Senate Transportation Committee advances multiple memorial-highway bills, adopts Humvee registration substitute and hears fentanyl-plate, BMV notice proposals

The Ohio Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday advanced multiple memorial-highway bills, adopted a substitute expanding the process for registering Humvees for road use and heard testimony on a specialty license plate aimed at fentanyl education and an opt-in electronic driver-license renewal notification.

Chairman Patton opened the committee, approved the minutes and called the first hearing on Senate Bill 365, a measure to designate a portion of Route 11 in Mahoning County as the Trooper Nicholas P. Katen Memorial Highway. Senator Hal Catrona introduced the bill and described Trooper Katen’s service and awards. "3 65 designates a portion of Route 11 in Mahoning County as the Trooper Nicholas P. Katen Memorial Highway," Catrona said, and said the death on Oct. 16, 2025, "sent shock waves across the entire district and frankly, the entire state." Lieutenant Colonel Josh Swindell of the Ohio State Highway Patrol testified in support, saying it was "an honor to testify in support of this memorial dedication" and recounting the patrol’s outreach to the family.

Lindsay Keaton, who identified herself as the officer’s wife, told the committee naming the road would provide a lasting tribute.…