Committee Summary for Senate Transportation (01/20/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB627 0012S 00:03:35.440 - 12:02:27 PM	Public Hearing	relative to toll rate adjustments, E-Z Pass customer discounts, and the acquisition and improvement of portions of Interstate Route 93 to support the New Hampshire turnpike system and the 2027-2036 ten year transportation plan.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB458 01:07:24.079 - 1:06:16 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the use of toll credits.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB630 01:37:00.880 - 1:35:52 PM	Public Hearing	relative to local authorities' power to declare a reasonable and safe speed limit.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB628 01:46:11.600 - 1:45:03 PM	Public Hearing	enabling curbside electric-vehicle charging.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB631 02:10:20.719 - 2:09:12 PM	Public Hearing	installing a sound barrier on Interstate 93 southbound.	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
SB559 02:40:55.840 - 2:39:47 PM	Public Hearing	reducing the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB560 02:48:05.760 - 2:46:57 PM	Public Hearing	modernizing the New Hampshire coordinate system.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025

SB627 0012S: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:03:35.440 - 12:02:27 PM; Senator Waters introduces SB 627 with amendment 0012S, a replace-all amendment, aimed at increasing tolls on out-of-state users and cash payers to generate additional revenue for the turnpike system without raising rates for New Hampshire E-ZPass holders. He explains the bill's provisions, including charts for toll increases by plaza and vehicle class, and notes that it maintains a 30% discount for NH E-ZPass users while repealing the old discount to accommodate the new structure. He highlights the need for funding due to declining gas tax revenues, federal funding reductions, and a $400 million shortfall in the 10-year transportation plan, emphasizing benefits like funding projects such as I-93 exits 6 and 7 in Manchester, electronic tolling in Hampton, and more municipal aid. Waters stresses that the bill empowers the legislature to set rates, bypassing the executive council process that has stalled increases since 2007/2009, and includes an inflation adjustment mechanism after four years. He addresses concerns about fairness to regions like the North Country and affordability, positioning the bill as beneficial for NH residents by shifting costs to out-of-staters.
SB627 0012S: Senator McCy (likely Sen. McClinch or similar) Information Only00:15:43.279 - 12:14:35 PM; During questioning of Senator Waters, the senator seeks clarifications on the bill's language regarding 'not registered to a funded New Hampshire E-ZPass account,' confirming it applies to non-residents without such accounts. He expresses inclination to support the bill but raises concerns about ensuring fair distribution of funds, particularly for the North Country, where no projects are advancing in the 10-year plan. He asks about handcuffs or mechanisms to guarantee equitable funding across regions like Manchester and Concord.
SB627 0012S: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only00:21:23.360 - 12:20:15 PM; The member questions Senator Waters on whether the bill provides a viable tool to fund noise barrier resolutions for affected constituents, noting past collaboration on the issue. Waters affirms it would generate more toll credits for such projects.
SB627 0012S: Another Committee Member Information Only00:22:19.200 - 12:21:11 PM; The member seeks clarification on the four-year inflation trigger for potential toll increases, asking who has purview (DOT, legislature, or executive council). Waters explains it's the DOT's discretion based on inflation reaching 25 cents, but the legislature can amend it later. The member expresses apprehension, suggesting it might jeopardize passage and preferring legislative control, while agreeing tolls are user fees, not taxes.
SB627 0012S: Jen Sis, Executive Director, Strafford Regional Planning Commission Support00:26:08.960 - 12:25:00 PM; Jen Sis testifies on behalf of the Strafford Regional Planning Commission, which supports SB 627 after hosting Senator Waters. She notes the $400 million shortfall in the 10-year plan led to no new projects from regional commissions and deferral or removal of key initiatives for economic development and safety. The commission urges identifying new revenue sources like toll increases for short-term fixes, alongside long-term solutions for fuel-efficient vehicles.
SB627 0012S: David Rodrig, Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer, NH DOT Support00:28:24.480 - 12:27:16 PM; David Rodrig provides detailed testimony supporting the amendment to SB 627, clarifying that increases apply to vehicles not registered to funded NH E-ZPass accounts, including out-of-state users who can obtain such accounts. The bill preserves discounts for all classes, including heavy trucks, benefiting NH businesses. He explains the biennial inflation comparison tied to the 10-year plan, with 25-cent increments, applying to both NH and non-NH users after four years. Rodrig notes NH's tolls are the lowest among E-ZPass agencies at 6.2 cents per mile for non-NH users, last raised systemwide in 2007 and Hampton in 2009. He provides examples: NH E-ZPass passenger cars pay $1.40 at Hampton mainline (unchanged), while others would pay $4 (from $2). Compares to Maine's York toll where NH users pay $4 vs. Maine's 95 cents. Emphasizes the turnpike as an enterprise fund, with tolls restricted to operations, maintenance, debt, and capital; costs have risen since 2007, traffic growth stalled post-COVID, with transactions down from 123.7 million in 2019.
SB627 0012S: David Rodrig, Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer, NH DOT Information Only00:36:45.839 - 12:35:37 PM; Continued testimony on the decline in turnpike transactions since 2019, from 123.2 million to 120.2 million, leading to reduced revenue amid rising costs since the last toll increase in 2007. Highlighted impacts on major projects in the 2027-2036 TIP, including delays in Nashua-Merrimack-Bedford widening, Exit 6 and 7 reconstruction on I-293, and Bow-Concord I-89/I-93/393 project due to funding shortages. Noted unfunded needs like safety improvements, Hampton all-electronic tolling, and soundwall programs. Emphasized that toll increases would fund capital projects, not operations, and expressed concerns over reduced toll credits, projecting exhaustion by 2035 without action.
SB627 0012S: Amy Charbano, Continental Paving Support00:41:39.040 - 12:40:31 PM; Representing a NH paving company employing 325 mostly NH residents, emphasized the breaking point in road maintenance funding. Noted progress since the 2014 gas tax increase but warned that without toll increases, the state would regress in 5-10 years. Praised DOT's efficient use of funds and highlighted economic impacts, including reduced employment due to inflation. Shared observations from gas tax hearings with minimal opposition to tolls and stressed safety and fiscal responsibility in projects like Bow-Concord and Exit 67 in Manchester, arguing against band-aid fixes. Connected infrastructure to economic growth, citing projects like Tuscan Village and potential for Bow-Concord to boost housing and jobs.
SB627 0012S: Ryan Oddley, RS Oddley Support00:47:53.040 - 12:46:45 PM; Representing a civil highway construction company with 160 workers, mostly NH residents, currently working on two turnpike contracts. Argued the state faces a revenue shortfall, not expense issues, with the system underfunded for 20 years amid doubled inflation. Defended DOT's lean operations despite vacancies and highlighted the unique NH contractor community of small, family-owned businesses. Noted economic benefits to local suppliers and workers, and criticized the fiscally unconstrained 10-year plan including Exit 6/7, warning of project delays or stripping if unfunded. Responded to questions affirming long-term unfunded projects pose safety risks.
SB627 0012S: Bob Scully, New Hampshire Motor Transport Association Oppose00:53:34.400 - 12:52:26 PM; Originally signed up to oppose SB 627 but reviewed the amendment. Expressed concerns over automatic indexing for toll increases on page 7, opposing it as it removes legislative and public input. Questioned shifting toll increase authority from the Executive Council to the legislature, preferring one master process to avoid complications with House Public Works prioritization. Requested time to evaluate and communicate with the sponsor.
SB627 0012S: Alex Katrubis, Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire Support00:56:06.400 - 12:54:58 PM; Representing building and highway contractors, urged immediate action on toll increases after years of studies and delays, criticizing the Executive Council's inaction last year. Noted the 10-year plan is no longer realistic due to funding shortfalls, highlighting unsafe 1950s-era designs in Exit 6/7 and Bow-Concord causing accidents. Supported related bills for toll credit expansion and soundwalls but stressed funding is essential. Compared current tolls to 1980s/90s rates, arguing NH residents with E-ZPass won't be impacted, and suggested making transponders more accessible. Emphasized workforce, technology, and demand readiness, applauding the committee's review.
SB627 0012S: Jim Jalbert, CJ Bus Lines Support01:00:30.640 - 12:59:22 PM; Owner of a Seacoast bus company operating 60+ daily trips to Boston and NYC, also chairman of NH Transportation Council but speaking for CJ. Criticized 9-18 years of delaying toll and fuel tax increases for political reasons, noting COVID funds masked shortfalls but are gone, leading to projected $40-60M deficits. Expressed willingness to pay more for safe roads, as poor conditions double bus suspension replacement intervals on NY routes despite higher tolls there. Highlighted DOT's 25% vacancies due to uncompetitive wages compared to private sector, and argued for user fees to fund the 10-year plan and avoid band-aid fixes on projects like Bow-Concord and Exit 67/68. Urged support to prevent jeopardizing no-sales/income tax pledges.
SB458: Senator Rearden Information Only01:07:24.079 - 1:06:16 PM; Introduced SB 458 to expand toll credit use beyond highway projects to municipal, county, and nonprofit projects eligible under federal Title 23. Referenced a similar failed bill last year and addressed DOT's fiscal note claiming federal regulations prevent transfers without a marketplace, countering with FHWA examples of public-private partnerships using toll credits. Proposed respecting federal limits while expanding RSA 238:12A language for local use. Cited the Merrimack Greenway Trail in Concord as an example to promote tourism and activity, similar to highway improvements. Analogized to housing needs requiring multiple fixes, stating toll credit sharing complements, not replaces, other funding like SB 627.
SB458: Danielle, NH DOT Information Only01:13:41.920 - 1:12:33 PM; Provided factual overview of turnpike toll credits as a federal tool replacing state/local match on eligible projects. Explained earning via toll revenue on turnpike renewal/replacement/capital projects, subject to maintenance of effort tests; NH certified 7/10 past years but projects only 3/9 upcoming without changes. Noted rising O&M costs defer capital spending, current balance ~$190M with $141M obligated, earning less than spending (e.g., last year 46.6M earned vs. 53.5M used), projecting exhaustion by 2035 or 2032 with modest changes. Credits saved $50M+ in state funds last year but expanding use reduces buying power and project capacity. On sales, no federal marketplace exists (pilot closed), and credits aren't commoditized; NH uses them exclusively for federal matching unlike states with surplus.
SB458: Dick Lemieux, Retired Highway Engineer Support01:22:32.719 - 1:21:24 PM; Dick Lemieux, with 36 years at Federal Highway Administration including 21 in New Hampshire, and experience as a Concord city councilor and nonprofit president, testified in support of SB 458 as a knowledgeable taxpayer. He explained that SB 458 addresses a structural issue in RSA 228, which creates unnecessary barriers to using toll credits for matching federal funds, harming municipalities especially urban compact ones like Concord. It doesn't change state or federal spending but improves matching efficiency. He noted it's his third preferred solution; first is rescinding RSA 228 entirely, second is treating municipalities like state projects as in last year's SB 155. He highlighted how RSA 228 disproportionately burdens urban areas with local match requirements via property taxes, using the Louden Road Bridge in Concord as an example where $5 million local match is needed versus 100% federal if state-administered. SB 458 would halve Concord's match to $2.5 million via toll credits, benefiting all. He refuted DOT concerns, stating FHWA doesn't interfere in state mechanisms and toll credits are plentiful historically. Other states do similar, and it's feasible as shown by Nashua's park and ride project.
SB630: Senator Suprentice, District 5 Support01:37:00.880 - 1:35:52 PM; Senator Suprentice from District 5 introduced SB 630, requested by a Hanover constituent involved in pedestrian and bike efforts. The bill amends RSA 265:64 to allow municipalities to set speed limits as low as 20 mph where reasonable and safe, in urban, business, residential districts, and outside urban districts. It has no fiscal impact and addresses safety for vulnerable road users like pedestrians, children, cyclists, and micromobility users (e-bikes, scooters). As a former local official, he noted frustrations with current 25 mph minimum on neighborhood streets. It supports local decision-making, injury prevention, and public health with low-cost, high-impact measures, citing data on injury costs. He expressed support for similar SB 599.
SB630: Paul Suska, Board President, BikeWalk Alliance of New Hampshire Support01:39:53.920 - 1:38:45 PM; Paul Suska supported both SB 630 and SB 559, submitting written testimony. He highlighted unacceptable road carnage, with fatalities up 54% from 2009-2025 to over 15 per year, driven by speed. Speed reduces peripheral vision, increases reaction/stopping time, and exponentially raises kinetic energy, making crashes deadlier (5% fatality at 20 mph vs. 45% at 30 mph). Lowering limits to 20 mph is effective per NACTO and NHTSA research, even without design or enforcement changes. The bill doesn't mandate changes but expands municipal authority requiring engineering studies, aligning with federal safe roads guidelines. Benefits all users, including drivers, and is consistent with current federal standards.
SB628: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support01:46:11.600 - 1:45:03 PM; Senator Waters introduced SB 628 as enabling legislation for curbside EV charging in public rights-of-way, thanking DOT for input on urban compact and federal highway compliance. It licenses devices, procedures for host property electrical supply and reimbursement, clarifies enforcement, siting, and that operators aren't public utilities. Benefits businesses, apartments, and downtowns by using existing power via sidewalk channels to curb posts, avoiding new infrastructure. Examples in Wisconsin, California, Boston, Portland; companies like Its Electric provide free cables. Details definitions (device, operator, host), permitting without property interest, safety/ADA compliance, non-utility status, interconnections, siting standards, parking enforcement (e.g., time limits while charging), consumer protections, reporting, damage restoration, and rulemaking. Addresses federal concerns on income from federally funded roads, similar to bus parking issues.
SB628: Michael Moser, NH DOT National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program Manager Information Only01:59:16.880 - 1:58:08 PM; Michael Moser from NH DOT provided neutral information on SB 628, noting identified issues in the fiscal note. DOT's utility manual doesn't apply as operators aren't utilities, so alternative right-of-way use is needed, considering public interest, safety, traffic flow. Private infrastructure for private use is generally prohibited; ensure no exclusive business use. Bill lacks maintenance bond for long-term removal if operator fails, signage payment clarity, hours limits (e.g., snow emergencies), interoperability standards, payment methods, outage reporting, cybersecurity, minimum power, and J1772 connector requirements. Federal NEVI uses standards like open charge protocol not included here.
SB628: David Rodriguez, Assistant Commissioner, NH DOT Information Only02:06:38.239 - 2:05:30 PM; David Rodriguez clarified the business model: private providers partner with adjacent businesses using their utilities for curbside charging, sharing revenue. On state or federally funded roads, right-of-way use agreements are needed, with DOT wanting revenue share. This model isn't actively pursued or common elsewhere. Right-of-way agreements are infrequent; policy is being formalized, e.g., for on-street dining in Concord on federally improved roads, ensuring fair market value per FHWA.
SB631: Senator Sharon Carson, District 14 (Londonderry, Derry, Hudson, Auburn) Support02:10:20.719 - 2:09:12 PM; Senator Carson introduced SB 631 to address noise concerns at The Baldwins senior living community in Londonderry, located 350 feet from I-93 with 80,000 vehicles daily. Residents, including Mr. Richard Gustoson, reported significant quality of life impacts from traffic noise despite some mitigation in construction. Existing sound barriers north of Pillsbury Road and south of exit 4A do not cover this area, leaving immature trees as insufficient buffer. She offered a resident's letter and decibel study for the committee, acknowledging funding challenges but urging discussion.
SB631: Chair and Committee Members (Q&A with Senator Carson) Information Only02:12:44.079 - 2:11:36 PM; The chair inquired about updated fiscal notes and population density at The Baldwins, noting DOT policy thresholds for noise barriers based on decibels and residents. Senator Carson described the facility as a large apartment complex with assisted living and independent units for seniors, suggesting density might qualify. She offered additional resident documents including a decibel study. The chair proposed DOT testing decibels and density, and alternative funding via toll credits if ineligible. Senator McCui asked about road changes; Carson clarified the highway predated the development, formerly an apple orchard, with construction mainly for the complex and nearby buildings.
SB631: John Evans, Noise Program Manager, NH DOT Information Only02:18:42.959 - 2:17:34 PM; Evans explained DOT's noise mitigation process under federal policy, distinguishing Type 1 projects (highway changes triggering evaluation) from Type 2 (mitigating existing issues). No active Type 1 projects qualify this area; the I-93 widening predated the complex, and exit 4A barriers are outside limits. Type 2 projects lack 10-year plan funding despite policy, with strict criteria including pre-1995 development and community planning. A 2017 screening identified 49 statewide needs exceeding $150 million. He noted challenges like recent development and funding inequities.
SB631: Committee Members (Q&A with John Evans) Information Only02:19:56.560 - 2:18:48 PM; Senators questioned costs (up to $1M/mile), berms vs. walls, federal right-of-way constraints, and innovative funding like land donations or non-federal construction. Evans clarified federal rules limit external funds to avoid inequities, emphasizing square footage per benefited household (1,500 sq ft for 5 dB reduction) over dollar costs. For post-highway developments like The Baldwins, eligibility requires meeting criteria at project time. He suggested noise-compatible zoning (e.g., Portsmouth) for easier mitigation. The chair proposed shifting responsibility to planning boards for studies on developments near highways.
SB559: Senator Denise Rashidi, District 9 Support02:40:55.840 - 2:39:47 PM; Rashidi introduced SB 559 FN to lower minimum speed limits from 25 to 20 mph on local roads in business/urban/residential districts or outside urban districts, based on engineering studies. She cited rising pedestrian/bike fatalities (38% increase 2001-2023 in NH), linking speed to reduced vision, reaction time, stopping distance, and crash severity (e.g., 45% fatality risk at 30 mph vs. 5% at 20 mph). The bill empowers municipalities without mandating changes, aligning with federal safety countermeasures and adding minimal travel time.
SB559: Bill Lambert, Highway Safety Administrator, NH DOT Information Only02:45:53.120 - 2:44:45 PM; Lambert stated DOT has no position as the bill concerns local Class 5 roads. Drawing from 25 years as state traffic engineer, he noted speed limit issues dominated complaints. He interpreted 'urban' in the bill as undefined in statute, subject to English language interpretation, not tied to specific RSA definitions.
SB560: Senator Denise Rashidi, District 9 Support02:48:05.760 - 2:46:57 PM; Rashidi introduced SB 560 at the request of the NH Land Surveyors Association and with DOT support to adopt the 2022 National Geodetic Survey state plane coordinate system, updating RSA from 1983. It ensures GIS accuracy, land record consistency, legal clarity for surveyors/planners/agencies, and federal alignment for funding eligibility.
SB560: Steve Ferguson, NH Land Surveyors Association Support02:50:13.520 - 2:49:05 PM; Ferguson explained the bill updates RSA to match NGS's 2022 modernization from 1983 (previously from 1927), aligning NH's definition with national standards. It's housekeeping to stay current with technology like GPS for precise earth modeling, avoiding future RSA changes without affecting equipment.
SB560: Eric Sergeant, Bureau of Right of Way Administrator, NH DOT (with Joel Reynolds) Support02:54:35.600 - 2:53:27 PM; Sergeant introduced himself and Joel Reynolds (licensed surveyor) to answer technical questions, expressing readiness to address inquiries on the bill.
SB560: Eric Sergeant, Bureau of Right of Way Administrator, NH DOT Information Only02:55:40.880 - 2:54:32 PM; Responding to questions about the proposed legislation updating the coordinate system, Eric Sergeant states that the Department of Transportation has the technology to implement the changes. He explains that amendments will be followed without impacting day-to-day operations. For older projects, adjustments can be made to align with the new coordinates for new projects. Regarding costs, he notes that software suppliers will provide updates as part of existing subscriptions, so there should be no major additional costs or need for new equipment. He believes it will not be a significant expense since they already pay for ongoing software stations.
SB560: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only02:58:00.640 - 2:56:52 PM; The committee member inquires about the sponsor's understanding of the bill, confirming it is a simple housekeeping measure to update standards without additional costs or fees.
SB560: Sponsor Support02:58:00.640 - 2:56:52 PM; The sponsor affirms that the bill is merely a housekeeping measure to bring the state up to speed on the coordinate system, based on their homework, and there are no additional costs or fees associated with it.
SB560: Committee Chair Information Only02:58:54.560 - 2:57:46 PM; The chair facilitates the discussion, thanks the witnesses, closes the public hearing on SB 560, and then discusses with committee members whether to proceed to executive session immediately or next week. After consensus, they decide to hold the executive session next week to allow time to process the testimony heard today, and adjourns the meeting.

Ricciardi, Denise(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	McConkey, Mark(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025