New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB456

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  

Caption

Relative to collecting road tolls on the output of separately metered electric vehicle chargers.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws is significant as it formalizes the inclusion of electric vehicle charging within the state's tax system. This newer road toll may influence drivers' preferences for charging options and necessitate updates to existing infrastructure to track and manage the toll effectively. The Department of Safety acknowledges that with a relatively small number of EVs currently registered in the state, it remains uncertain whether the revenue generated will meet projections or exceed $1 million annually, particularly given that many EV owners charge their vehicles at home where toll collection may be more difficult.

Summary

House Bill 456-FN seeks to impose a road toll on the output of electricity dispensed by separately metered electric vehicle (EV) chargers, establishing a system that equates the toll to the motor fuel equivalent gallon. This legislative move targets the growing number of EVs, aiming to create a new revenue stream for state infrastructure. The bill intends to amend existing laws under RSA 260 and introduce specific provisions regarding the collection and licensing of the electricity road toll. The effective date for the legislation is set for July 1, 2023.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 456 include concerns over the fairness of applying a road toll to electric vehicle users, potentially viewed as penalizing environmentally conscious decisions to transition from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. There are discussions regarding how this toll might affect EV adoption rates and whether it could undermine localized efforts to promote cleaner transportation options. The anticipated revenue from this toll could also ignite debate over its adequate allocation to infrastructure projects, especially considering that the majority of charging occurs at home, limiting potential state revenue influx from commercial charging stations.

Companion Bills

NH HB456

Carry Over Relative to collecting road tolls on the output of separately metered electric vehicle chargers.

Previously Filed As

NH HB456

Relative to collecting road tolls on the output of separately metered electric vehicle chargers.

NH SB191

Relative to road toll registration surcharges for electric vehicles.

NH SB52

Relative to the regulation and operation of electric vehicle charging stations.

NH HB62

Relative to adjusting the road toll.

NH HB486

Relative to vehicle registrations and reciprocal toll collection enforcement agreements.

NH HB374

Relative to the application process for driver's licenses and the privacy of motor vehicle records.

NH HB233

Relative to useful thermal energy under the renewable portfolio standards.

NH SB69

Relative to allowing certain nonprofits to participate as a customer-generator group hosts under net energy metering.

NH SB68

Relative to municipal host for purposes of limited electrical energy producers.

NH HB388

Relative to number plates for motor vehicles.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.