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. "Naming a portion of State Route 11 in honor of my husband is both deeply emotional and incredibly meaningful for our family," she said.

The committee then considered and reported Senate Bill 334, which would name a portion of Interstate 480 for Officer Jacob Durbin. Dawn Durbin, Jacob Durbin’s mother, delivered emotional proponent testimony urging the committee to ensure his name is remembered. "I'm asking you from a mother's heart. Please help make sure that his name lives on," she said. Vice Chair Schafer moved to report Senate Bill 334 to the committee on Rules and Reference and recommend passage; the motion passed on a roll call and the bill was forwarded to Rules and Reference.

Representative Abrams presented sponsor testimony for House Bill 381, the "Do It For Jack" specialty license plate. Abrams cited figures on fentanyl deaths and described the advocacy and educational work of the Do It For Jack group, saying the plate would help fund and spread prevention messaging. "Today, at least 12 Ohioans will die of fentanyl poisoning," Abrams told the committee, linking the plate to public education efforts.

Representative Abrams also sponsored House Bill 471 to designate a portion of I-275 in Hamilton County as the Deputy Larry Henderson Memorial Highway; the family requested a name amendment to add "Junior," which the sponsor said would be included.

On transportation policy, Representatives Matthews and Dieter testified on House Bill 258, which would allow the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to send opt-in electronic notices at least 15 days before license expiration (and again 14 days after), rather than mailing only after a license has lapsed. The sponsors said they worked with the BMV and expect cost savings; the sponsor cited a BMV estimate that mailing a notice costs "roughly a dollar" per notice. Senator Timken pressed the sponsors on protections to prevent phone numbers and emails used for the notices from becoming public-record disclosures; the sponsor said the authors would consider amendments if needed.

During the second hearing on Senate Bill 280, the committee considered a substitute that would create a codified process allowing Ohio residents to register Humvees for road use after a safety inspection by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Vice Chair Schafer described the substitute as expanding the bill to "lay out the expectations for registering a Humvee through the Ohio BMV after receiving a safety inspection," ensuring the vehicle meets safety standards. Ranking Member Antonio objected and recorded a no vote during the roll call, but the substitute was adopted and became part of the working bill.

The committee also heard sponsor testimony for House Bills 384 and 385, each a memorial-highway designation honoring veterans, and concluded a second hearing on Senate Bill 358 (written testimony placed on members’ iPads). Chairman Patton adjourned the committee at the end of the session.

Votes at a glance: the committee voted to report Senate Bill 334 to Rules and Reference (moved by Vice Chair Schafer, recorded roll call) and similarly reported Senate Bill 364 after a motion and roll call. The committee adopted a substitute to Senate Bill 280 after a roll call in which Ranking Member Antonio recorded a no vote; the substitute will become part of the working bill.

What’s next: Bills reported to Rules and Reference are scheduled for further committee assignment and floor consideration; sponsors said family members plan to participate in subsequent steps for the memorial-highway measures.

Sources: Committee testimony and roll-call votes at the Senate Transportation Committee hearing.