House approves S.123 to overhaul motor-vehicle law; DMV modernization and ID changes highlighted

The Vermont House of Representatives on voice vote passed S.123, “an act relating to miscellaneous changes to laws related to motor vehicles,” approving the bill in concurrence with proposals of amendment and sending the measure to the Senate.

The bill, reported by the House Transportation Committee and later supported by the committees on Ways and Means and Appropriations, contains about 44 sections that update DMV procedures, change fee and inspection rules, create new outreach and reporting requirements, and revise several definitions and administrative processes. Committees called attention to a DMV modernization project, fee changes including a $29 scheduling fee for road tests, and provisions to allow early renewal of IDs and licenses to preserve self-attested gender markers.

Representative Walker, the member from Swanton and floor reporter for the Transportation Committee, told the House that the committee’s work focused on revenue pressures and the DMV modernization effort. “We have stagnant, and declining revenues and dramatically increasing construction costs and personnel costs,” Walker said, and noted that the state has committed nearly $60,000,000 to a three-phase DMV modernization project due to roll out a third phase in November.

Key provisions passed with the bill include: - DMV modernization: the bill reflects the ongoing IT modernization; committee testimony referenced a nearly $60 million modernization commitment and said the project remains on time…