Committee Summary for House Public Works and Highways (01/13/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1485 00:05:07.520 - 9:05:03 AM	Public Hearing	relative to eligibility and fees for late refund requests of road tolls.	Cormen, Thomas(D)[F]2025
HB6007 00:28:34.159 - 9:28:30 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the use and storage of road salt	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB1785 01:12:58.400 - 10:12:54 AM	Public Hearing	requiring mileage-based exit numbers on tier 1 highways.	Horrigan, Timothy(D)[F]2025
HB1485 02:06:08.320 - 11:06:04 AM	Executive Session	relative to eligibility and fees for late refund requests of road tolls.	Cormen, Thomas(D)[F]2025
HB1785 02:13:42.480 - 11:13:38 AM	Executive Session	requiring mileage-based exit numbers on tier 1 highways.	Horrigan, Timothy(D)[F]2025
HB6007 02:19:03.359 - 11:18:59 AM	Executive Session	relative to the use and storage of road salt	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB2026 02:26:58.720 - 11:26:54 AM	General Working Session	relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan.	Milz, David(R)[B]2025

HB1485: Representative Tom Corman, Grafton 15, Lebanon Support00:05:07.520 - 9:05:03 AM; Introduced HB1485 as a constituent request. Explained the 18 cent per gallon road toll on fuel under RSA 260:32, which funds road maintenance. Noted that refunds are available for off-road fuel use, like construction equipment. Current law allows late filings only for political subdivisions without penalty, limited to once every 3 years. The bill extends this to private entities with a fee of 5% of the refund or $50 (whichever greater) and the same once-every-3-years limit. Answered committee questions on examples (e.g., town off-road equipment), record-keeping, deadlines (April 1st), and applicability to farmers, generators, off-road vehicles.
HB1485: Robert Moses, Britain Lumber Company, Bath, NH Support00:14:32.480 - 9:14:28 AM; Testified in support of HB1485 based on personal experience. Described operating off-road equipment like loaders and forklifts using undyed diesel (taxed for on/off-road use). In 2023, a $4,218 refund claim was filed late (due April 1st, mailed in May) due to misplaced form. The Road Toll Bureau denied it, Hearings Bureau ruled against citing RSA limits to political subdivisions, but Superior Court ruled in their favor as unlawful and unfair. Offered to pay a penalty; judge suggested fixing the law. Advocated for private entities like farmers, lumber companies to have one late filing opportunity every 3 years with penalty to avoid unjust state enrichment. Noted small claims typical ($20-30), detailed documentation required, and estimated reasonable late filing within a year. Incurred ~$1,000 in legal fees. Answered questions on commissioner discretion, claim sizes, and records.
HB6007: Representative Rosemary Rung, Hillsborough District 12, Marlow Support00:28:34.159 - 9:28:30 AM; Introduced HB6007 to statutorily require proper storage of road salt to prevent contamination, building on voluntary DES best practices for better compliance. Highlighted rising chloride levels in drinking water; Marlow spent over $2M decommissioning a well and drilling a new one. Noted health costs for private wells needing expensive purification (PFAS systems ineffective against chloride). State uses 1M tons of salt yearly, much unnecessarily; Marlow uses brine sprayers reducing salt by 75%. Uncovered storage causes leaching into groundwater/surface water even without use. Cited DES letter on 150% increase in contaminated wells over 30 years, chloride persistence. Companion bill HB1810 proposes surcharges on bulk salt for funding. Left specifics to administrative rules considering variables like salt volume. Addressed questions on local ordinances, costs (possible grants from Drinking Water Trust Fund), requirements (e.g., covered, impermeable surfaces), minimum standards, other deicing chemicals, permit processes, exemptions for small/home use, thresholds, and municipal oversight (expected under DES).
HB6007: Andrea Lamo, President, New Hampshire Lakes Support00:45:30.319 - 9:45:26 AM; Supported HB6007 on behalf of NH Lakes (150 lake associations, 2,000 individuals) to preserve lake health. Lakes are salinizing with more chloride, harming freshwater ecosystems and favoring cyanobacteria blooms (toxic to health/wildlife, impacting recreation, tourism, property values, jobs). Salt alters food webs (e.g., suppresses zooplankton, reducing cyanobacteria competition; may enhance nitrogen fixation). Lake associations report improper storage leading to runoff into wetlands/streams/lakes. Noted HB1810 for funding best practices via loans/grants. Responded to questions on bill language (suggested clarifying 'on road parking lots and sidewalks') and science (trophic cascade details, offered resources).
HB6007: Steve Landry, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Information Only00:51:13.760 - 9:51:09 AM; Steve Landry from the Watershed Management Bureau at NHDES provided factual information on HB6007 without taking a position. He highlighted New Hampshire's water resources, including 1000 lakes and 19,000 miles of rivers, and the state's early adoption of road salt in 1938, leading to long-term chloride contamination. He visualized the annual million tons of salt applied as filling the state building 2/3 full. He outlined salt application sectors: commercial (largest), municipal (over 200), NHDOT (third), county, and residential. He discussed the voluntary Green SnowPro program, certifying over 700 commercial applicators annually for best practices, offering liability protection as incentive, but noted it does not address salt storage directly, though it covers best practices in training. He observed varying salt storage quality statewide. He reported over 50 surface waters contaminated by chlorides (up from 30 ten years ago) and a 150% increase in groundwater contamination over 30 years. He supported rulemaking for proper storage to protect water quality, noting chlorides are hard to remediate, and operators prefer less salt for cost savings if safety is maintained.
HB1785: Representative Timothy Han, District 10, Durham Support01:12:58.400 - 10:12:54 AM; Representative Timothy Han sponsored HB1785 to require mileage-based exit numbering on interstates and freeways, aligning New Hampshire with nearly all other states and the 2009 MUTCD mandate. He noted neighbors Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont have switched recently without issues. He argued sequential numbering confuses out-of-state drivers, who are the primary beneficiaries, while locals know routes intuitively. He referenced Project 40915 in the 10-year highway plan, repeatedly removed during GASIT processes under Governors Sununu and Ayotte, who opposed it for iconic or toll reasons. Recent developments like adding Exit 4A on I-93 and renumbering on Spaulding Turnpike and NH 101 make now ideal, as mileage-based avoids suffixes like 4A. He addressed costs: $1.6M in plan draft, $2.27M fiscal note (mostly federal, $700K turnpike), effective 60 days post-passage but changes by 2038, aligning with next 10-year plan. He suggested amending HB2026 or passing both, with preliminary engineering in 2031 and signs in 2035 during routine maintenance.
HB1785: Lee Baronis, New Hampshire DOT Bureau of Traffic Information Only01:22:55.040 - 10:22:51 AM; Lee Baronis, NHDOT Traffic Administrator and state traffic engineer, provided information on HB1785 without a departmental position. He confirmed renumbering exits to match mile markers is the only FHWA-allowed option since 2009; New Hampshire holds out with informal 'don't ask, don't tell' on waivers, but has preliminary plans ready. Benefits include consistency, easier new exit additions without suffixes, though some confusion persists (e.g., multiple exits per mile). He noted challenges like unusual interchanges and growing pains, similar to neighbors. Concerns: bill bypasses 10-year plan/GASIT prioritization amid funding constraints, potentially displacing projects; excludes I-393, which needs numbering at I-93 interchange (adding ~$100K); suggests codifying in RSA 230 near section 46, not 265. Fiscal note ($2.27M) excludes supplemental guides, logos, special manufacturing, cross-references (e.g., 'old exit 12'), and outreach; costs rose recently. On safety, MUTCD emphasizes uniformity for guidance and preventing surprises. GPS data isn't state-provided; proposes overlays for quick route changes, cross-references for transition, and updates to responders. No penalty yet but possible; could use extra federal funds or HSIP, though competitive.
HB1485: Chairman Vote02:06:08.320 - 11:06:04 AM; Opens the executive session on HB 1485.
HB1485: Representative (Unnamed) Vote02:06:08.320 - 11:06:04 AM; Moves inexpedient to legislate, then retracts and rephrases to move ought to pass with fiscal note.
HB1485: Representative Cludier Vote02:06:08.320 - 11:06:04 AM; Seconds the motion.
HB1485: Chairman Information Only02:06:08.320 - 11:06:04 AM; Opens for discussion, initially considered tanking the bill but supports it due to compelling testimony from the sponsor and Mr. Moses.
HB1485: Representative Faulner Support02:07:19.119 - 11:07:15 AM; Amplifies the point that the bill provides parity and clarity to the law, ensuring fairness for people like Mr. Moses.
HB1485: Representative (Unnamed) Support02:07:19.119 - 11:07:15 AM; Agrees with previous speakers, notes the well-presented argument by Representative Corman and Mr. Moses, and highlights the bill's responsiveness to citizens' needs.
HB1485: Representative Sudter Support02:08:28.800 - 11:08:24 AM; Agrees with others but expresses concern about the lack of timeline for refund requests and how fines are decided.
HB1485: Representative Jack Information Only02:08:28.800 - 11:08:24 AM; Explains that the commissioner is authorized to grant waivers for good cause, handled by hearing officers in the department of safety.
HB1485: Representative Cludia Support02:09:33.679 - 11:09:29 AM; Supports the bill as pro-business, notes confusion with 'road toll' meaning gas tax, suggests clarifying terminology in future.
HB1485: Representative Brown Support02:10:25.040 - 11:10:21 AM; Agrees with concerns about timelines for applications, suggests reasonable time periods like 1-18 months.
HB1485: Chairman Information Only02:10:25.040 - 11:10:21 AM; Agrees but prefers not to amend now, trusts the commissioner's discretion for exceptions.
HB1485: Representative Newman Information Only02:11:29.599 - 11:11:25 AM; Asks if Mr. Moses can get his refund if the bill passes; clarified he already got it via court.
HB1485: Representative Rockmore Information Only02:11:29.599 - 11:11:25 AM; Clarifies that applications for refunds can be made every three years if late.
HB1485: Clerk Vote02:11:29.599 - 11:11:25 AM; Calls the roll; vote passes 14-0 with 3 not voting, ought to pass with fiscal note.
HB1485: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:12:36.560 - 11:12:32 AM; Asks if it goes on consent; committee agrees.
HB1785: Chairman Vote02:13:42.480 - 11:13:38 AM; Opens executive session on HB 1785.
HB1785: Representative (Unnamed) Vote02:14:27.599 - 11:14:23 AM; Moves ought to pass with fiscal note, then clarifies to move inexpedient to legislate (ITL).
HB1785: Representative Sudter Vote02:14:27.599 - 11:14:23 AM; Seconds the ITL motion.
HB1785: Chairman Information Only02:14:27.599 - 11:14:23 AM; Opens for discussion.
HB1785: Representative Bow Oppose02:14:27.599 - 11:14:23 AM; Agrees with mileage-based numbering but believes it should be in the 10-year highway plan, not a separate bill.
HB1785: Representative Clutier Oppose02:15:40.800 - 11:15:36 AM; Asks about the 10-year plan receipt; suggests including it there with extra funding if possible, concerned about losing funds but no current penalty.
HB1785: Representative Jack Oppose02:16:33.760 - 11:16:29 AM; Notes the $400 million shortfall in the 10-year plan, hard to justify this expenditure.
HB1785: Clerk Vote02:16:33.760 - 11:16:29 AM; Calls the roll; vote passes 13-1 with 3 not voting, ITL.
HB1785: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:17:44.959 - 11:17:40 AM; Agrees to put on consent calendar.
HB6007: Chairman Vote02:19:03.359 - 11:18:59 AM; Opens executive session on HB 6007.
HB6007: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:19:03.359 - 11:18:59 AM; Expresses concerns about funding, potential unconstitutional mandate on municipalities; suggests more research and checking companion bill.
HB6007: Representative Boyd Vote02:20:05.600 - 11:20:01 AM; Moves to interim study with fiscal note.
HB6007: Representative Jacks Vote02:20:05.600 - 11:20:01 AM; Seconds the motion.
HB6007: Representative Boyd Support02:20:05.600 - 11:20:01 AM; Supports interim study for more data; shares personal experience with road salt impact in Merrimack, losing aquifer; suggests refining language to address challenges.
HB6007: Representative Jack Information Only02:21:13.359 - 11:21:09 AM; Reminds of parsing ambiguity in the bill text that needs fixing to avoid interpretation issues.
HB6007: Representative Bow Support02:22:10.880 - 11:22:06 AM; Notes past local efforts like building salt sheds decades ago, surprised this is still an issue.
HB6007: Representative (Unnamed) Support02:23:22.720 - 11:23:18 AM; Suggests language to assist locals and businesses with conversions like to brine or covers.
HB6007: Representative Brown Support02:23:22.720 - 11:23:18 AM; Agrees to look at companion bill; supports interim study to address the issue.
HB6007: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:24:25.840 - 11:24:21 AM; Discusses companion bill on funding for water issues like cyanobacteria, not specifically for salt.
HB6007: Representative Rockmore Support02:24:25.840 - 11:24:21 AM; Agrees one-size-fits-all doesn't work but bill allows DES to develop regulations considering variables; disagrees with parsing concern.
HB6007: Chairman Information Only02:25:33.200 - 11:25:29 AM; Notes they'll address parsing later.
HB6007: Clerk Vote02:25:33.200 - 11:25:29 AM; Calls the roll; vote passes 13-1 with 3 not voting, to interim study.
HB6007: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:26:58.720 - 11:26:54 AM; Agrees to consent calendar.
HB2026: Chairman Information Only02:26:58.720 - 11:26:54 AM; Informs committee of next week's full day: morning to exec other bills, afternoon public hearing on HB 2026 assuming receipt from governor; notes $400M shortfall, projects cut, Executive Council added pet projects; plans to focus on original plan, cut unauthorized additions, similar to capital budget approach; emphasizes bipartisan effort for state's benefit.
HB2026: Representative Falner Information Only02:30:34.880 - 11:30:30 AM; Notes public input via hearings, expects people with pet projects to attend.
HB2026: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:31:29.280 - 11:31:25 AM; Clarifies no further cuts, only additions without funding.
HB2026: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:31:29.280 - 11:31:25 AM; Asks about deadline: crossover.
HB2026: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:32:32.080 - 11:32:28 AM; First year; asks if getting full book or excerpts: full book with DOT briefing and slides.
HB2026: Representative J. Information Only02:32:32.080 - 11:32:28 AM; Confirms the book is integral to the bill.

Milz, David(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Boyd, Bill(Clerk)(R)[C]2025	Bogert, Steven(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Cloutier, John(D)[F]2025	Boehm, Ralph(R)[B]2025	Jack, Martin(D)[D-]2025
Newman, Sue(D)[F]2025	Edgar, Michael(D)[F]2025	Faulkner, Barry(D)[D-]2025
Fedolfi, Jim(R)[IN]2025	Brown, Richard(R)[B+]2025	Juris, Louis(D)[F]2025
Suiter, John(R)[B-]2025	Vallone, Mark(D)[D-]2025	Foote, Charles(R)[B]2025
Rockmore, Ellen(D)[CT]2025	Louis, Darrell(R)[B+]2025