Committee Summary for Senate Transportation (02/18/2025)

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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB274 2024-0242 00:09:32.760 - 12:38:13 PM	Executive Session	(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
SB150 00:04:00.959 - 12:32:41 PM	Executive Session	defining electric vehicle charging station and charging a fee for annual testing by the division of weights and measures.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB152 00:04:49.520 - 12:33:30 PM	Executive Session	authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established noise barrier construction fund for the design and construction of noise barrier projects.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB155 00:07:09.360 - 12:35:50 PM	Executive Session	relative to highway toll credits.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB151 2024-0242 00:08:44.320 - 12:37:25 PM	Executive Session	relative to accessible parking permit verification and fraud prevention.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[B-]2025
SB154 00:14:34.040 - 12:43:15 PM	Executive Session	relative to authorized organizations issuing multi-use decal plates.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB272 00:15:23.240 - 12:44:04 PM	Executive Session	relative to electric-vehicle charging station funding.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB153 00:18:02.679 - 12:46:43 PM	Executive Session	(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
SB157 00:32:46.240 - 1:01:27 PM	Public Hearing	relative to inspection and registration of certain fleet vehicles and necessary amendments and administrative rules regarding the state implementation plan.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB271 00:56:00.960 - 1:24:41 PM	Public Hearing	relative to qualifications for issuing veteran license plates to include General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB271 01:07:06.520 - 1:35:47 PM	Executive Session	relative to qualifications for issuing veteran license plates to include General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025

SB274 2024-0242: Senator Fenton Support00:09:32.760 - 12:38:13 PM; Senator Fenton introduced an amendment to Senate Bill 274 that reduces the fiscal note by allocating $250,000 per year for two years from the general fund, totaling $500,000, for rail trail work. The amendment also establishes an emergency rail trail fund with an initial $1 deposit. It was noted that the Department of Transportation may request access to this fund from the Bureau of Trails. The amendment was described as a compromise to address concerns over the high initial cost while still supporting the transfer of four rail corridors and funding for rail trail work.
SB274 2024-0242: Senator Fenton Support00:22:42.400 - 12:51:23 PM; Further discussion on the amendment to SB274 was provided by Senator Fenton, emphasizing that the amendment maintains the bill's core objectives of transferring rail corridors and funding rail trail work but at a reduced cost. The amendment also opens the possibility for private donations to the fund, which could potentially reduce the state's financial burden. The senator highlighted the potential tourism and economic benefits of investing in rail trails, suggesting that this investment could be a revenue driver for the state.
SB274 2024-0242: Senator Ward Support00:26:36.399 - 12:55:17 PM; Senator Ward expressed support for the amendment to SB274, appreciating the compromise on the fiscal note and the establishment of the emergency rail trail fund. The senator suggested that after the four-year pilot program, the fund could be reconsidered for broader application to all rail trails in the state, reflecting a positive outlook on the bill's potential to benefit rail trail maintenance and development across New Hampshire.
SB150: Chair Support00:04:00.959 - 12:32:41 PM; The Chair moved to pass Senate Bill 150, which defines electric vehicle charging stations and charges a fee for annual testing. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition, with a subsequent motion for consent also passing unanimously.
SB152: Chair Information Only00:04:49.520 - 12:33:30 PM; The Chair discussed Senate Bill 152, expressing passion about finding a solution for constituents negatively impacted by noise barriers. The bill involves the use of toll credits, and the Chair proposed re-referring the bill to continue working on a solution with the Department of Transportation. The motion to re-refer was seconded and passed unanimously.
SB152: Senator Information Only00:06:23.240 - 12:35:04 PM; A Senator expressed empathy for residents enduring noise barriers for over 20 years and supported the Chair's decision to re-refer Senate Bill 152. The Senator indicated a willingness to collaborate with the Department of Transportation to find a funding source to address the issue.
SB155: Chair Information Only00:07:09.360 - 12:35:50 PM; The Chair discussed Senate Bill 155, which also involves highway toll credits, and proposed re-referring the bill due to concerns about the depletion of the toll credit fund. The motion to re-refer was seconded and passed unanimously, with the Chair expressing a commitment to finding a solution with the Department of Transportation.
SB155: Senator Information Only00:07:55.080 - 12:36:36 PM; A Senator supported the re-referral of Senate Bill 155, citing the same concerns about the toll credit fund as with Senate Bill 152. The Senator acknowledged the potential usefulness of toll credits but emphasized the need to monitor their application and trends.
SB151 2024-0242: Chair Support00:08:44.320 - 12:37:25 PM; The Chair moved to pass Senate Bill 151 with Amendment 2024-0242, which removes the driver's license requirement from the placard for people with disabilities. The amendment was seen as a fair compromise after hearing testimony from various groups. The motion to pass with the amendment and the subsequent motion for consent were both passed unanimously.
SB154: Chair Support00:14:34.040 - 12:43:15 PM; The Chair moved to pass Senate Bill 154, which is relative to authorized organizations issuing multi-use decal plates. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition, followed by a unanimous consent motion.
SB272: Chair Oppose00:15:23.240 - 12:44:04 PM; The Chair moved not to pass Senate Bill 272, which is relative to electric vehicle charging station funding. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition, indicating opposition to the bill's proposal.
SB153: Senator Makoni Information Only00:18:02.679 - 12:46:43 PM; Senator Makoni discussed Senate Bill 153, which is relative to the issuance of permits for driveway alterations. The Senator mentioned ongoing conversations with the Department of Transportation and developers about the potential burdens of the bill. The proposal is to re-refer the bill to allow for further discussion on creating a two-path system for driveway permit applications, with one path involving a fee for quicker review. The Senator expressed hope for a better solution to be worked out before the next meeting.
SB157: Senator Denise Rardy, State Senate District 9 Support00:32:46.240 - 1:01:27 PM; Senator Denise Rardy introduced Senate Bill 157, which establishes a rental fleet registration program for rental passenger vehicle fleets of 50 or more vehicles. The bill allows new vehicles in these fleets to be inspected upon purchase and not again until the second year after purchase. Senator Rardy highlighted the collaborative effort with stakeholders to narrow the bill's scope to the rental car industry, emphasizing its pro-business approach and the minimal impact on the overall inspection program. The bill ensures that municipalities receive their registration fees within 30 days. Senator Rardy asked for an 'ought to pass' recommendation.
SB157: Jessica Wilcox, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Information Only00:35:52.839 - 1:04:33 PM; Jessica Wilcox from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) did not take a position on Senate Bill 157 but pointed out an inaccuracy in the current language. NH DES suggested amending RSA 266:1 as opposed to 125-J, which was discussed with the bill's requesters. Wilcox mentioned that with the revised language, they anticipate having enough time for the necessary revisions to the state implementation plan and air quality modeling, impacting an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 vehicles. NH DES expects no challenges in presenting the revision to the EPA for approval.
SB157: Tom Pressel and John Ellis Information Only00:38:58.200 - 1:07:39 PM; Tom Pressel and John Ellis were scheduled to speak on Senate Bill 157, but their testimony was not provided in the transcript.
SB157: Tom Prol from Demur Prol and Thomas, representing Enterprise Mobility Support00:38:59.960 - 1:07:40 PM; Tom Prol spoke in support of Senate Bill 157, emphasizing its importance for Enterprise Mobility. He explained that the bill, which was developed after consultations with stakeholders including the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association and state officials, establishes a rental fleet registration program for passenger vehicle fleets of 50 or more vehicles. This program allows rental companies to obtain a certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State and register their fleet vehicles for two years, with an annual submission of a current certificate of good standing. He detailed the process of fleet registration, including the payment of fees and the requirement for new vehicles to be inspected upon purchase and again in the second year. Prol highlighted the transient nature of rental vehicles, which often leads to re-titling in other states to avoid annual inspections. He also addressed the safety and maintenance standards that Enterprise Mobility adheres to, including compliance with the Safe Rental Car Act. He mentioned a stipulation requiring EPA approval before the bill can go into effect and offered amended language to correct an oversight in the original draft.
SB157: Senator Ward Information Only00:45:54.599 - 1:14:35 PM; Senator Ward asked clarifying questions about the number of rental companies that could participate in the program and the process of annual inspections for vehicles that are out of state.
SB157: Senator Prince Information Only00:46:40.480 - 1:15:21 PM; Senator Prince inquired about the distribution of fees between state and municipal levels, the transition to a two-year registration cycle, and the impact on local clerks and DMV operations.
SB157: Senator McCon Information Only00:50:30.559 - 1:19:11 PM; Senator McCon asked about the reasons behind registering vehicles in New Hampshire rather than other states, the tracking of rental companies' good standing, and the need for a fiscal note from the DMV.
SB157: Senator Gray Information Only00:54:21.240 - 1:23:02 PM; Senator Gray asked about the registration process and the validity of stickers for two years, comparing it to other states' practices.
SB271: Senator Denise Rardy, District 9 Support00:56:00.960 - 1:24:41 PM; Senator Denise Rardy introduced Senate Bill 271, advocating for the inclusion of veterans with a General discharge under honorable conditions to be eligible for veteran license plates. She emphasized that such recognition is a small but meaningful way to honor their service and contributions, aligning with the state's goal of being veteran-friendly. Rardy argued that these veterans deserve recognition despite minor differences in discharge characterizations, highlighting the importance of fairness and respect.
SB271: Phil Grizo, Bedford, New Hampshire Support00:58:15.400 - 1:26:56 PM; Phil Grizo testified in support of Senate Bill 271, citing various instances where veterans received General discharges under honorable conditions, including those affected by the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy and those who refused the COVID vaccine. He argued that these veterans should not be excluded from license plate eligibility, as they meet the definition of a veteran under federal guidelines. Grizo also mentioned the efforts to upgrade discharges and the support provided by New Hampshire organizations, emphasizing the need for a common-sense amendment to include these veterans.
SB271: Kevin Grady, Hooksett, New Hampshire, representing State Veterans Advisory Committee Support01:02:25.559 - 1:31:06 PM; Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee, supported Senate Bill 271. He explained that the committee had discussed the bill and found it reasonable that veterans with General discharges under honorable conditions should be eligible for veteran license plates. Grady provided examples of why someone might receive a General discharge, such as failing to meet weight or fitness standards or minor infractions, and stressed that these veterans still served honorably. He also mentioned the relative ease of upgrading a General discharge and the importance of recognizing these veterans' service.
SB271: Committee Information Only01:07:06.520 - 1:35:47 PM; The committee went into executive session to discuss Senate Bill 271. A motion was made and seconded to pass the bill, with no opposition. There was a discussion about not placing the bill on the consent calendar, as it pertains to veterans, indicating a desire to give it more attention. The session concluded with the decision to pass Senate Bill 271 and to reconvene on March 4th to vote on Senate Bill 157, pending a fiscal note.