license for youth operators about to turn 21 and relative to requiring employers to provide certain information regarding cost sharing to employees receiving workers' compensation benefit and relative to declaring the third week in September to be New Hampshire service dog week.	Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2025
HB612 00:06:21.520 - 12:05:17 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) enabling the division of motor vehicles to create a temporary traditional driver's license for youth operators about to turn 21 and relative to requiring employers to provide certain information regarding cost sharing to employees receiving workers' compensation benefit and relative to declaring the third week in September to be New Hampshire service dog week.	Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2025
HB105 00:07:24.000 - 12:06:20 PM	Executive Session	creating a new conservation license plate and directing the additional fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund.	Rung, Rosemarie(D)[CT]2025
HB259 00:09:44.040 - 12:08:40 PM	Executive Session	relative to increasing the number of handicap license plates and placards the department of motor vehicles may issue to individuals.	Pitaro, Matthew(R)[A-]2025
HB260 00:10:45.920 - 12:09:41 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) creating a commemorative license plate celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.	Pearson, Stephen(R)[B-]2025
HB321 00:11:40.320 - 12:10:36 PM	Executive Session	requiring the division of motor vehicles to extend a fine payment period for certain motor vehicle violations from 30 days to 90 days if the driver requests the extension.	Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2025
HB452 00:13:02.079 - 12:11:58 PM	Executive Session	relative to the issuance of drivers' licenses for aliens temporarily residing in New Hampshire.	Walsh, Thomas(R)[B-]2025
HB713 00:17:43.080 - 12:16:39 PM	Public Hearing	relative to mile markers along Route 112.	Stringham, Jerry(D)[D-]2025
HB713 00:42:35.760 - 12:41:31 PM	Executive Session	relative to mile markers along Route 112.	Stringham, Jerry(D)[D-]2025
HB461 00:45:59.040 - 12:44:55 PM	Executive Session	relative to department of safety and department of motor vehicle training and testing materials.	Walsh, Thomas(R)[B-]2025
HB489 00:48:23.280 - 12:47:19 PM	Executive Session	allowing volunteer emergency workers to use a rear facing blue light on their private vehicles when involved in emergency service.	Nalevanko, Rich(R)[B+]2025
HB632 00:50:58.079 - 12:49:54 PM	Executive Session	permitting health care providers affiliated with the Veterans Administration to certify medical accommodations on behalf of veterans residing in New Hampshire.	Giasson, Henry(R)[A+]2025

HB612: Representative Dan Veu, Hillsboro District 34, Amherst Support00:03:18.800 - 12:02:14 PM; Representative Dan Veu introduced House Bill 612, which addresses the issue of youth operators transitioning to an adult driver's license. He explained that under current law, if a youth operator's 21st birthday falls on a weekend, they cannot obtain a standard horizontal driver's license without a second trip to the DMV. HB612 proposes that youth operators can renew up to 30 days before their 21st birthday and receive a temporary license valid for driving purposes, with the adult license issued on or after their birthday. This change would reduce duplicate DMV visits and prevent young drivers from operating with expired licenses. The bill passed the House unanimously and the Department of Safety supports it, confirming it can be implemented within their budget.
HB612: Committee Vote00:06:21.520 - 12:05:17 PM; The committee voted on House Bill 612, moving to pass the bill with a motion from Senator Fenton, seconded by Senator McCi. The vote was unanimous in favor of passing the bill and it was moved to consent.
HB105: Committee Vote00:07:24.000 - 12:06:20 PM; The committee discussed House Bill 105, which proposes a new conservation license plate. There was testimony both in favor and in opposition, with concerns about conflict with existing moose plates. The sponsor requested the bill be re-referred for further work. The committee voted unanimously to re-refer the bill, with a motion from Senator Long and seconded by another member.
HB259: Committee Vote00:09:44.040 - 12:08:40 PM; The committee discussed House Bill 259, which aims to increase the number of handicapped license plates and placards issued by the DMV. There was confusion about the need for multiple plates. A motion for inexpedient to legislate was made by Senator McConi and seconded by Senator Fenton. The vote was unanimous in favor of inexpedient to legislate and the bill was moved to consent.
HB260: Committee Vote00:10:45.920 - 12:09:41 PM; The committee discussed House Bill 260, which proposes a commemorative license plate for the 25th anniversary of Bunker Hill. Concerns about the location and duration of the plate were addressed. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill with a motion for ought to pass, seconded by another member, and the bill was moved to consent.
HB321: Committee Vote00:11:40.320 - 12:10:36 PM; The committee discussed House Bill 321, which proposes extending the fine payment period for certain motor vehicle violations from 30 to 90 days upon request. The bill was seen as needing further work due to unanswered questions. The committee voted unanimously to re-refer the bill for further consideration, with a motion and second.
HB452: Senator Information Only00:13:02.079 - 12:11:58 PM; A senator spoke about House Bill 452, which deals with driver's licenses for individuals on visas. The senator shared a personal story about an incident involving an illegal immigrant driving an uninsured, unregistered car with 3D printed plates, which resulted in a severe accident. The senator argued that the current bill does not address the real problem and suggested replacing it with an enforcement mechanism to protect New Hampshire residents. The committee discussed the need for further work on the bill and voted unanimously to re-refer it, with a motion and second.
HB713: Representative Jerry Stringham, Grafton third district, Lincoln, Woodstock, Easton Support00:17:43.080 - 12:16:39 PM; Representative Jerry Stringham introduced House Bill 713, which directs the Department of Transportation to place mile markers along the Kancamagus Highway. He highlighted the safety concerns due to the lack of cell and radio service on this road, which often leads to delays in locating accidents or breakdowns. The bill aims to improve emergency response times by providing mile markers for accurate location reporting. The project would be funded entirely by federal funds, and the amendment allows flexibility in combining this project with others. The bill passed the House unanimously and was supported by local emergency services.
HB713: Senator McCain Information Only00:21:52.240 - 12:20:48 PM; Senator McCain commented on the term 'treacherous' used to describe a section of road, expressing a personal view that it is a lovely section, not treacherous.
HB713: Lee Baronis, New Hampshire DOT Information Only00:23:04.159 - 12:22:00 PM; Lee Baronis, the state traffic engineer and administrator for the Bureau of Traffic at the New Hampshire DOT, provided detailed information about mile markers. He explained that mile markers, also known as reference location signs, show distances from the route's origin and are crucial for motorist navigation and public safety, especially in emergencies. He discussed the current state of mile markers in New Hampshire, focusing on interstates and turnpikes, and mentioned recent updates. Baronis also noted the need for mile markers on other roads, particularly those with fewer landmarks, like the Kancamagus Highway and other routes such as Route 26 from Colebrook to Errol, Route 25C from Piermont to Warren, Route 9 from Keene to Hinsdale, and US 3 from Lancaster to Pittsburg. He outlined the proposed amendment to include mile markers at 2/10 intervals, to be placed on one side of the road for visibility from both directions. He highlighted the benefits of such markers for emergency response and maintenance, but also mentioned potential drawbacks like displacement of other safety projects and visibility issues under snow. Baronis concluded by stating the DOT's neutral stance on the project, indicating that they would respond to legislative priorities.
HB713: Senator Ward Vote00:42:35.760 - 12:41:31 PM; Senator Ward moved to pass HB713 with a motion for ought to pass, expressing support for the bill's merits but acknowledging concerns about its passage in finance due to the fiscal note. They suggested exploring federal funding options through the federal delegation.
HB713: Senator McConi Vote00:43:51.280 - 12:42:47 PM; Senator McConi seconded the motion for ought to pass on HB713, agreeing with the bill's safety benefits but expressing concern about its financial impact and the potential displacement of other programs. They supported letting the finance committee make the decision.
HB461: Unnamed Speaker Vote00:45:59.040 - 12:44:55 PM; The speaker moved for inexpedient to legislate on HB461, citing concerns about the removal of multilingual driver's manuals, which could lead to increased need for interpreters and potentially unsafe roads. They referenced a document from the Trump administration supporting multilingual materials and noted that only one state had removed such materials, leading to complications.
HB461: Senator Fenton Vote00:47:02.480 - 12:45:58 PM; Senator Fenton seconded the motion for inexpedient to legislate on HB461, expressing concerns that the bill could make roads more dangerous by limiting language options for driver's exams. They also mentioned the importance of accessibility for the workforce and the translation capabilities of the governor's website.
HB489: Unnamed Speaker Vote00:48:23.280 - 12:47:19 PM; The speaker moved for inexpedient to legislate on HB489, which would allow volunteer emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on their private vehicles. They expressed respect for volunteers but noted strong opposition and lack of evidence that it would improve safety. Concerns were raised about potential misuse of blue lights purchased online and confusion on the roads.
HB632: Senator Fenton Vote00:50:58.079 - 12:49:54 PM; Senator Fenton moved for ought to pass on HB632, which would allow health care providers affiliated with the Veterans Administration to certify medical accommodations for veterans in New Hampshire. The motion was seconded by Senator McConn, and the bill was passed unanimously.