Senator Gooch introduced Senate Bill 159, saying "This bill deals with an issue of scooters," and told the committee the measure sets definitions and authorizes electronic scooters to operate in cities and counties with regulatory control left to local governments. The senator said the proposal reflects recommendations from a study committee and replaces earlier, more restrictive language.

The bill's sponsor and members emphasized the measure is separate from recent legislation clarifying electric-bicycle rules. Representative Nelowitz asked whether the scooter language would affect the ebike definition; Senator Gooch replied the scooter bill "does not impact the e bike definition at all." Committee members also noted scooters' limited top speed as a factor in where they may be used: a member said the devices "have a max speed of 20 miles per hour," and the chair observed that limitation means they generally should not operate on highways.

A motion to give SB 159 a "do pass" recommendation was made by Representative Prince and seconded by Representative Nelowitz; the chair took the question and reported the bill as passed by the committee. The transcript record provided the motion and that the bill "passes," but did not include a roll-call vote tally in the committee record.

What happens next: The committee sent SB 159 forward with a committee recommendation to advance; the effective date language states the bill would take effect when the governor signs it.

Sources: Remarks by Senator Gooch and committee members during the hearing.