New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1439

Introduced

12/6/23

Refer

12/6/23

Report DNP

2/12/24

Caption

Relative to vehicle registrations and reciprocal toll collection enforcement agreements.

Impact

The impact of HB 1439 on state law will be significant, particularly regarding how the Department of Transportation can handle toll collection from out-of-state violators. By eliminating the ability to suspend vehicle registrations for these individuals, the bill might lead to decreased revenue from toll collections as it reduces the leverage that the state historically had in pursuing fees from those who evade tolls in the state. It is projected that the removal of this enforcement mechanism will lead to indeterminable decreases in revenue for the Turnpike and Highway Funds over the coming fiscal years.

Summary

House Bill 1439 aims to revise the existing framework surrounding vehicle registrations and the enforcement of reciprocal toll collection agreements. This bill will effectively remove the authority from the Department of Transportation to suspend vehicle registrations of owners who have violated toll agreements in other states, while retaining the ability to suspend registrations for violations within New Hampshire. The change signifies a shift in the state's approach to managing toll collection enforcement, especially in relation to its neighboring states.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1439 appears to be mixed among legislators and impacted parties. Supporters may argue that this will create a more favorable environment for interstate driving and reduce administrative burdens on citizens who might owe fees due to errors in toll collections from other states. However, critics of the bill assert that it undermines the state's ability to collect owed tolls and fees effectively, which might encourage further violations by out-of-state drivers, ultimately leading to revenue loss.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1439 center on the financial implications for the state and its tolling authorities. Opponents express concern that by relinquishing the authority to suspend vehicle registrations for violations from reciprocal agreements, the state is limiting its ability to hold violators accountable. The debate encapsulates broader issues of fiscal responsibility and the effectiveness of current transportation funding mechanisms, with significant stakeholders including the Departments of Safety and Transportation highlighting potential adverse financial impacts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB486

Relative to vehicle registrations and reciprocal toll collection enforcement agreements.

NH SB191

Relative to road toll registration surcharges for electric vehicles.

NH HB456

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

NH HB388

Relative to number plates for motor vehicles.

NH SB52

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

NH HB597

Relative to race and ethnicity data on driver's licenses, and race and ethnicity data collection.

NH HB105

Relative to the registration of medical spas.

NH HB62

Relative to adjusting the road toll.

NH HB646

Eliminating the vehicle inspection mandate for non-commercial vehicles.

NH HB314

Relative to the expectation of privacy in the collection and use of personal information.

Similar Bills

NY S07488

Authorizes statewide municipal reciprocal program agreements and the issuance of program bonds; authorizes proceeds to be made available to a statewide municipal reciprocal program.

PA HB877

In fishing licenses, providing for active duty military fishing reciprocity and for disabled veteran annual fishing license reciprocity; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, providing for active duty military hunting reciprocity and for disabled veteran annual hunting license reciprocity.