Committee Summary for Senate Transportation (02/11/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB153 00:06:23.599 - 12:03:59 PM	Public Hearing	(Second New Title) relative to expedited driveway permitting of major entrances for residential use of 20 units or greater and the time frame for approval or denial of permit applications.	McConkey, Mark(R)[B]2025
SB154 00:31:32.799 - 12:29:08 PM	Public Hearing	relative to authorized organizations issuing multi-use decal plates.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB272 00:40:36.359 - 12:38:12 PM	Public Hearing	relative to electric-vehicle charging station funding.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB273 00:48:11.040 - 12:45:47 PM	Public Hearing	relative to motorist duties when approaching highway emergencies involving a stopped or standing vehicle.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025
SB273 00:58:00.680 - 12:55:36 PM	Executive Session	relative to motorist duties when approaching highway emergencies involving a stopped or standing vehicle.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025
SB274 01:02:41.760 - 1:00:17 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) establishing a 4-year pilot program to improve rail trails in New Hampshire, including the establishment of 2 funds, the rail trails program fund and the emergency trail repair fund, and making appropriations therefor.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025

SB153: Senator Mark Makoni, District 3, Freedom Support00:06:23.599 - 12:03:59 PM; Senator Makoni introduced Senate Bill 153, which aims to establish a 90-day threshold for the issuance of driveway permits. He highlighted the disparity in permit processing times across different regions of the state and emphasized the importance of timely permits for developers, especially in the context of housing development. He noted his experience with transportation issues and expressed hope that the committee would consider the bill favorably, stating its importance for the business and housing communities.
SB153: Alan Hansum, State Highway Maintenance Engineer, Department of Transportation Information Only00:11:51.680 - 12:09:27 PM; Alan Hansum outlined the Department of Transportation's concerns regarding the proposed 90-day deadline for driveway permit issuance. He emphasized the complexity of the permit process and the need for safety and proper engineering. Hansum noted that the department could not take a stance on the bill but provided comments for consideration. He highlighted the potential risks of the bill's current wording, which could force the department to issue permits regardless of safety concerns. Hansum also discussed the department's efforts to improve the permitting process and mentioned the impact on cities and towns, using the example of Conway's growth.
SB153: Nick Taylor, Director, Housing Action New Hampshire Support00:22:52.720 - 12:20:28 PM; Nick Taylor, representing Housing Action New Hampshire, expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of predictability in the permitting process for developers. He highlighted the challenges faced by developers due to extended timelines and the financial implications of delays, especially in the context of the housing crisis. Taylor acknowledged the need for efficiency and standardization in the state's permitting process and was open to finding a compromise that considers safety.
SB153: Pericles Kudus, New Hampshire Home Builders Association Support00:26:49.600 - 12:24:25 PM; Pericles Kudus supported the bill and apologized for the absence of an expert who was to provide specific examples. He mentioned an email from Eric Jackson of the Stabil Group that outlined their challenges with the process. Kudus noted that projects can take up to 18 months to go through the Department of Transportation's permitting, which can be a significant delay for developers. He emphasized the need for efficiency without compromising safety and offered to work with stakeholders to find a solution.
SB154: Senator David Rochford, District 1 Support00:31:32.799 - 12:29:08 PM; Senator Rochford introduced Senate Bill 154, which aims to allow the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association's nonprofit, the Snow Traveler Foundation, to offer decals through the existing plate decal statute. He explained that this would provide an additional funding source for trail maintenance and education without state funding. Rochford shared examples of individuals and families wanting to donate to the trail system, highlighting the need for this bill to facilitate such contributions.
SB154: Dan G, Executive Director, New Hampshire Snowmobile Association Support00:35:13.079 - 12:32:49 PM; Dan G expressed strong support for Senate Bill 154, emphasizing the need for additional funding for the snowmobile trail system. He explained that the Snow Traveler Foundation, established in 2024, seeks to enhance trail signage and safety programs. He noted that current grants do not cover all maintenance and safety needs and that the decal program would increase visibility and encourage contributions. G also highlighted the economic importance of snowmobiling to regions like Carroll County.
SB272: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:40:36.359 - 12:38:12 PM; Senator Waters introduced Senate Bill 272, which was requested by the Municipal Association. The bill has two main components: first, it allows municipalities to use revolving funds for installing and maintaining electric vehicle charging stations, which is seen as important for tourism in areas like the North Country. Second, it establishes a $62 fine for parking in spaces designated for electric vehicles, matching other parking violation fines. Waters explained that these measures would help municipalities manage EV infrastructure and parking more effectively.
SB273: Senator Donovan Fenton, District 10 Support00:48:11.040 - 12:45:47 PM; Senator Fenton introduced Senate Bill 273, also known as Cheryl's Law, in memory of Staff Sergeant Jesse Cheryl and Brigadier General John Pagor, who were killed in separate incidents while serving on the roadside. He emphasized the urgency of the legislation due to recent tragedies and explained that the bill aims to strengthen the existing Move Over Law. The proposed law would require motorists to reduce speed, change lanes if safe, and move over when approaching any stopped or standing vehicle on the roadside displaying warning signals. Senator Fenton urged his colleagues to support the bill to prevent further tragedies and honor the memory of those lost.
SB273: Senator Ward Information Only00:50:11.359 - 12:47:47 PM; Senator Ward inquired about the differences between the current bill and a previously passed version. Senator Fenton explained that while the Senate had passed the bill unanimously the previous year, it did not progress in the House. He stressed the increased urgency of the bill due to recent incidents, suggesting that the situation has worsened, thus necessitating its reintroduction.
SB273: Lieutenant Chris Storm, New Hampshire State Police Support00:51:33.559 - 12:49:09 PM; Lieutenant Storm from the New Hampshire State Police and the Office of Highway Safety expressed support for Senate Bill 273. He introduced Lieutenant Joseph Rony, who also supported the bill. They advocated for the expansion of the Move Over Law to include all vehicles, renaming it Cheryl's Law in honor of Jesse Cheryl. They highlighted the personal impact of the losses and emphasized the bill's importance in fostering a safer environment for everyone on New Hampshire's roadways.
SB273: Lieutenant Joseph Rony, New Hampshire State Police Support00:52:20.880 - 12:49:56 PM; Lieutenant Rony, also from the New Hampshire State Police, supported Senate Bill 273. He shared his personal connection to both Jesse Cheryl and General Pagor, underscoring the emotional significance of the bill. He emphasized that renaming the law to Cheryl's Law would honor Jesse's legacy and commitment to community well-being. The law's expansion to include all vehicles was seen as a common-sense approach to enhancing safety on the roadways.
SB273: Dan Goodman, AAA Northern New England Support00:54:10.839 - 12:51:46 PM; Dan Goodman, the manager of public affairs and traffic safety for AAA Northern New England, expressed strong support for Senate Bill 273. He emphasized that the bill aims to simplify and expand the current 'Slow Down, Move Over' law to include all vehicles, not just emergency and service vehicles. Goodman highlighted the necessity of this expansion due to the high number of roadside fatalities, mentioning that 350 people are struck and killed on the side of the road annually, with 23 roadside workers losing their lives last year. He stressed that this change would enhance road safety by adding a layer of protection for everyone on the roadside and noted AAA's historical involvement in developing such laws.
SB273: Peter Marano, Tow Truck Driver Support00:56:29.880 - 12:54:05 PM; Peter Marano, a tow truck driver, voiced his support for the amendment to Senate Bill 273. He shared his personal commitment to promoting road safety by using his vehicle to raise awareness about the need for motorists to move over for roadside workers. Marano referenced the tragic death of Trooper Cheryl as a motivation for his advocacy, emphasizing the importance of the bill in preventing similar incidents. He expressed his appreciation for the committee's consideration of the bill and highlighted his 15 years of experience in the towing industry as a reason for his passion for this cause.
SB273: Committee Members Support00:58:00.680 - 12:55:36 PM; During the executive session, the committee moved to pass Senate Bill 273 with an 'ought to pass' recommendation. There was unanimous support for the bill among the members present, with no opposition recorded. The committee also decided not to entertain consent on the floor and expressed a desire to show support for the families affected by roadside incidents.
SB274: Senator Donovan Fenton, District 10 Support01:02:41.760 - 1:00:17 PM; Senator Donovan Fenton introduced Senate Bill 274, which aims to establish a four-year pilot program to enhance New Hampshire's rail trail infrastructure. He explained that the bill leverages federal, state, and private funding to support this initiative, which includes a bonded appropriation. Fenton emphasized the benefits of rail trails for year-round outdoor recreation, tourism, and local economies, especially in rural areas. He also highlighted an amendment that removes references to fishing and game funds and allows for subcontracting of critical work. Fenton urged the committee to view the bill as a long-term investment that would generate economic returns and support conservation efforts.
SB274: Michael Walik, New Hampshire Rail Trail Coalition Support01:06:34.880 - 1:04:10 PM; Michael Walik, a board member of the New Hampshire Rail Trail Coalition, supported Senate Bill 274. He provided an overview of New Hampshire's extensive rail corridor network and its potential for rail trail development. Walik explained that the bill focuses on four specific trails as a phase one approach, as recommended by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). He discussed the economic benefits of rail trails, including increased tax revenue and job support through tourism. Walik also mentioned successful rail trail initiatives in other states and the potential for New Hampshire to attract more visitors with improved trails.
SB274: Marian Barowski, Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail, New Hampshire Rail Trail Coalition Support01:17:36.560 - 1:15:12 PM; Marian Barowski, founder and president of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail and vice president of the New Hampshire Rail Trail Coalition, supported Senate Bill 274. She described her route as an 83-mile scenic trail spanning 11 towns and connecting three of the four trails mentioned in the bill. Barowski emphasized the economic benefits of rail trails, including attracting tourists and supporting local businesses. She highlighted the success of her organization in raising funds and completing trail improvement projects, noting the potential for year-round use and the positive impact on local economies. Barowski urged the committee to support the bill, describing it as a pilot program that could set a precedent for future rail trail initiatives.
SB274: Boyd Smith, Conquer, New Hampshire Support01:32:13.400 - 1:29:49 PM; Boyd Smith from Conquer, New Hampshire, supported Senate Bill 274. He shared his personal experience with rail trails, particularly his ride on the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal towpath, which inspired his advocacy for rail trails in New Hampshire. Smith emphasized the economic benefits of rail trails, citing studies that showed significant tax revenue and economic activity generated by trails. He highlighted the potential for growth in New Hampshire's rail trail network and the positive impact on tourism, health, and property values. Smith urged the committee to support the bill to help build the agency capacity needed to enhance the state's rail trails.
SB274: Michael Eastman, Captain, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Concord, New Hampshire Support01:43:02.520 - 1:40:38 PM; Captain Michael Eastman, the ohrv coordinator with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, provided testimony on the law enforcement aspects of SB274. With 23 years of experience, he has enforced regulations on various rail trails throughout the state, which are utilized by numerous users including hunters and fishermen. He highlighted that funding for patrolling these trails comes from ohrv and snowmobile registrations. Initially, his commission opposed the bill due to concerns over the hike safe program funding, but with the amendment, they are willing to support it. He emphasized the benefits of the trails and the importance of the funding mechanism proposed in the bill for continued enforcement and trail use.
SB274: Craig Renny, Chief of the Bureau of Trails, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Concord, New Hampshire Information Only01:46:32.440 - 1:44:08 PM; Craig Renny, Chief of the Bureau of Trails, provided an overview of their operations and the state's rail trail system. He noted that the Bureau is responsible for maintaining 1,000 miles of ohrv trails, 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails, and 300 miles of rail trails, all funded by motorized registration fees. He detailed the New Hampshire State Rail Trails Plan developed in 2022, which supports the development of rail trails for various uses. Renny explained that SB274 would aid in implementing this plan by transferring rail corridor ownership and providing funding for trail maintenance and emergency repairs. He clarified that while DNCR does not take a position on the bill, they see it as a means to enhance and maintain the trail system.
SB274: Karen Benfield, Stay Work Play New Hampshire, Concord, New Hampshire Support01:53:34.280 - 1:51:10 PM; Karen Benfield from Stay Work Play New Hampshire voiced strong support for SB274, emphasizing its importance for attracting and retaining young people in New Hampshire. She highlighted that outdoor recreation is a significant factor for young people choosing to stay or move to the state, according to their 2023 Quality of Life Index survey. Benfield stressed that improving rail trails would enhance New Hampshire's reputation as a place for young people to thrive, and that trails serve as recruitment tools for employers. She also noted the economic and community-building benefits of the rail trails, reinforcing their role in fostering a connected and vibrant state.
SB274: Shelley Winters, Director, Division of Aeronautics, Rail and Transit, Department of Transportation, Concord, New Hampshire Support01:59:22.800 - 1:56:58 PM; Shelley Winters, Director at the Department of Transportation, expressed support for the concept of transferring ownership of approximately 69 miles of rail corridors to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). She highlighted the 2022 State Rail Trails Plan and the need for implementation of its recommendations. Winters emphasized that the DOT does not have dedicated staffing or funding for recreational rail trails, which better aligns with DNCR's mission. She requested clarification in the bill's wording regarding emergency repair funds to ensure that the DOT could also access these funds for the trails they still own. Winters concluded by expressing excitement about the potential implementation through a pilot program.

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