House Transportation committee unanimously approves HB 97 amendment to regulate truck platooning and give DOT permitting authority

The House Transportation Committee unanimously approved House Bill 97 as amended, forwarding the measure to the House floor by a 14–0 roll-call vote.

Vice Chair Wirth moved the bill and Representative Worth offered an amendment that, supporters said, reflected extensive input from the Department of Transportation. "We changed the effective date to December 31, gave them a lot more time to do their rules," Representative Worth said, and the amendment also removed a sunset and added permit fees and operational limits for platoon operations.

Clerk Casey summarized the amendment for members, saying it contains cleanup language but added that "the rulemaking authority for Department of Transportation ... requires the adoption of rules and standards for platoons" and that the amendment requires DOT to issue special permits with restrictions. "If you go to page 5, you'll see that the department is now required under this amendment to issue special permits that have certain restrictions," Casey said.

Members who spoke in support said the amendment gives DOT time and authority to craft technical standards, limit platoon operations to safe routes and times, and include fees and permit conditions that allow DOT to monitor, restrict or suspend platooning for safety reasons. Representative Clacken said the detail "scares me" but added she supports the amendment because it relies on expert rulemaking and DOT coordination. Representative Byrne pointed to operational details in the amendment (pages 8–9) that will allow DOT to refine restrictions on routes, hours and seasonal operations.

The committee voted on the amendment by voice vote, recorded proxy votes where appropriate, and then took a roll-call vote on the amended bill. The clerk recorded 14 votes in favor and none opposed. The chair announced HB 97, as amended, "will pass House Transportation committee and be on the House floor."

The amendment sets an effective date of Dec. 31, 2025, to permit DOT rulemaking, adds a permit fee and authorizes DOT to issue and revoke permits based on prescribed restrictions. Sponsors and supporters characterized the amendment as adding operational guardrails and a permitting process; opponents did not register substantive objections in committee.

The committee closed scheduled business and set future hearings, including a resolution to study EV taxes and fees (HJ 8) and HB 275.