New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB152

Introduced

1/22/25

Refer

1/22/25

Refer

2/20/25

Refer

3/6/25

Refer

10/29/25

Caption

Authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established noise barrier construction fund for the design and construction of noise barrier projects.

Impact

The implementation of SB152 could have several effects on state laws regarding noise abatement and funding for transportation projects. By providing a mechanism for generating funds through toll credits, the bill aims to directly address noise pollution from highways, thereby enabling targeted investments in noise barrier construction. The establishment of this fund is expected to lead to a more organized approach in dealing with noise issues, which have been a growing concern for communities adjacent to major roadways.

Summary

SB152 aims to authorize the sale of toll credits in New Hampshire to establish a dedicated Noise Barrier Construction Fund. The bill allows for the sale of up to $10 million per year in toll credits, which will be used to finance the design and construction of noise barriers that meet specific criteria set by the Department of Transportation. This initiative seeks to enhance community noise mitigation efforts, particularly along highways, where traffic noise can significantly affect residents' quality of life.

Contention

The bill's potential impact has ignited discussions among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that the noise barrier construction fund represents a proactive step in improving public health and safety by addressing the adverse effects of traffic noise. Conversely, some legislators and community advocates express concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of funding and the adequacy of proposed solutions. There may also be worries about how effectively the bill can be implemented given the lack of an existing marketplace for toll credit sales, which increases uncertainty about revenue generation.

Fiscal_notes

While SB152 proposes a clear framework for funding through toll credits, its fiscal impacts remain indeterminable. The Department of Transportation has indicated that the actual financial outcome of the bill cannot be precisely quantified at this time, as there are no established federal guidelines for the sale of toll credits and uncertainty regarding how many credits would be available for sale. This ambiguity could play a significant role in the bill's reception and eventual effectiveness.

Companion Bills

NH SB152

Carry Over Authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established noise barrier construction fund for the design and construction of noise barrier projects.

Previously Filed As

NH SB152

Authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established noise barrier construction fund for the design and construction of noise barrier projects.

NH HB578

Erecting a sound barrier along the F.E. Everett Turnpike.

NH SB155

Relative to highway toll credits.

NH HB100

Prohibiting the use of state funds for new passenger rail projects.

NH HB110

Authorizing counties to establish revolving fund accounts.

NH SB274

Establishing a 4-year pilot program to improve rail trails in New Hampshire, including the establishment of 2 funds, the rail trails program fund and the emergency trail repair fund, and making appropriations therefor.

NH SB241

Relative to construction of a public pier on Hampton Beach and making an appropriation therefor.

NH SB111

Authorizing a reliability indexing credit pilot program.

NH HB506

Relative to background checks during motions to return firearms and ammunition and relative to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants and relative to requiring schools to engage an owner's project manager for construction of school building aid projects at the time of application.

NH SB46

Enabling municipalities to allow land impacted by new construction or reconstruction to be eligible for current use valuation only after a no cut, vegetated buffer is established and maintained.

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