House Transportation committee retains several bills, sends language-on-testing measure to calendar after close votes

The House Transportation Committee spent its executive session on a slate of driver- and vehicle-related bills, retaining some for further work, rejecting others and advancing one contested measure after a party-line amendment.

The committee, chaired by Chairman Walsh, voted 9-7 to recommend House Bill 4 61 — which narrows use of non‑English aids for Department of Safety Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) training and testing materials — as amended by amendment 2025-0471h. That amendment removes several forms of in-person and electronic translation during DMV testing; the committee adopted the amendment 9-7 before approving the amended bill 9-7. Members announced there will be a minority report.

Why this matters: the DMV materials bill touches driver safety, licensing access and state practice for non‑English speakers who seek New Hampshire driver credentials. Supporters cited roadside safety and the need for officers to communicate during traffic stops; opponents said the change would create a barrier for residents who use translated materials to obtain lawful driving privileges and cast the measure as a potential economic and public-safety concern for immigrant and non‑English speaking communities.

Other committee actions - House Bill 2 12 (emissions testing: 180‑day waiver for failed motor vehicle emission control tests) —…