Committee Summary for Senate Transportation (04/08/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB321 00:03:00.000 - 12:01:21 PM	Public Hearing	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]2024
HB489 00:17:15.039 - 12:15:36 PM	Public Hearing	allowing volunteer emergency workers to use a rear facing blue light on their private vehicles when involved in emergency service.	Nalevanko, Rich(R)
HB632 00:42:23.119 - 12:40:44 PM	Public Hearing	permitting health care providers affiliated with the Veterans Administration to certify medical accommodations on behalf of veterans residing in New Hampshire.	Giasson, Henry(R)
HB461 00:51:21.520 - 12:49:42 PM	Public Hearing	relative to department of safety and department of motor vehicle training and testing materials.	Walsh, Thomas(R)[A-]2024
HB452 02:19:22.879 - 2:17:43 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the issuance of drivers' licenses for aliens temporarily residing in New Hampshire.	Walsh, Thomas(R)[A-]2024

HB321: Dan Veu, Hillsboro 34, Amherst Support00:03:00.000 - 12:01:21 PM; Dan Veu, the prime sponsor of HB321, introduced the bill which aims to extend the time for drivers to pay certain fines for motor vehicle violations without necessitating a court appearance or causing undue financial hardship. He explained that the current 30-day payment window for fines like speeding tickets is often insufficient for many people who live paycheck to paycheck. The bill proposes a 90-day initial payment period for those with no prior outstanding fines or violations, with the possibility of an additional 90 days upon notification to the DMV. This extension would keep the process within the DMV, reducing the burden on the court system and allowing courts to focus on more serious issues. Veu emphasized that the bill does not eliminate fines but aims to prevent drivers from falling into a cycle of debt and license suspensions due to financial difficulties.
HB321: Senator McConn Information Only00:06:05.680 - 12:04:26 PM; Senator McConn asked about the typical fine amounts causing issues for constituents, to which Representative Veu responded that most fines are under $200, highlighting the challenges faced by people living paycheck to paycheck, a situation he himself had experienced.
HB321: Senator Fenton Information Only00:07:04.560 - 12:05:25 PM; Senator Fenton sought clarification on whether the bill could allow up to six months without paying a ticket, expressing concerns about potential enforcement issues. Representative Veu explained that the bill breaks the payment period into two 90-day segments rather than a straight six months to encourage timely payment, acknowledging that some might stretch it to 180 days but most would want to resolve it quickly.
HB321: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:08:45.920 - 12:07:06 PM; An unnamed committee member asked about the enforcement mechanism for ensuring payment under the extended period. Representative Veu responded that it would be the same as the current system but extended, noting that those who do not pay within the 180 days would end up in the court system, but most would likely resolve their fines sooner to avoid further complications.
HB321: Mike Franklin Support - 12:07:06 PM; Mike Franklin wrote in favor of the bill but did not speak at the hearing.
HB489: Representative Rich Levano, Cheshire District 9 Support00:17:15.039 - 12:15:36 PM; Representative Rich Levano introduced House Bill 489, aimed at amending RSA 266:78-B to ensure that emergency responders have the necessary tools for their safety. The bill seeks to correct an inconsistency in the law by allowing a single rear-facing blue light on both publicly and privately owned vehicles used by first responders during emergencies. Levano emphasized that this change would improve visibility and safety without any cost to the state or towns, as volunteer emergency personnel typically finance their own lights. He highlighted the challenging road conditions in his district, which includes Alstead, Stoddard, Marlow, and Gilsum, to underline the importance of visibility for emergency responders.
HB489: Representative Mark Pru, Hillsboro 15 Support00:21:41.440 - 12:20:02 PM; Representative Mark Pru, a long-time firefighter and EMT, supported House Bill 489 by sharing his experience with the impact of blue lights on emergency scenes. He noted that blue lights are more visible and cause drivers to slow down, believing it to be law enforcement. Pru explained that volunteers often use their personal vehicles to respond to emergencies, particularly on dangerous roads like Route 101, and stressed the importance of using blue lights responsibly to enhance safety.
HB489: Matt Matuchi, New Hampshire State Police Oppose00:26:02.320 - 12:24:23 PM; Matt Matuchi from the New Hampshire State Police opposed House Bill 489, citing public safety concerns. He argued that increasing the number of blue lights on roadways could lead to misidentification and confusion among the public, traditionally associating blue lights with law enforcement. Matuchi expressed worry that over time, the public might become desensitized to blue lights, reducing their effectiveness in emergency situations.
HB489: Gordon Kemp, Selectman and Emergency Responder from Alstead Support00:27:48.840 - 12:26:09 PM; Gordon Kemp, a selectman and emergency responder from Alstead, supported House Bill 489 by demonstrating the minimal impact of adding a single rear-facing blue light to emergency responder vehicles. He clarified that the bill only adds personal vehicles of authorized fire and EMS personnel to the list of vehicles allowed to use this light. Kemp addressed concerns about desensitization by explaining that LED lights are only visible when activated, and that the current law already requires 360-degree visibility on emergency vehicles. He also pointed out the necessity of this bill in rural areas where responders often arrive alone at emergency scenes.
HB489: David Goldstein, Retired Chief from Franklin Oppose00:36:52.040 - 12:35:13 PM; David Goldstein, a retired police chief from Franklin and current public coordinator for the county sheriff's office, opposed House Bill 489. He argued that blue lights have traditionally been associated with law enforcement and that adding them to other vehicles could lead to public habituation and reduced effectiveness. Goldstein questioned the necessity of blue lights on the rear of vehicles, noting that there is no significant data on rear-end collisions involving emergency vehicles with red and white lights.
HB632: Henry Gis, Representative from Hillsborough, Goffstown Support00:42:23.119 - 12:40:44 PM; Representative Gis introduced House Bill 632, which aims to allow VA healthcare providers to write medical equipment exceptions within New Hampshire. He explained that the bill was brought to him by constituents and is a citizen-sponsored bill. The issue arose from a rule by the jail car rules writing committee that limited the ability of VA providers to write prescriptions for medical equipment exceptions due to their licensing in other states. This has led to unintended consequences for disabled veterans who must seek alternative providers, which can be costly and time-consuming. Gis recommended that the bill pass without amendment to prevent future issues and potential ADA lawsuits against the state.
HB632: Christopher Derry, Veteran Service Officer from Nashua, New Hampshire Support00:45:51.040 - 12:44:12 PM; Christopher Derry, a 25-year military veteran and Veteran Service Officer from Nashua, supported the bill. He shared his personal experience of being affected by the current rules, which led to his application for a medical equipment waiver being disapproved. He emphasized the importance of closing the loophole to allow veterans to continue receiving care from their VA doctors without seeking unethical alternatives. He highlighted the issue's impact on veterans across state lines and the need for ethical and straightforward access to necessary medical equipment exceptions.
HB461: Tom Walsh, Representative from Merrimack, Hooksett and Dunbarton Support00:51:21.520 - 12:49:42 PM; Representative Tom Walsh introduced House Bill 461, which mandates that all testing and training materials issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles be in English without translators. He argued that this is a common sense measure for road safety, citing recent incidents of wrong-way driving and the need for drivers to understand English road signs. He referenced the state law that designates English as the official language and questioned the legality of offering driver's licenses in other languages. Walsh emphasized that the bill is about safety and not discrimination, despite being labeled as such by some.
HB461: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:02:37.599 - 1:00:58 PM; The speaker raises concerns about unintended consequences of the proposed bill, particularly regarding non-English speaking drivers renewing their licenses. They question if the bill would create barriers for these individuals, and it is clarified that the bill is silent on renewals, meaning that renewals would still be possible within a timely manner without retesting. The speaker also inquires if the Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), was consulted, and it is mentioned that the DMV Director, Morasco, was consulted and had no official position on the bill.
HB461: Senator Ward Information Only01:04:34.400 - 1:02:55 PM; Senator Ward comments on the importance of immigrants learning the English language upon arriving in the United States, suggesting that it's a safety issue when drivers do not understand road signs. They share a personal anecdote about their grandparents who immigrated from Canada and prioritized learning English for their family's safety.
HB461: Lisa Bodwin, New Hampshire Council of Churches Oppose01:06:02.960 - 1:04:23 PM; Lisa Bodwin speaks in strong opposition to HB461, arguing that it is a regressive and unnecessary policy that undermines public safety and the state's values of hospitality. She emphasizes the importance of accessible DMV materials in multiple languages, sharing her father's experience as a French Canadian immigrant who benefited from such services. Bodwin urges the Senate to reject the bill and maintain opportunities for all residents.
HB461: John Morasco, Director of DMV Information Only01:10:40.159 - 1:09:01 PM; Director Morasco provides informational testimony on behalf of the DMV, stating that they have not taken an official position on the bill. He discusses the DMV's current practices to ensure safety, including the use of translation devices and multilingual driver's manuals. Morasco notes that language barriers have not been a significant factor in the thousands of license suspension requests he has reviewed. He also mentions that the DMV has translated manuals into several languages to promote road safety and that federal funding might be at risk if the bill passes due to Title VI compliance.
HB461: Dr. Peter Rollson, Retired School Psychologist Oppose01:23:31.040 - 1:21:52 PM; Dr. Rollson opposes HB461, sharing his experience helping Afghan refugees obtain driver's licenses. He explains that these individuals must pass both written and practical driving tests and emphasizes the importance of driving for their independence and integration into the community. Rollson argues that the refugees he has worked with are responsible drivers despite needing interpreters for the written exam.
HB461: Representative Ted Gorski, Bedford Support01:26:35.920 - 1:24:56 PM; Representative Gorski supports the bill, viewing it as a safety issue. He shares a personal story about his father, an immigrant from Poland who waited to get a driver's license until he learned English, highlighting the importance of understanding road signs for safety. Gorski argues that the bill is not anti-immigrant but about ensuring safety on the roads.
HB461: Ken Barnes, Concord Oppose01:29:48.639 - 1:28:09 PM; Ken Barnes opposes HB461, arguing that the bill's rationale based on safety is unfounded, as road signs are understood through symbols and colors, not language. He criticizes the bill for being contrary to American values of welcoming immigrants and points out that learning the rules of the road can be done in any language, making the bill unnecessary and potentially harmful to immigrant communities.
HB461: Dr. Rebecca Field, Concord Oppose01:33:58.760 - 1:32:19 PM; Dr. Field strongly opposes HB461, arguing that it does not make sense to limit understanding of driving rules to English-only materials. She believes that ensuring full comprehension of driving regulations in any language is crucial for safety. Field also questions if the bill's underlying intent is to restrict immigrants' participation in society and the economy, and urges the committee to vote it down.
HB461: Joe Shapiro, Keene Oppose01:36:11.400 - 1:34:32 PM; Joe Shapiro opposes the bill, citing the ease and affordability of translation technology. He references the governor's website, which offers language translation, as evidence of the state's interest in accessibility. Shapiro argues that restricting driving tests to English-only materials is unnecessary and potentially harmful to non-English speakers.
HB461: Eva Castillo, Manchester Oppose01:40:24.880 - 1:38:45 PM; Eva Castillo from Manchester testified against HB461, arguing that the bill would endanger public safety by not allowing non-English proficient individuals to take the driver's license exam in their native language. She emphasized the importance of understanding road rules and signs, which she believes is challenging for those not fully proficient in English. Castillo also mentioned her recent experience at the DMV where language assistance was effectively used, suggesting that such services are beneficial and should be continued.
HB461: Christine Wellington, Derry Oppose01:42:46.800 - 1:41:07 PM; Christine Wellington from Derry, also a member of the New Hampshire Immigrants Rights Task Force, opposed HB461. She highlighted the lack of studies correlating English proficiency with road safety and noted that many states offer driver's license tests in multiple languages. Wellington referenced a recent executive order by President Trump that does not mandate the cessation of non-English language services, suggesting that the bill contradicts federal guidance. She also distinguished between the requirements for commercial and private driver's licenses, arguing that the bill's restrictions are inapplicable to private licenses.
HB461: Doug Wexin, Bow Oppose01:47:05.520 - 1:45:26 PM; Doug Wexin from Bow spoke against HB461, sharing his experience working with refugees. He described a refugee who, despite limited English skills, is employed and relies on volunteers for transportation. Wexin argued that the bill would prevent such individuals from obtaining a driver's license, impacting their ability to maintain employment and support their families. He emphasized the difficulty of the driver's license test, even in one's native language, and the additional challenge it poses for non-English speakers.
HB461: Katherine Brunee, Durham Oppose01:50:02.560 - 1:48:23 PM; Katherine Brunee from Durham, a volunteer with Overcomers Refugee Services, opposed HB461. She focused on the economic impact, stating that immigrants are crucial for staffing new factories and contributing to the economy. Brunee shared personal stories of refugee families who rely on driving to maintain employment and contribute to society. She argued that the bill would hinder these families' ability to thrive and support themselves.
HB461: Steve Shook, Hancock Oppose01:52:20.560 - 1:50:41 PM; Steve Shook from Hancock, a driving instructor, opposed HB461. He emphasized the complexity of the driver's license test, even in English, and argued that it would be even more challenging for non-English speakers. Shook discussed specific test questions and the necessity of understanding English road signs, which are not translated. He suggested that periodic retesting for all drivers could enhance road safety but maintained that the bill's restrictions on language access are unnecessary and detrimental to safety.
HB461: David Blair, Harrisville Oppose01:56:34.080 - 1:54:55 PM; David Blair from Harrisville opposed HB461, expressing concern for road safety. He mentioned his grandchildren and his desire for them to drive on safe roads, arguing that the bill would make roads less safe by limiting access to driver's licenses for non-English proficient individuals.
HB461: Unknown Speaker, Harrisville Oppose01:57:20.320 - 1:55:41 PM; The speaker argues against the bill, highlighting that it would force individuals to drive illegally out of necessity to support their families if they are unable to take the driver's test in a language they understand. They express concern that the bill would result in a shortage of employees in essential sectors like nursing homes and factories. The speaker supports the necessity of understanding road signs in English but opposes the bill for its broader implications.
HB461: Jessica Pelleter, Centria Care Alliance Oppose01:59:11.599 - 1:57:32 PM; Jessica Pelleter, Director of the Immigration Legal Assistance Program at Centria Care Alliance, opposes the bill, emphasizing the importance of driver's licenses for daily life and economic participation. She argues that the bill would hinder individuals' ability to maintain stable employment and support their families, thereby weakening the workforce. Pelleter also mentions the lack of public safety issues related to language proficiency and points out the potential violation of the Civil Rights Act, noting that only Wyoming limits exams to English but allows interpreters.
HB461: Ann Dancy, Centria, Harrisville Oppose02:01:09.520 - 1:59:30 PM; Ann Dancy, Vice President at Centria and involved with the Language Bank, supports Jessica Pelleter's testimony and opposes the bill. She expresses concern as a New Hampshire resident about the impact of the bill on residents striving for self-sufficiency.
HB461: Henry Harris, International Institute of New England Oppose02:01:59.920 - 2:00:20 PM; Henry Harris, Managing Director of the International Institute of New England, opposes the bill, arguing that it would prevent refugees from achieving self-sustainability. He highlights the universal nature of road signs and the lack of safety issues related to non-English speaking drivers. Harris emphasizes the importance of translators in helping individuals understand the written test and the potential negative impact of the bill on refugees' ability to work and reduce reliance on public assistance.
HB461: Tom St. Martin, Concord Oppose02:04:48.199 - 2:03:09 PM; Tom St. Martin from Concord opposes the bill, citing safety, economic, and other reasons mentioned by previous speakers. He raises a concern about a specific section of the bill that could allow for unilateral termination of existing contracts with the DMV, which he sees as bad policy and detrimental to the state's business environment.
HB461: Christine Kind, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo Oppose02:06:35.360 - 2:04:56 PM; Christine Kind, who has worked at the DMV since 2022 and has been teaching languages for over 40 years, opposes HB461. She shared her experience teaching English as a second language and helping community members obtain driver's licenses since 2004. She argued that immigrants who seek driver's licenses are highly motivated and undergo rigorous training. Kind believes the bill would harm many people, particularly mothers who rely on driving for work and childcare, and others who depend on the system surrounding driver's licenses.
HB461: Mary Georgees, Manchester Oppose02:11:05.119 - 2:09:26 PM; Mary Georgees, who has lived in Manchester, New Hampshire since 1993, opposes HB461. As an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of Congo, she emphasized the importance of driving in New Hampshire, especially for work. Georgees shared her personal journey of learning English and becoming a state representative, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants. She argued that the bill would harm people rather than help them.
HB452: Tom Walsh, representing Marramac 10 (Hooksett and Dunbarton) Support02:19:22.879 - 2:17:43 PM; Tom Walsh introduced HB452, which focuses on driver's licenses issued to non-resident aliens seeking asylum. He explained that the bill is similar to one passed by the House last year but was interim studied by the Senate Judiciary due to confusion over lawful presence versus legal status. The new bill only addresses asylum seekers, excluding refugees and humanitarian parolees. Walsh argued that the bill closes a loophole where asylum seekers receive temporary work authorizations and subsequently driver's licenses before their asylum claims are proven legitimate. He believes it's unfair to allow driving privileges to those who have not yet proven their legal status.
HB452: Unnamed Speaker Oppose02:25:44.160 - 2:24:05 PM; The speaker questioned the intent of HB452, noting that concerns about non-citizens voting were addressed by another bill (1569). They asked how HB452 accounts for persons with lawful status under the federal Real ID Act and expressed concerns about the impact on temporary residents like those on H-1B or J-1 visas. The speaker shared a personal story about their husband's experience as an immigrant, emphasizing the importance of driving for work and paying taxes.
HB452: Zimmer Oppose02:32:36.000 - 2:30:57 PM; Zimmer opposed HB452, focusing on the economic impact of the bill. They highlighted the worker shortage in New Hampshire and the contribution of immigrants to the workforce and tax revenue. Zimmer argued that asylum seekers follow rules, show up for court hearings, and want to work and contribute to society. They believe the bill sends the wrong message to immigrants who are waiting years for their court dates due to a backlog in the immigration system.
HB452: Lisa Bodwin, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Council of Churches Oppose02:36:24.880 - 2:34:45 PM; Lisa Bodwin expressed opposition to HB452, describing it as an anti-immigrant bill that would strip the DMV of its ability to issue driver's licenses to individuals who are lawfully present in the United States but have not yet received permanent resident status. She highlighted that the bill would negatively impact asylum seekers and others with temporary legal status, forcing them into isolation and hardship. Bodwin criticized the proposed two-tiered licensing system and the use of the term 'alien' in the bill, calling it dehumanizing and promoting discrimination. She urged the committee to reject the bill, emphasizing the importance of compassion, practicality, and justice over fear and exclusion.
HB452: Stacy Brown, Concord City Councilor, Veteran, and Member of Concord's Transportation Policy Advisory Committee Oppose02:41:22.120 - 2:39:43 PM; Stacy Brown opposed HB452, sharing personal experiences with immigrants and their contributions to New Hampshire. He highlighted the economic benefits of immigrants, such as job creation and tax contributions. Brown argued that the bill would jeopardize the state's diverse community by blocking driver's license renewals for non-permanent residents and adding burdensome marks on licenses. He emphasized the necessity of driving in New Hampshire and the potential negative impacts on the economy and public services if the bill were to pass. Brown urged the committee to reject the bill to support those who sustain the state.
HB452: Tim Doherty, Nashua Information Only02:46:23.490 - 2:44:44 PM; Tim Doherty's testimony was not provided in the transcript snippet. It is mentioned that he was called to speak but no details of his testimony are available.
HB452: Judy Elliot, Canterbury Information Only02:47:42.160 - 2:46:03 PM; Judy Elliot's testimony was not provided in the transcript snippet. It is mentioned that she was called to speak but no details of her testimony are available.
HB452: John Morasco, Director of the DMV Information Only02:48:40.640 - 2:47:01 PM; John Morasco provided information on the complexity of handling non-U.S. transactions at the DMV, mentioning the need for a USCIS liaison and the rigorous training provided to DMV staff to navigate various immigration statuses and documentation.
HB452: Kathy O'Neal, DMV Operations Overseer Information Only02:49:36.960 - 2:47:57 PM; Kathy O'Neal described the DMV's training program for handling non-U.S. transactions, emphasizing the use of the USCIS website and a manual for clerks to ensure they issue credentials only to those legally permitted. She noted that training could take four to eight weeks due to the complexity of the process.
HB452: Katherine Brun, Durham Oppose02:57:55.120 - 2:56:16 PM; Katherine Brun expressed confusion and opposition to HB452, questioning the definition of an asylee and the implications of the bill on various groups with temporary legal status. She highlighted the potential cruelty of the bill and its impact on individuals' ability to work and live in New Hampshire.
HB452: Ben Reynolds, Penacook Oppose03:00:30.319 - 2:58:51 PM; Ben Reynolds, a New Zealand citizen and legal non-permanent immigrant, opposed HB452, pointing out the contradictory language in the bill regarding the issuance and renewal of driver's licenses for non-permanent residents. He shared his personal experience and contributions to the U.S. economy, emphasizing the necessity of driving for work and daily life. Reynolds urged the committee to reconsider and rephrase the amendment to preserve the ability for legal non-permanent immigrants to renew their licenses.
HB452: Representative Georges Oppose03:02:36.200 - 3:00:57 PM; Representative Georges shared his personal experience as an asylee, emphasizing the importance of driver's licenses for work and family responsibilities. He argued that HB452 would negatively impact individuals who have been waiting for years to go before a judge or receive a green card. Georges urged the committee to consider the plight of those who have been in the U.S. for a long time and rely on their ability to drive.
HB452: Christine Kind, DMV and English teacher Oppose03:06:34.279 - 3:04:55 PM; Christine Kind, who works as a greeter at the DMV and also teaches English in the community, strongly opposed HB452. She described the bill as segregationist, discriminatory, cruel, and evil. She argued that the bill targets individuals who have entered the country legally, emphasizing that no one is illegal under this bill. She urged the committee to kill the bill, citing its harmful intentions and effects.
HB452: Steve Shook, Hancock Oppose03:08:14.800 - 3:06:35 PM; Steve Shook, a driving instructor and volunteer driver from Hancock, shared the story of a family from Mexico who fled due to cartel threats. He highlighted their legal status and the challenges they face without driver's licenses, such as being unable to drive to work or take their children to school. He opposed the bill, arguing it would cripple families for up to five years, preventing them from supporting themselves.
HB452: David Blair Oppose03:10:12.560 - 3:08:33 PM; David Blair continued the discussion on the Mexican family, emphasizing their contributions to the community. He noted the father's role in inspecting fire hoses, which could save lives, and his wife's work in a memory care unit, providing comfort to the elderly. Blair opposed the bill, describing it as unfair, cruel, and counterproductive, especially for families waiting for asylum and green card processes to be completed. He also corrected misinformation about the I589 asylum application form.
HB452: Jessica Pelletier, Director of Immigration Legal Assistance Program at Ascentria Community Services Oppose03:13:17.200 - 3:11:38 PM; Jessica Pelletier, an attorney with 16 years of experience, opposed HB452 on behalf of the Ascentria Care Alliance. She detailed the extensive biometric and background checks that asylum seekers and refugees undergo, involving multiple government agencies. Pelletier argued that the bill conflicts with federal law and is poorly worded and unjust. She clarified the legal statuses recognized under federal law and responded to questions about biometric assessments and the I589 form.
HB452: Henry Harris, Managing Director, International Institute of New England Oppose03:19:05.520 - 3:17:26 PM; Henry Harris, from the International Institute of New England, opposed the bill, emphasizing its negative impact on legally present individuals and families. He questioned the purpose of the bill, arguing it does not enhance safety or prevent voter fraud. Harris highlighted the barriers the bill would impose on people trying to succeed and thrive, using examples of students and workers who rely on driver's licenses for transportation to jobs and clinicals.
HB452: Steve Silverstein, Keene Oppose03:21:25.600 - 3:19:46 PM; Steve Silverstein, a manufacturer from Keene, opposed HB452, focusing on the need for employees. He mentioned employing individuals with work authorization who are not permanent residents and the lack of public transportation to his business location. Silverstein highlighted the hundreds of unfilled jobs in the Keene area and argued that the bill would harm businesses and deter companies from coming to New Hampshire.
HB452: Dr. Peter Rollson, Concord Oppose03:25:35.520 - 3:23:56 PM; Dr. Peter Rollson, a retired school psychologist from Concord, expressed strong opposition to HB452. He highlighted his work with Afghan refugees and the impact the bill would have on their quality of life, particularly their ability to drive to work. He discussed the lengthy and uncertain process of obtaining green cards, which he believes the bill fails to consider. On a personal note, he shared his experience helping an Afghan family become self-sufficient, emphasizing the importance of driving for their integration and survival in the community. He criticized the bill for lacking empathy, compassion, and logic.
HB452: Doris Hampton, Canterbury Oppose03:28:08.160 - 3:26:29 PM; Doris Hampton from Canterbury shared her personal connection to asylum seekers, mentioning her parents who escaped Nazi Germany. She emphasized the personal impact of laws on people's lives, recounting the stories of asylum seekers she has met who have faced severe hardships before legally entering the U.S. She stressed their contributions to the economy and society, and urged the committee to defeat the bill, arguing it would hinder their ability to support themselves and their families.
HB452: Ken Barnes Oppose03:31:25.319 - 3:29:46 PM; Ken Barnes discussed the necessity of a driver's license in New Hampshire, not as a luxury but as a crucial tool for everyday life, including work, grocery shopping, and parental responsibilities. He reinforced the stories of asylum seekers shared by previous speakers, adding his own observations from visits to the border. He shared his grandfather's story as a Jewish refugee from Poland, underscoring the importance of asylum and urging the committee to reject the bill for its lack of compassion toward those seeking safety and a new life.
HB452: Eva Castillo, Manchester Oppose03:34:57.120 - 3:33:18 PM; Eva Castillo from Manchester criticized HB452 as a solution to a non-existent problem, arguing it is poorly conceived and shows a lack of understanding of the immigration system. She emphasized the bill's lack of empathy and humanity, urging the committee to discard it.
HB452: Christine Wellington, Immigrants Rights Network Oppose03:35:44.720 - 3:34:05 PM; Christine Wellington, representing the Immigrants Rights Network, opposed the bill, highlighting the effective vetting system already in place at the DMV. She criticized the bill's confusing language and potential for misinterpretation, particularly regarding the exclusion of refugees and humanitarian parolees. She also pointed out the unnecessary marking of driver's licenses for non-resident aliens and offered to provide further information via email.
HB452: Bruce Burke Oppose03:38:54.640 - 3:37:15 PM; Bruce Burke, identifying as an independent voter, opposed the bill after listening to extensive testimony. He shared a personal anecdote about helping an Afghan former military officer obtain a driver's license, which he believes would be jeopardized by the bill. He respected the committee's long day but offered to submit further details in writing if necessary.
HB452: Richard Menard, Executive Director of Building Community in New Hampshire, Bow Oppose03:39:28.479 - 3:37:49 PM; Richard Menard, representing Building Community in New Hampshire, expressed opposition to HB452. He highlighted the potential negative impact of the bill on his organization, which helps refugees and immigrants in New Hampshire. Menard mentioned that three of his six case managers, from Ukraine, Haiti, and Afghanistan, might not be able to renew their driver's licenses if the bill passes, which would hinder their ability to perform their jobs. He also discussed the broader implications for other employers in the state, from Franklin to Keene to Exeter, who rely on his organization for recruitment and training. Menard criticized the bill as 'heartless' and pointed out the impracticality of the requirement for individuals, especially Afghan parolees, to produce driver's licenses from their home countries, which could be dangerous or impossible.

Ricciardi, Denise(Chairman)(R)[C-]2024	McConkey, Mark(V Chairman)(R)	Ward, Ruth(R)[C+]2024
Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2024	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2024