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House floor recap: drivers’ license changes for refugees, autonomous delivery devices, surviving spouse benefits and committee reports
Summary
On Feb. 12–13 the House passed bills including HB189 (driver license exam revisions for refugees), approved personal delivery‑device definitions and advanced several committee reports; HB229 (surviving spouse insurance) was introduced and multiple committee placements were adopted.
The House handled a mix of policy items and procedural reports during the Feb. 12–13 floor session.
Drivers’ license exam revisions (House Bill 189): Representative Moss described HB189 as targeted to refugees (not immigrants), lengthening license periods and allowing interpreter use at the first renewal to remove a licensing barrier that can impede employment and family mobility. The House passed the bill; the transcript records a 72‑0 favorable vote and transmitted the bill to the Senate.
Autonomous personal delivery devices (House Bill 217): Representative Barlow introduced HB217 to define and regulate low‑mass autonomous delivery devices for short‑range commercial delivery. Members discussed operator oversight, mapping and municipal prerogatives; the committee report recommended placement and the floor advanced the bill.
Surviving spouse insurance (House Bill 229): Representative Perry introduced HB229 to restore or ensure minimum insurance protections for surviving spouses and children of fallen state officers (including DNR officers, correctional officers and highway patrol). The sponsor declared a conflict of interest and urged prompt passage to care for affected families.
Committee reports and other items: The Clerk read multiple Senate communications and standing committee recommendations; the House adopted the rules and various committee reports and placed numerous bills on calendars or consent. The chamber adjourned with routine announcements and scheduled the next sitting for Feb. 14.
