CHAPTER 363
HB 2024 - FINAL VERSION
28Mar2024... 0961h
05/23/2024 2002s
05/23/2024 2194s
05/23/2024 2187s
05/23/2024 2167s
13Jun2024... 2260CofC
13Jun2024... 2370EBA
2024 SESSION
24-3142
11/05
HOUSE BILL 2024
AN ACT relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to adding a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways; and making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men.
SPONSORS: Rep. McConkey, Carr. 8
COMMITTEE: Public Works and Highways
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AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill:
I. Adopts the 2025-2034 10-year transportation plan.
II. Adds certain projects to the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan.
III. Removes certain projects from the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan.
IV. Increases funding for certain projects in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation.
V. Requires that all rail removed from a portion of the Conway Branch rail line be used to offset construction costs of the portion's rail bed.
VI. Reclassifies Continental Boulevard in the town of Merrimack as a class V highway beginning July 1, 2029.
VII. Adds a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways.
VIII. Makes a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
28Mar2024... 0961h
05/23/2024 2002s
05/23/2024 2194s
05/23/2024 2187s
05/23/2024 2167s
13Jun2024... 2260CofC
13Jun2024... 2370EBA 24-3142
11/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Four
AN ACT relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to adding a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways; and making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
363:1 State 10-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. The legislature hereby adopts the plan known as the “State of New Hampshire Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan 2025-2034" submitted by the governor to the legislature pursuant to RSA 228:99 and RSA 240 and encourages expeditious implementation of the projects shown therein.
363:2 Claremont; Project Added. The project named Claremont, project number 27691, NH 12A, bridge rehabilitation carrying NH 12A over Sugar River shall be included in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan with $1,700,000 in 2025.
363:3 Londonderry; Project Added. The project named Londonderry, project number 41715, operational and capacity improvements at the intersection of NH 28 & Stonehenge Road shall be included in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan with $3,900,000 in 2025.
363:4 North Hampton; Project Added. The project named North Hampton, project number 24457, superstructure replacement of bridge carrying US 1 over Boston and Maine RR (red list bridge), shall be included in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan with $5,600,000 in 2025.
363:5 North Hampton; Project Added. The project named North Hampton, project number 43938, culvert replacement of an approximate 4’ x 4’ concrete/stone box culvert, shall be included in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan with $1,000,000 in 2025.
363:6 New Castle, NH 1B Causeway; Project Restored. The project named New Castle NH 1B Causeway, project number 44493, modifications to the portion of Route 1B that runs from Goat Island to New Castle Island, said project having been inadvertently removed, shall be included in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan.
363:7 Charlestown; Project Added. The project named Charlestown, project number 41478, construction on Cheshire Bridge carrying NH 11 over the Connecticut River between Charlestown, NH and Springfield, VT, provided that public access to the bridge is not closed until January 1, 2027, at the earliest, with the department and town to consider various project options, shall be included in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan.
363:8 Milford; Project Added. Preliminary engineering for a median barrier project along the Milford Bypass if deemed feasible; such project shall be included in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan with funding of $2,000,000 in 2033.
363:9 Hampton; Turnpike System; Project Added. Comprehensive capital needs evaluation on the turnpike system, including all electronic tolling (AET) in Hampton. The project shall be included in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan with $2,000,000 for design and engineering for AET in Hampton in 2028.
363:10 University of New Hampshire; Project Added. Two compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. The project shall be included in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan with $1,800,000 in 2025 and 2027, funded with FTA funds. The programmatic project named FTA 5307 is reduced by $1,800,000 in 2025 and 2027.
363:11 Reclassification; Continental Boulevard, Merrimack. Continental Boulevard in the town of Merrimack is reclassified as a class V highway.
363:12 Projects Removed. The following projects shall be removed from the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan as said projects were withdrawn, combined with other projects, or advanced in prior years:
I. The project named Goffstown, project number 41597, said project being withdrawn by the local public agency.
II. The project named Manchester-Hooksett, project number 42753, said project being previously advanced.
III. The project named Merrimack, project number 41588, said project being withdrawn and combined with Merrimack, project number 29174, said combination being requested by the local public agency.
IV. The project named Moultonborough, project number 41580, said project being withdrawn by the town.
V. The project named Salem, project number 42884, said project being previously advanced.
VI. The project named statewide red list bridges, project number 40817, said project funds being transferred to the Bow-Concord, project number 13742.
VII. The project named Surry, project number 41470, said project being withdrawn by the local public agency.
VIII. The project named Waterville Valley, project number 43734, project being withdrawn by the local public agency.
IX. The project named Hudson, project number 42108, said project being withdrawn from the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan by the town of Hudson.
363:13 Project Funding. The funding for the following projects in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan is increased as stated:
I. The project named Bow-Concord, project number 13742, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $97,500,000 and to include funds transferred from the statewide red list bridges, project number 40817.
II. The project named Charlestown, project number 40667, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $3,000,000.
III. The project named Concord, project number 41468, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $1,700,000.
IV. The project named Cornish, project number 44417, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $1,300,000.
V. The project named Derry-Londonderry, project number 13065B, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $4,500,000.
VI. The project named Dover, project number 41824, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $7,700,000.
VII. The project named Dover-Somersworth-Rochester, project number 29604, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $15,900,000.
VIII. The project named Hampton, project number 40797, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $2,300,000.
IX. The project named Manchester, project number 16099 (Exits 6 & 7), is amended to increase the funding by an additional $4,900,000.
X. The project named Manchester, project number 16099A (Exit 6), is amended to increase the funding by an additional $5,100,000.
XI. The project named Manchester, project number 16099B (Exit 7), is amended to increase the funding by an additional $2,500,000.
XII. The project named Nashua-Merrimack-Bedford, project number 13761A, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $1,500,000.
XIII. The project named Portsmouth, project number 43760, is amended to increase the funding by an additional $6,400,000.
XIV. The project named Statewide Programmatic Corridor Study is amended to increase the funding for the corridor studies in 2025 by $700,000 for a total of $1,400,000.
363:14 Salvage Rail to Offset Trail Construction Cost. Any and all rail removed from a portion of the so-called Conway Branch rail line between the rail crossing at Center Ossipee/Moultonville Road to the rail crossing at route 113 in Madison shall be salvaged as either relay rail or steel salvage. The revenue generated shall be used to remove the rail for trail construction in that section of the Conway Branch rail bed.
363:15 Basic Rule and Maximum Limits. Amend RSA 265:60 to read as follows:
265:60 Basic Rule and Maximum Limits.
I. No person shall drive a vehicle on a way at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or other conveyance on or entering the way in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.
II. Where no hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with RSA 265:60, I, the speed of any vehicle not in excess of the limit specified in this section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be prima facie lawful, but any speed in excess of the limit specified in this section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful:
(a) In a posted school zone, at a speed of 10 miles per hour below the usual posted limit from 45 minutes prior to each school opening until each school opening and from each school closing until 45 minutes after each school closing.
(b) 30 miles per hour in any business or urban residence district as defined in RSA 259:118;
(c) 35 miles per hour in any rural residence district as defined in RSA 259:93, and on any class V highway outside the compact part of any city or town as defined in RSA 229:5, IV;
(d) 45 miles per hour in any unimproved rural highway as defined in RSA 259:116-a.
[(d)] (e) 55 miles per hour in other locations, except as provided in [(e)](f);
[(e)] (f) 65 miles an hour on the interstate system, the central New Hampshire turnpike and the eastern New Hampshire turnpike in locations where said highways are 4-lane divided highways or other divided highways of 4 or more lanes, except that the speed limit on the portion of I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border shall be 70 miles per hour.
[(f)] (g) On a portion of a highway where officers or employees of the agency having jurisdiction of the same, or any contractor of the agency or their employees, are at work on the roadway or so close thereto as to be endangered by passing traffic, at a speed of at least 10 miles per hour below the usual posted limit. The speed shall be displayed on signs as required by RSA 265:6-a.
[(g)] (h) For a vehicle equipped with a transponder, 25 miles per hour through a toll booth or gate that is equipped with a transponder reader for automated toll collection except for an open road tolling lane and except that at toll booths staffed by toll collectors drivers whose vehicles are not equipped for automated tolling shall come to a full stop at the toll booth so that the attendant may collect the toll.
[(h)] (i) In the toll collection area of an open road tolling lane, at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent for the conditions and actual and potential hazards existing at the time or greater than a per se maximum speed of 65 miles per hour, whichever is less.
III. The limits specified in subparagraphs II[(e)](f) and II[(g)](h) shall be the maximum lawful speed and no person shall drive a vehicle on said ways at a speed in excess of such maximum limit. The prima facie speed limits set forth in this section may be altered as authorized in RSA 265:62.
IV. The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with requirements of paragraph I, drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hillcrest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic by reason of weather or highway conditions.
V. The fines for violation of subparagraphs II(a)-[(d)] (e) shall be as follows:
Miles per hour above the limit specified:
1-10 $50
11-15 75
16-20 100
21-25 200
26+ $350
The fines listed in this paragraph shall be plus penalty assessment.
VI. The fines for violations of subparagraph II[(e)](f) shall be as follows:
Miles above the 65 mph limit:
1-5 $65
6-10 100
11-15 150
16-20 250
21+ 350
Miles above the 70 mph limit:
1-5 $65
6-10 100
11-15 200
16-20 300
21+ 400
The fines listed in this paragraph shall be plus penalty assessment.
363:16 New Section; Unimproved Rural Highway. Amend RSA 259 by inserting after section 259:116 the following new section:
259:116-a Unimproved Rural Highway. "Unimproved Rural Highway" means the territory contiguous to a 2-lane highway not comprising a business district, urban residence district, or rural residence district, but where reduced speeds are warranted due to highway geometry, lack of paved shoulders, or low-density presence of driveways and other accesses to the public way.
363:17 Establishment of State Speed Zones. Amend RSA 265:62, II to read as follows:
II. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph I and RSA 265:60, II, or any other law to the contrary, upon recommendation of the commissioner of transportation and a determination by the governor and council that it is in the public interest to conserve motor vehicle fuels or to conform with other national goals, the governor and council may establish temporary prima facie speed limits upon any part, including, but not limited to, the ways specified in RSA 265:60, II[(e)] (f), of the state highway system outside the compact part of cities and towns. Such temporary speed limits shall become effective when appropriate signs giving notice of the limits thereby established are erected.
363:18 Replacement of the New Hampshire State Prison For Men; Appropriation and Bonds Authorized.
I. There is hereby appropriated $40,000,000 to be deposited in the New Hampshire state prison fund under 21-H:17 for architectural, engineering, programming, and design and construction documents for a replacement correctional facility of the New Hampshire state prison for men.
II. To provide funds for the appropriation in paragraph I, the state treasurer is hereby authorized to borrow upon the credit of the state not exceeding the sum of $40,000,000 and for said purpose may issue bonds and notes in the name of and on behalf of the state of New Hampshire in accordance with RSA 6-A.
I. Section 11 shall take effect July 1, 2029.
II. Sections 15-17 shall take effect January 1, 2025.
III. Section 18 shall take effect 30 days after its passage.
IV. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved: August 09, 2024
Effective Date:
I. Section 11 effective July 1, 2029
II. Sections 15-17 effective January 1, 2025
III. Section 18 effective September 9, 2024
IV. Remainder effective August 9, 2024
| Date | Amendment |
|---|---|
| March 20, 2024 | 2024-1269h |
| March 20, 2024 | 2024-0961h |
| May 15, 2024 | 2024-2002s |
| May 23, 2024 | 2024-2167s |
| May 23, 2024 | 2024-2169s |
| May 23, 2024 | 2024-2170s |
| May 23, 2024 | 2024-2187s |
| May 23, 2024 | 2024-2194s |
| May 24, 2024 | 2024-2196s |
| June 5, 2024 | 2024-2260CofC |
| July 18, 2024 | 2024-2370EBA |
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 14, 2024 | House | Hearing |
| Feb. 23, 2024 | House | Exec Session |
| March 5, 2024 | House | Exec Session |
| March 5, 2024 | House | Floor Vote |
| April 16, 2024 | Senate | Hearing |
| May 23, 2024 | Senate | Floor Vote |
| May 22, 2024 | Senate | Floor Vote |
| May 23, 2024 | Senate | Floor Vote |
| June 13, 2024 | Senate | Floor Vote |
| June 13, 2024 | Senate | Floor Vote |
| June 13, 2024 | House | Floor Vote |
Aug. 13, 2024: Signed by Governor Sununu 08/09/2024; Chapter 363; eff. I. Sec 11 eff 7/1/29 II. Sec 15-17 eff 1/1/25 III. Sec 18 eff 9/8/24 IV. Rem eff 8/9/24 HJ 16
July 29, 2024: Enrolled (in recess of) 06/13/2024 HJ 16 P. 56
July 29, 2024: Enrolled (in recess of) 06/13/2024 HJ 16
July 29, 2024: Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/13/2024); SJ 18
July 23, 2024: Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2024-2370e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/13/2024 HJ 16 P. 56
July 18, 2024: Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2024-2370e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/13/2024); SJ 18
June 13, 2024: Conference Committee Report 2024-2260c: Adopted, VV 06/13/2024 HJ 16 P. 38
June 12, 2024: Conference Committee Report # 2024-2260c, Adopted, VV; 06/13/2024; SJ 17
June 6, 2024: Conference Committee Report Filed, # 2024-2260c; 06/13/2024
June 4, 2024: Conference Committee Meeting: 06/04/2024 12:00 pm LOB 201
May 30, 2024: President Appoints: Senators Ricciardi, Bradley, Watters; 05/30/2024; SJ 16
May 30, 2024: Sen. Ricciardi Accedes to House Request for Committee of Conference, MA, VV; 05/30/2024; SJ 16
May 29, 2024: House Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2024-2002s 2024-2194S 2024-2187s and 2024-2167s and Requests CofC (Reps. McConkey, Milz, Cloutier, Eaton): MA VV 05/29/2024 HJ 14 P. 181
May 24, 2024: Ought to Pass with Amendments 2024-2002s, 2024-2194S, 2024-2187s, and 2024-2167s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/23/2024; SJ 15
May 24, 2024: Sen. Gray Floor Amendment # 2024-2167s, AA, VV; 05/23/2024; SJ 15
May 23, 2024: Sen. Birdsell Floor Amendment # 2024-2187s, AA, VV; 05/23/2024; SJ 15
May 23, 2024: Sen. Carson Floor Amendment # 2024-2194s, AA, VV; 05/23/2024; SJ 15
May 23, 2024: Committee Amendment # 2024-2002s, AA, VV; 05/23/2024; SJ 15
May 23, 2024: Special Order to after HB 1633, Without Objection, MA; 05/23/2024; SJ 15
May 22, 2024: Special Order to the end of the calendar on 05/23/2024, Without Objection, MA; 05/22/2024; SJ 14
May 15, 2024: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2024-2002s, 05/22/2024, Vote 4-0; SC 20
April 10, 2024: Hearing: 04/16/2024, Room 101, LOB, 01:40 pm; SC 15
April 2, 2024: Introduced 03/21/2024 and Referred to Transportation; SJ 8
March 28, 2024: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-0961h: MA VV 03/28/2024 HJ 10 P. 190
March 28, 2024: FLAM # 2024-1269h (Rep. B. Boyd): AF DV 172-195 03/28/2024 HJ 10 P. 189
March 28, 2024: Amendment # 2024-0961h: AA VV 03/28/2024 HJ 10 P. 187
March 20, 2024: Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
March 20, 2024: Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2024-0961h 03/05/2024 (Vote 18-1; RC) HC 12 P. 34
Feb. 22, 2024: Executive Session: 03/05/2024 11:00 am LOB 210-211
Feb. 22, 2024: Full Committee Work Session: 03/05/2024 10:00 am LOB 210-211
Feb. 8, 2024: ==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 02/23/2024 11:00 am LOB 201
Feb. 8, 2024: ==CANCELLED== Full Committee Work Session: 02/23/2024 10:00 am LOB 201
Feb. 8, 2024: Full Committee Work Session: 02/21/2024 10:00 am LOB 201
Feb. 8, 2024: Full Committee Work Session: 02/14/2024 02:00 pm LOB 201
Jan. 29, 2024: Public Hearing: 02/14/2024 10:00 am LOB 201
Dec. 19, 2023: Introduced 01/03/2024 and referred to Public Works and Highways HJ 1 P. 30