Committee Summary for House Public Works and Highways (10/14/2025)

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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB100 00:02:12.000 - 9:01:28 AM	General Working Session	prohibiting the use of state funds for new passenger rail projects.	Ankarberg, Aidan(I)[IN]2025
HB561 00:05:16.000 - 9:04:32 AM	General Working Session	relative to the transfer of state-owned real property to municipalities.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2025
HB100 00:12:30.079 - 9:11:46 AM	Executive Session	prohibiting the use of state funds for new passenger rail projects.	Ankarberg, Aidan(I)[IN]2025
HB561 00:14:40.720 - 9:13:56 AM	Executive Session	relative to the transfer of state-owned real property to municipalities.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2025

HB100: Representative Bow Information Only00:02:12.000 - 9:01:28 AM; Representative Bow notes that he spoke on the bill previously but it needs work. He points out that it is not in the current 10-year plan, so it is not necessary at this time, though it should be addressed in the future.
HB100: Representative Clutier Oppose00:03:27.120 - 9:02:43 AM; Representative Clutier expresses concerns about the bill's impact not only on passenger rail but also on the Cog Railway, a major tourist attraction. He worries that passing it could prevent state funds for the Cog, which relies on its traditional steam operations, and supports further study to address these issues.
HB100: Chair (unnamed) Information Only00:03:27.120 - 9:02:43 AM; The Chair agrees with Representative Clutier, noting that in past years similar bills overlooked private and tourism railways like the Cog, which are classified as passenger rail. He mentions public concerns about rumors of electrifying the Cog, which could deter visitors who prefer the historic steam experience.
HB561: Representative Boyd Support00:05:16.000 - 9:04:32 AM; Representative Boyd supports an interim study motion, highlighting the bill's concept of involving municipalities in decisions about state-owned highways. He references discussions with Commissioner Cass on the 10-year plan and sees the bill as a tool for partnering with municipalities on road funding in New Hampshire.
HB561: Representative Bow Support00:06:15.520 - 9:05:31 AM; Representative Bow agrees with an interim study to understand current practices for road transfers and maintenance. He cites examples like Route 3A in Litchfield and Manchester, shared maintenance in Litchfield, and questions the tax revenue benefits to Merrimack from state-built Continental Boulevard.
HB561: Representative Cludier Support00:08:37.679 - 9:07:53 AM; Representative Cludier supports an interim study, emphasizing its importance amid the 10-year plan's projected highway project reductions due to revenue shortages. He references his role in a study commission, concerns about future highway funding leading to forced transfers to municipalities straining property taxes, and the need to address details like past Supreme Court decisions. He specifically mentions wanting to visit and meet residents about Continental Boulevard.
HB100: Representative Jack Support00:12:30.079 - 9:11:46 AM; Representative Jack moves for an interim study on HB 100, which passes unanimously (16-0, 2 absent) and is placed on the consent calendar.
HB561: Representative Boyd Support00:14:40.720 - 9:13:56 AM; Representative Boyd moves for an interim study on HB 561, which passes unanimously (16-0, 2 absent) and is placed on the consent calendar.