New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1161

Introduced

11/28/23

Refer

11/28/23

Report Pass

2/1/24

Engrossed

2/16/24

Refer

2/16/24

Report Pass

4/24/24

Enrolled

6/10/24

Chaptered

6/20/24

Passed

6/20/24

Caption

Relative to use of the public school infrastructure fund for energy efficient school buses.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1161 could significantly restrict the ability of schools to invest in environmentally friendly transportation options that could lead to reduced emissions and operating costs. This bill suggests a shift away from funding initiatives that are aimed at making school transportation more sustainable, potentially jeopardizing long-term ecological goals. The implications may also extend to community partnerships and grants dedicated to enhancing student safety and environmental responsibility through improved transportation options.

Summary

House Bill 1161 prevents the use of the public school infrastructure fund for financing energy efficient school buses and other vehicles designated for student transportation. The bill modifies existing regulations, specifically targeting funding avenues within infrastructure initiatives related to public schools. By prohibiting the allocation of these funds for such vehicles, the bill aims to redirect the resources towards more traditional infrastructure projects or other educational uses that do not include student transportation.

Contention

Debates surrounding HB 1161 may arise regarding the prioritization of funding. Supporters argue that funds should be conserved for essential infrastructure that directly impacts educational outcomes rather than newer, potentially less critical initiatives like energy-efficient vehicles. Conversely, opponents could express concern that the bill limits schools' ability to adopt modern, cleaner transportation solutions that could represent significant operational savings over time. The conflict reflects broader tensions between fiscal conservatism and environmental initiatives in educational policy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB418

Relative to eliminating the rebates distributed by the energy efficiency fund.

NH SB167

Relative to green hydrogen energy and infrastructure.

NH HB576

Relative to administration of a commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE) program in a clean energy efficiency and clean energy district.

NH HB622

Repealing the energy efficiency and sustainable energy board.

NH HB440

Relative to the uses of education trust fund.

NH HB246

Relative to uses of moneys in the renewable energy fund.

NH HB281

Relative to least cost integrated resource plans of utilities; municipal hosts for purposes of limited electrical energy producers; the cost of compliance with disclosure of electric renewable portfolio standards; repealing the energy efficiency and sustainable energy board; and procedures for energy facility siting by the site evaluation committee.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.