Committee Summary for House Transportation (04/22/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB12 00:03:16.000 - 8:32:02 AM	Public Hearing	relative to adding eligibility for a disability placard for certain veterans.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
SB40 00:21:32.480 - 8:50:18 AM	Public Hearing	relative to safe boater education certificates.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB151 00:54:30.319 - 9:23:16 AM	Public Hearing	relative to accessible parking permit verification and fraud prevention.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024
SB156 01:25:45.679 - 9:54:31 AM	Public Hearing	allowing the division of motor vehicles to contract with a third-party vendor to facilitate the secure transfer of title applications and information.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[C-]2024
SB272 01:33:25.360 - 10:02:11 AM	Public Hearing	relative to electric-vehicle charging station funding.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
SB150 01:42:09.159 - 10:10:55 AM	Public Hearing	defining electric vehicle charging station and charging a fee for annual testing by the division of weights and measures.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
SB157 03:49:33.040 - 12:18:19 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)[C-]2024
SB266 04:07:18.239 - 12:36:04 PM	Public Hearing	relative to safety and accountability of drivers under 18 years of age.	McConkey, Mark(R)
SB13 04:12:29.359 - 12:41:15 PM	Public Hearing	invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024

SB12: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:03:16.000 - 8:32:02 AM; Senator Waters introduced Senate Bill 12, which aims to allow veterans who have already received a special number plate for disability to also receive a walking disability placard without needing a second physical examination. This would be based on their evaluation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, simplifying the process for veterans to obtain necessary accommodations.
SB12: Melinda Sims, United Spinal Support00:04:14.640 - 8:33:00 AM; Melinda Sims from United Spinal supported the bill, emphasizing the unnecessary burden of requiring veterans to undergo another medical examination to obtain a disability placard. She argued that the certification provided by the VA should be sufficient for state recognition.
SB12: Jennifer Olirri, DMV Title Bureau Administrator Information Only00:09:21.680 - 8:38:07 AM; Jennifer Olirri from the DMV clarified that the department does not have concerns with the proposed legislation. She explained that veterans already provide documentation once for their disability plate, and the bill would enable them to use that same documentation for a walking disability placard, which could be used in different vehicles.
SB12: Leo Pacquin, Chairman, State Veterans Advisory Committee Support00:11:28.480 - 8:40:14 AM; Leo Pacquin, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee, fully supported the bill, highlighting its common-sense approach and its potential to reduce redundancy in the process for veterans.
SB40: Representative Coker Support00:21:32.480 - 8:50:18 AM; Representative Coker introduced SB40, which would allow individuals to take the safe boater certificate test online, a practice already common in most states. He argued that requiring in-person testing is an unnecessary burden, especially since many people already use out-of-state online courses.
SB40: Tom Praol, Calcomi Enterprises Support00:23:17.280 - 8:52:03 AM; Tom Praol from Calcomi Enterprises supported the bill, noting that a similar bill, Senate Bill 307, had passed in 2022 but lacked the necessary rules to be implemented. He explained that the current situation allows residents to take out-of-state exams online, missing out on state-specific education and revenue. He emphasized the significant revenue loss during the switch from online to in-person testing and the need for New Hampshire to align with other states' practices.
SB40: Senator Tim Lang, Lakes region Support00:30:25.760 - 8:59:11 AM; Senator Tim Lang, the prime sponsor of SB40, supported the bill, recounting his personal experience of taking an online boating exam in Delaware due to the convenience factor. He highlighted the bill's unanimous passage in committee and its potential to increase state revenue. He also addressed concerns about online exam integrity, mentioning various proctoring methods used to ensure test taker authenticity.
SB40: Jody Grimbleis, New Hampshire Marine Trades Association Support00:34:10.320 - 9:02:56 AM; Jody Grimbleis, representing the New Hampshire Marine Trades Association, supports SB40. She emphasized the importance of boaters being aware of New Hampshire's specific boating laws, such as the 150-foot safe passage rule, which differs from other states. She also mentioned that the association supports keeping the revenue from boating education in the state. Additionally, she addressed Representative Hill's question about proctored compliance classes at marinas and supported the in-person requirement for those under 18 years old.
SB40: Tim Dunlevy, Department of Safety Marine Patrol Information Only00:35:28.480 - 9:04:14 AM; Tim Dunlevy from the Department of Safety Marine Patrol provided a neutral stance on SB40. He detailed the current boating education options in New Hampshire, including classroom and online courses, and the requirement for in-person proctored exams. He discussed the potential impact on safety and the integrity of the certification process if online exams were to become more prevalent. He also shared data on exam scores, the financial implications for the state, and the effectiveness of New Hampshire's boating safety program, which has the lowest boating fatality rate in the country. He answered several questions from the committee about the correlation between online and in-person certifications and crash rates, handling of failing grades, the number of staff involved in administering courses, language availability of exams, and the retake policy for failed exams.
SB151: Senator Daryl Abbis, District 22, Pelham, Salem, Atkinson, and Plaistow Support00:54:30.319 - 9:23:16 AM; Senator Daryl Abbis, the prime sponsor of SB151, spoke in support of the bill. He highlighted the need to increase the fine for parking in handicap spaces from $250 to $500 and change the revenue split to 50% for both the state and the municipality. He shared his observations of frequent illegal parking in handicap spaces in Salem and the challenges in enforcement. He also mentioned the removal of the requirement for personal photos on placards due to privacy concerns and discussed a floor amendment that reduced the fine for not displaying a placard from $100 to $5. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that handicapped individuals can access parking spaces to utilize facilities.
SB151: Rod Sims, Personal Caregiver Support01:13:01.400 - 9:41:47 AM; Rod Sims testified in support of SB151 but expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the $500 fine in deterring wealthy individuals from abusing handicap parking spaces. He suggested that towing vehicles and impounding them for three days could be a more effective deterrent. He also recommended that drivers should be required to show a driver's license linked to the placard number to prove legal use. Additionally, he discussed the need for specific parking spaces for vehicles with lifts and the importance of clear signage to prevent misuse by smaller vehicles.
SB151: Melinda Sims, New Hampshire Chapter Advocacy Coordinator, United Spinal Association Support01:17:29.600 - 9:46:15 AM; Melinda Sims conditionally supported SB151 with amendments, otherwise she would oppose it. She emphasized the importance of consistent enforcement of parking regulations, as current discretionary enforcement by police is ineffective. She appreciated the amendment removing personal information from placards due to privacy concerns and suggested that fine revenues should be used to improve accessible parking infrastructure rather than going back to the police department. She recommended collaborative enforcement approaches and highlighted successful volunteer programs in other states. She provided a guide to accessible parking and stressed the need for amendments to make the bill more effective for people with disabilities.
SB156: Trisha Milo, Senate Majority Caucus Director Support01:25:45.679 - 9:54:31 AM; Trisha Milo introduced Senate Bill 156 on behalf of Senator Rashardi. The bill aims to modernize New Hampshire's vehicle title system by authorizing the Division of Motor Vehicles to contract with a third-party vendor for secure electronic transfer of motor vehicle title applications and information. This initiative is supported by the Department of Safety and focuses on improving efficiency, data security, and accuracy while protecting personal and financial information. The bill also includes provisions for regulatory oversight and compliance enforcement.
SB156: Jennifer Larry, Division of Motor Vehicles Support01:27:52.560 - 9:56:38 AM; Jennifer Larry from the DMV expressed support for Senate Bill 156, stating that it would enhance the efficiency of title processing by allowing electronic receipt of title applications and improving lean communication. She emphasized that the proposed changes would better serve customers and stakeholders while maintaining the security of consumer information. She addressed committee questions regarding the implementation process, confirming that it would be cost-free for dealers to opt into the program and that the state has the existing systems to support it.
SB272: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support01:33:25.360 - 10:02:11 AM; Senator David Waters introduced Senate Bill 272, which addresses electric vehicle charging station funding. The bill allows municipalities to use revolving funds for installing and maintaining EV charging stations, responding to requests from the municipal association and interests from chambers of commerce and tourism. Additionally, the bill establishes fines for parking in designated EV spots without charging, setting the fine at $62, lower than disability parking violations. He clarified that the legislation is enabling for municipalities and includes enforcement provisions similar to other parking violations.
SB150: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support01:42:09.159 - 10:10:55 AM; Senator David Waters introduced Senate Bill 150, which focuses on defining electric vehicle charging stations and establishing an annual testing fee of $175 by the division of weights and measures. The bill is a response to Commissioner Jasper's request to ensure the accuracy and reliability of EV charging stations, similar to gas pump inspections. The bill also provides a timeline for implementation and addresses industry concerns about readiness and training. Senator Waters highlighted the importance of consumer protection and mentioned the significant federal funding allocated for EV infrastructure in the state.
SB150: Nick Paul, Clean Energy New Hampshire Information Only01:53:46.639 - 10:22:32 AM; Nick Paul from Clean Energy New Hampshire suggested retaining Senate Bill 150 to allow for improvements. He argued that the bill's current regulatory framework, borrowed from Vermont, lacks the necessary funding and public investment to be effective in New Hampshire's market-based approach to EV infrastructure. He emphasized the need for a practical and affordable system that aligns with the state's goals and supports businesses and consumers. He expressed readiness to work with the committee to refine the bill and ensure it supports the growth of a cleaner transportation system.
SB150: Emily Kelly, ChargePoint Oppose01:57:48.639 - 10:26:34 AM; Emily Kelly from ChargePoint opposed Senate Bill 150, expressing concerns over the proposed annual inspection of EV chargers, which she described as resource-intensive and costly. She highlighted that the equipment costs for testing could reach up to $100,000 and inspections could take up to 90 minutes per port. Kelly suggested a more reasonable inspection interval of every two to three years, citing the minimal drift in meter accuracy. She also criticized the bill's provision that only one department employee may place chargers into service, fearing it would create a bottleneck and delay station openings. Additionally, she argued that the $175 per port fee was excessively high compared to other states, potentially impacting small businesses and property owners negatively. She urged the committee to retain the bill for further stakeholder engagement to craft a more balanced policy.
SB150: James Penfold, Revision Energy Oppose02:07:31.239 - 10:36:17 AM; James Penfold from Revision Energy opposed Senate Bill 150, focusing on the high costs it would impose on small businesses, particularly those supporting out-of-state and Canadian EV drivers at hotels, ski areas, and tourist attractions. He argued that the $175 fee per device was unreasonably high and would disincentivize the buildout of a robust charging network, critical for competing with neighboring states and attracting tourism. Penfold also expressed concerns about the additional red tape and delays the bill would cause for project completion. He suggested that the bill could affect customer confidence and create investment uncertainty, recommending an amendment to address these issues.
SB150: Jessica Keeler, Ski New Hampshire and Kevin Bell, Loon Mountain Resort Oppose02:12:37.480 - 10:41:23 AM; Jessica Keeler from Ski New Hampshire and Kevin Bell from Loon Mountain Resort opposed Senate Bill 150, expressing concerns about its impact on tourism-related businesses. Keeler highlighted the importance of EV chargers for ensuring EV driving guests can return home after visiting ski areas, and noted the growing EV adoption in neighboring states. She argued that the bill's financial and regulatory burdens could deter future charging investments and potentially force businesses to take older chargers offline to meet new certification requirements. Kevin Bell shared Loon Mountain's experience with EV charging, stating that their investment in chargers was to meet guest demands, and they fear that the bill's costs and delays could halt further progress.
SB150: Jennifer Smith, representing herself Oppose02:21:26.319 - 10:50:12 AM; Jennifer Smith, an EV driver for 12 years, opposed Senate Bill 150, expressing concerns that the proposed fees could lead businesses to remove EV chargers, which she considers an amenity. She used Loon Mountain's chargers and those at a shopping area in Tilton, emphasizing the importance of convenient charging locations. Smith argued that the bill was poorly thought out, especially considering the high cost of the fees compared to gas pump certifications. She also highlighted the 'chicken and egg' problem with EVs, where lack of charging infrastructure could deter potential buyers, and urged the committee to rework and retain the bill.
SB150: Cheryl Ay, Department of Agriculture, Division of Weights and Measures and Sean Jasper, Department of Agriculture Information Only02:25:56.479 - 10:54:42 AM; Cheryl Ay and Sean Jasper from the Department of Agriculture provided information on Senate Bill 150. They clarified that the amendment addresses free-for-service chargers, which would not be inspected, emphasizing the bill's focus on consumer protection. They argued that the $175 fee is minor compared to the cost of installing chargers and necessary to cover state costs. They highlighted the need for inspections to ensure consumers receive what they pay for, consistent with their legislative mandate. They addressed concerns about inspection delays, suggesting a 30-day inspection window post-notification could be considered. They also discussed the fairness of charging fees for EV chargers, similar to other commercial devices, and noted that fees have not increased since 2000, with a proposed increase in House Bill 2.
SB150: Cheryl Ay, Department of Agriculture, Division of Weights and Measures Information Only02:38:34.960 - 11:07:20 AM; Cheryl Ay emphasized the importance of ensuring accurate and reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to build consumer trust. She stated that the Department of Agriculture is not against the expansion of EV charging devices but wants to confirm that these stations deliver the expected power output. She mentioned a conversation with a gentleman from Ohio who found several charging stations in a municipality that were non-compliant, highlighting issues such as incorrect display of power delivered and overcharging. Ay discussed the accuracy standards for EV charging stations, noting that Tesla's reported 2% accuracy is acceptable for maintenance tolerance, but the initial acceptance tolerance should be 1%.
SB150: Sean Jasper, Department of Agriculture Information Only02:44:32.640 - 11:13:18 AM; Sean Jasper discussed the proposed fees in the bill, acknowledging that the fees might not initially cover the program's expenses. He mentioned that the state would need to allocate funds from another source to cover costs for the first two years. Jasper emphasized that the intent is not to generate revenue for the state but to ensure consumer protection. He mentioned the possibility of private companies stepping in once the number of charging devices increases, but currently, the state believes it should be the only entity testing due to the small number of devices.
SB150: Representative Sykes Information Only02:43:15.200 - 11:12:01 AM; Representative Sykes questioned the feasibility of the proposed fees covering the program's costs based on the current number of charging stations. He expressed concern about the financial sustainability of the program and the need for adjustments if the revenue exceeds the costs.
SB150: Representative Miller Information Only02:45:38.319 - 11:14:24 AM; Representative Miller raised concerns about the exemption of Tesla charging stations from the bill's requirements, questioning whether the language in the amendment could create a loophole. He pointed out that Tesla might argue their stations are restricted to Tesla owners and not open to the public, thus falling outside the scope of the bill. He also asked for clarification on the inspection of free charging stations, ensuring that the bill does not inadvertently include private company charging stations intended for employees.
SB150: Representative Hill Information Only02:50:48.640 - 11:19:34 AM; Representative Hill sought to understand the difference between testing commercial and residential EV charging stations. He asked whether the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) handles residential meters and why the Department of Agriculture does not have jurisdiction over them. He also asked about the potential ramifications for faulty electric meters and how they are handled.
SB150: Representative Gis Information Only02:52:01.040 - 11:20:47 AM; Representative Gis expressed concerns about the impact of the bill on private employers who have invested in EV charging infrastructure for their employees. He cited examples such as Fidelity, Sig Sauer, and BAE, questioning whether these entities would be subject to the inspection process. The response clarified that the bill does not intend to license devices used for free by employees, as there is no transaction involved.
SB150: Representative Petaro Information Only02:53:04.240 - 11:21:50 AM; Representative Petaro asked Commissioner Jasper to break down the costs associated with the new position, including the vehicle, testing equipment, and salary. He sought clarification on the salary and benefits component, which was estimated at around $125,000 per year.
SB150: Director of Weights and Measures Information Only02:55:22.160 - 11:24:08 AM; The Director of Weights and Measures clarified that the new position would not involve installing devices on each charger but rather using mobile equipment to test them. He also explained the protocol for dealing with faulty meters, stating that businesses would be given a chance to correct issues within a certain timeframe, depending on whether the meter was undercharging or overcharging customers.
SB157: Max Taylor, Legislative Aid to Senator Rashardi Support03:49:33.040 - 12:18:19 PM; Max Taylor, representing Senator Rashardi, introduced SB157, which establishes a rental fleet registration program for rental passenger vehicle fleets of 50 vehicles or more. The bill allows new vehicles in the fleet to be inspected upon purchase and not again until the second year after purchase. Taylor explained that the bill is a result of stakeholder collaboration following previous discussions on similar legislation. He highlighted that the bill streamlines the registration process and is pro-business, while ensuring that municipalities receive their registration fees. He urged the committee to pass the bill.
SB157: Tom Prasal, Enterprise Mobility Support03:52:37.760 - 12:21:23 PM; Tom Prasal from Enterprise Mobility expressed support for SB157, emphasizing its benefits for both the rental car industry and the state of New Hampshire. He explained the process for enrolling in the fleet registration program, which involves obtaining a certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State and submitting it to the Division of Motor Vehicles. Prasal detailed how the program would work, including the two-year validity of registration stickers and the requirement for companies to maintain good standing. He also addressed the inspection exemption for new vehicles, noting that it aligns with Enterprise's safety practices and federal requirements. He mentioned that the bill passed unanimously in the Senate and requested the committee to find it ought to pass.
SB157: Jason Ellis, Enterprise Mobility Support04:03:34.720 - 12:32:20 PM; Jason Ellis from Enterprise Mobility supported Tom Prasal's remarks and added specific details about Enterprise's fleet operations in New Hampshire. He mentioned that Enterprise has approximately 4,000 vehicles operating in the state and that around 1,000 vehicles are retitled in other states annually due to current inspection laws. He explained that if SB157 passes, these vehicles would remain registered in New Hampshire, bringing in additional revenue for the state and municipalities. Ellis also addressed concerns about vehicle mileage, stating that Enterprise typically removes vehicles from service after 50,000 to 60,000 miles.
SB157: Representative Hill Information Only04:00:33.920 - 12:29:19 PM; Representative Hill asked about the rationale behind the 50-vehicle cutoff for the fleet registration program and inquired how many other companies in New Hampshire would meet this criteria. He also mentioned a similar House bill and sought clarification on the differences between that bill and SB157.
SB157: Representative Pandon Information Only04:02:27.160 - 12:31:13 PM; Representative Pandon expressed concerns about the mileage of rental vehicles, noting that they can accumulate over 100,000 miles annually. He asked whether there had been any consideration for addressing mileage in the bill or if there were alternative safety measures in place. He also inquired about the cost of implementation and the potential revenue from the program, asking for an estimate of the number of vehicle fleets in New Hampshire that would be affected by the bill.
SB266: Grant Bossi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the New Hampshire Senate Support04:07:18.239 - 12:36:04 PM; Grant Bossi introduced Senate Bill 266 on behalf of Senator Mark McConi, emphasizing the bill's focus on increasing responsible driving among New Hampshire's youngest drivers. He highlighted the statistics showing that serious accidents often result from speed, weather, impairment, and inexperience, particularly affecting young drivers. The bill proposes to increase the maximum length of suspension for a youth operator's license for first, second, and third offenses, and mandates a young driver with a third offense to complete an in-person driver program before license reinstatement. Bossi also mentioned a mandatory 90-day suspension for youth operators caught driving over 30 mph above the speed limit, along with the requirement to complete an in-person driver attitude program. He stressed that the bill aims to deter reckless driving by extending license suspension periods.
SB13: Grant Bossi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the New Hampshire Senate Support04:12:29.359 - 12:41:15 PM; Grant Bossi introduced Senate Bill 13 on behalf of Senator Bill Ganon, explaining that the bill aims to codify that New Hampshire does not recognize out-of-state driver's licenses issued exclusively to undocumented immigrants. He argued that such licenses incentivize illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and crime, and cited an example of a mass murderer from Brazil living in New Hampshire. Bossi emphasized that the bill targets licenses specifically marked for undocumented immigrants and does not affect licenses identical to those issued to citizens. He also addressed concerns about law enforcement's ability to differentiate these licenses and promised to provide further information on affected states and the impact on interstate driver's license compacts.
SB13: Kathy Brune, resident of Durham, New Hampshire Oppose04:18:06.159 - 12:46:52 PM; Kathy Brune strongly opposed Senate Bill 13, arguing that it is based on the misconception that undocumented immigrants are inherently dangerous. She cited research showing that undocumented immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than US-born citizens and naturalized immigrants. Brune highlighted the practical implications of the bill, noting that it primarily affects licenses from Connecticut and Delaware, and criticized the bill for being rooted in fear and misinformation. She argued that the bill sends a hostile message to immigrants and urged the committee to vote it as inexpedient to legislate, quoting Pope Francis to emphasize her point on the importance of welcoming immigrants.
SB13: Janet Bousard, Deputy Director of the New Hampshire DMV Information Only04:27:01.359 - 12:55:47 PM; Janet Bousard provided neutral testimony on behalf of the DMV regarding Senate Bill 13. She explained that the bill would not recognize out-of-state licenses issued exclusively to undocumented immigrants, which currently applies to licenses from Connecticut and Delaware. Bousard noted the difficulty in enforcing the bill since most states issue the same licenses to undocumented immigrants as to citizens. She also mentioned that the DMV would need to maintain a list of states issuing such licenses on their website, which would be a routine administrative task.
SB13: Kathy O'Neal, Operations Manager Supervisor at the New Hampshire DMV Information Only04:29:56.720 - 12:58:42 PM; Kathy O'Neal, called upon by Janet Bousard, explained the process at the DMV when dealing with out-of-state licenses. She detailed the documentation required for license transfers, including primary and secondary forms of identification, and the verification process for any unfamiliar licenses. O'Neal clarified that the DMV checks for restrictions and consults with other states if necessary, and described how licenses are invalidated when transferred to New Hampshire. She also addressed questions about the training of DMV agents to recognize federal documents and the potential impact of the bill on law enforcement.

Walsh, Thomas(Chairman)(R)[A-]2024	Crawford, Karel(Clerk)(R)[B-]2024	Gorski, Ted(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2024
Sykes, George(D)[F]2024	Hill, Gregory(R)[A]2024	Plamondon, Marc(D)[F]2024
Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2024	Pitaro, Matthew(R)[B+]2022	Coker, Matthew(R)[B-]2024
St. Clair, Charlie(D)[D-]2024	Fox, Dru(D)[CT]2024	Foote, Charles(R)[B]2024
Johnson, Erik(D)[CT]2024	Miller, Seth(D)	Hamblen, Joseph(R)
Giasson, Henry(R)