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Public Works and Highways committee votes not to recommend four transportation bills
Summary
In its final work session, the Public Works and Highways committee voted to not recommend future legislation on four bills covering passenger rail funding, EV charging in state-funded construction, hazard mitigation grants, and mileage-based highway exit numbers after policy and fiscal concerns were raised.
The Public Works and Highways Committee met in a final work session to consider four house bills and voted to recommend against future legislation on each motion presented. The measures covered passenger rail funding, electric vehicle charging requirements in state-funded construction, a hazard mitigation funding proposal and a plan to convert exit numbers to mileage-based numbering on major highways.
Committee Chair opened the meeting and introduced House Bill 110, which would prohibit use of state funds for new passenger rail projects. Representative Jack moved that the committee "not recommend for future legislation." Representative Newman objected to blanket prohibitions, calling the measure "poor legislation, poor governance." After a roll call the chair announced the motion carried (vote announced in the transcript as 15-0). The committee treated the item as a recommendation against advancing the bill rather than as enactment of policy.
The committee then considered House Bill 606, a proposal to require electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in state buildings and state-funded projects. Representative Boyd moved "not to recommend." Members who supported the goal said they liked the principle, but several said the draft is too broad — applying to apartment buildings and other projects — and could add costs that hinder affordable housing development. Representative Bart asked that members "move carefully" so new mandates do not raise rents or construction costs. Representative Faulkner defended EV adoption in the chamber, saying, "I paid $27,000 for it," and noting used EV availability and rising market share. The motion to not recommend was adopted after a roll call vote (announced in the transcript as in the affirmative).
On House Bill 488 FN, relative to hazard mitigation funding, Representative Mills moved that the committee "not recommend for future legislation." Several members recounted recent flood events in communities including Croydon and Acworth and said targeted mitigation funds could help prevent repeat losses. Other members raised timing and fiscal concerns, noting the bill proposes funding in a non-budget year and that estimated payouts appeared small relative to need. The motion was carried by roll call; the transcript records the motion passing.
The final bill, House Bill 1547, would convert exit numbers on tier 1 highways to mileage-based numbering. Representative Boyd moved to not recommend. When asked for DOT comment, Bill Oldenburg, director of project development for New Hampshire DOT, explained that the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) began recommending mile-based exit numbering in 2009 and that the 2014 update made it a requirement. Oldenburg said the state has included an exit-numbering project in 10-year plans previously but that it has been removed in subsequent cycles; he also warned there is "the potential" to lose federal highway funds for noncompliance. Members noted the bill contains no fiscal note and questioned how costs and timing (the bill mentions 2035) would be covered. The motion to not recommend was carried by the committee.
Votes at a glance
• HB 110 — Prohibit state funds for new passenger rail projects: motion to "not recommend for future legislation" moved by Representative Jack, seconded; outcome: motion carried (vote announced in the transcript as 15-0).
• HB 606 — Require EV charging infrastructure in state/state-funded construction: motion to "not recommend" moved by Representative Boyd; outcome: motion carried (vote announced in the transcript as in the affirmative).
• HB 488 FN — Hazard mitigation funding: motion to "not recommend" moved by Representative Mills; outcome: motion carried (roll call recorded in the transcript; final tally not clearly specified in the transcript).
• HB 1547 — Mileage-based exit numbers on tier 1 highways: motion to "not recommend" moved by Representative Boyd; New Hampshire DOT provided background and warned of potential federal funding implications; outcome: motion carried (roll-call recorded; fiscal note absence was noted and final tally is not clearly specified in the transcript).
Committee business concluded with Chair and members exchanging farewells; the meeting adjourned. The committee’s actions here are recommendations from the committee and do not by themselves enact law; sponsors may reintroduce measures in future sessions.
