Revision: Jan. 6, 2025, 10:42 p.m.
HB 300 - AS INTRODUCED
2025 SESSION
25-0608
06/11
HOUSE BILL 300
SPONSORS: Rep. Horrigan, Straf. 10
COMMITTEE: Public Works and Highways
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ANALYSIS
This bill directs the department of transportation issue a request for proposals regarding the Conway Branch rail line and establishes a study committee to investigate the future of railroads in the state.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
25-0608
06/11
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Conway Branch Planning Group. The department of transportation shall issue a request for proposals (RFP) as soon as possible for using the Conway Branch Line as a working railroad. This RFP shall be open to common carriers and private carriers. The department shall provide railroad companies the opportunity to submit proposals. The deadline for issuing the RFP shall be October 1, 2025, or earlier if possible. The rail division shall assess the costs and income related to the removal of rail and ties where necessary to provide a level and safe surface for recreational activities on the existing trackbed. The department shall seek funding for any trail improvements from private donations, grants, or the sale of existing steel rails. The department shall issue their findings and recommendations to the public on or before January 2, 2026, with copies to the governor and executive council, the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, and the towns of Ossipee and Madison.
2 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the future of railroads in New Hampshire.
3 Membership and Compensation.
I. The members of the committee shall be as follows:
(a) Four members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, including one representative from the public works committee, one representative from the transportation committee, and 2 at-large representatives.
(b) Two members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
II. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.
4 Duties. The committee shall examine the future of railroads in New Hampshire.
5 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
6 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2025, and shall submit a final report on or before November 1, 2026.
I. Section 1 of this act shall take effect July 1, 2025.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.