Subcommittee reports several transportation bills including green farm lights, parking authority and bicycle signals
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Summary
In a single hearing the subcommittee continued two bills to 2027, and reported measures that would permit green warning lights on farm vehicles (HB646), expand local parking enforcement authority (HB783), allow bicycle traffic signals (HB812) and clarify pedestrian rules on divided highways (HB819). Most measures were reported unanimously or nearly so.
The House Transportation Subcommittee moved through multiple relatively noncontroversial transportation measures after fuller debate on earlier items.
Administrative continuations: The subcommittee agreed to continue HB302 and HB587 to the 2027 session to allow stakeholders to resolve outstanding transportation and economic development issues involving limited counties in Southwest Virginia (Giles and Pulaski were referenced by the patron).
Green lights for farm vehicles: Delegate Kent presented HB646 to permit farm vehicles that carry the farm placard to use green warning lights, a practice used in some other states for improved visibility; the subcommittee reported the bill 7–0.
Parking enforcement authority: Delegate Anderson's HB783 removes a population threshold so any locality may authorize uniformed or contracted personnel to oversee parking enforcement; Williamsburg's deputy city manager testified in support. The bill was reported 6–1.
Bicycle signals and pedestrian code clarity: Delegate Carr's bills HB812 (allowing bicycle‑specific traffic signals consistent with the federal MUTCD) and HB819 (clarifying pedestrian facing requirements on divided highways) drew support from localities and advocacy groups; both bills were reported (HB812 7–0; HB819 7–0).
Procedural outcomes: Most of these bills were reported to the full Transportation Committee, with recorded tallies announced in committee where noted.
