NH
New Hampshire House Bill HB245

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB245

Introduced
1/7/25  
Refer
1/7/25  
Report DNP
2/26/25  

Caption

Establishing the speed enforcement and awareness fund and providing for grants to municipal law enforcement for speed enforcement and speed awareness traffic equipment.

Impact

The bill creates a dedicated fund that reallocates a portion of penalty assessment revenues from various state funds to support its initiatives. It specifies that 8.33% of penalty revenues will be directed to the Speed Enforcement and Awareness Fund, which is projected to generate an increase of about $250,000 annually for municipalities from FY 2026 onwards. This change is anticipated to slightly decrease general fund revenue but increase local revenues as municipalities apply for grants to purchase necessary equipment.

Summary

House Bill 245 establishes the Speed Enforcement and Awareness Fund, aiming to enhance traffic enforcement measures through financial assistance directed to municipalities. This grant program is intended to help local law enforcement agencies acquire speed detection tools and other relevant traffic equipment that promotes road safety. The bill underscores the importance of addressing speed-related incidents, an issue recognized as impacting public safety across communities in New Hampshire.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 245 appears to be generally positive among supporters who view it as a proactive step to enhance public safety and reduce speed-related accidents. Local law enforcement agencies and representatives from municipalities likely appreciate the assistance the fund would provide. However, there may be concerns from fiscal watchdogs regarding the impact on the general fund and how effectively the funds will be utilized once allocated.

Contention

Critics of the bill could raise issues regarding the dependence on penalty assessments to fund safety initiatives, which may be seen as counterintuitive, potentially promoting more fines to generate revenues. Additionally, questions could arise about the effectiveness of the equipment acquired through grants and whether it truly leads to measurable improvements in road safety. The administration of the fund and the development of transparent criteria for awarding grants will also be points of interest for stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB471

Relative to adding a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways.

NH HB474

Relative to enforcement of federal firearms laws and establishing penalties.

NH HB1237

Relative to the use of unmarked or stealth police vehicles for traffic enforcement.

NH HB596

Prohibiting the use of racial profiling in law enforcement activities and in sentencing.

NH HB596

Prohibiting the use of racial profiling in law enforcement activities and in sentencing.

NH HB1063

Relative to motor vehicle speed within 10 miles per hour of the speed limit.

NH SB153

Establishing a law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, and emergency medical technicians career development, recruitment, and retention program and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB560

Establishing a contact person notification program to assist law enforcement personnel who have contact with a person with mental or physical disabilities and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB560

Establishing a contact person notification program to assist law enforcement personnel who have contact with a person with mental or physical disabilities and making an appropriation therefor.

NH SB493

Relative to establishing municipal emergency disaster relief loan fund to aid municipalities in a natural disaster.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.