How HB2026 changes current law

Compared against the N.H. Revised Statutes Annotated as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies toll rates for the New Hampshire turnpike system, updates the state 10-year transportation improvement plan, and allows for certain land transfers for bridge reconstruction.

• RSA 237:9

  I. → I. The commissioner of transportation, with the approval of the governor and council, shall establish toll rates and other charges for use of the New Hampshire turnpike system or any part of the right-of-way and other property acquired in connection therewith. The governor and council shall approve or reject the commissioner's proposed toll rates and other charges within 90 days of receiving them. The tolls collected shall be deposited with the state treasurer who shall keep the same in a separate account to be used exclusively for purposes of the New Hampshire turnpike system including, without limitation, the operating expenses, construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of the New Hampshire turnpike system. All operating expenses and maintenance costs shall be paid from said account. From the balance remaining after the payment of operating expenses and maintenance costs, there shall be paid the interest and principal on the bonds issued to finance the system. No part of such revenues shall, by transfer of funds or otherwise, be diverted to any other purpose whatsoever. Fourteen days previous to the time any interest or principal is payable, on any general obligation bonds issued to finance the system, the state treasurer shall examine the existing balance and, except as otherwise provided in RSA 237:10, if such balance is insufficient to make the payment, then he or she shall notify the governor who shall immediately draw his or her warrant on the highway fund to cover any deficit and if the funds in both of the above accounts are insufficient, the governor shall draw his or her warrant upon the state's general fund to the amount necessary to meet the payments. Any funds paid out from the state's highway fund or general fund for the above purposes shall be reimbursed from the collection of tolls as soon as such funds are available. Any funds that have been or may be expended for any portion of the system by the department of transportation shall be repaid to said department when, in the opinion of the governor and council, sufficient funds are available. Any excess income may be used for further system extensions in accordance with RSA 237:5, II(m). No provision of this chapter shall constitute a covenant with bondholders with respect to the charging, collection or disposition of tolls.

  Paragraph I is redefined with more detailed provisions regarding toll rates and collection processes.

• RSA 237:9

  II. → II. Notwithstanding paragraph I, RSA 237:24, and any other provision of law to the contrary, to support the turnpike projects included in the 2027-2036 ten year transportation plan and to cover associated operating expenses and maintenance costs for the central New Hampshire turnpike, the eastern New Hampshire turnpike, and the New Hampshire turnpike system, the toll rates for all cash transactions and for vehicles using the New Hampshire electronic toll system not listed on a funded New Hampshire E-Z Pass account shall be increased based on the toll plaza and vehicle classification. For purposes of this section, "class" shall mean the classification of vehicles by type, height, number of axles, and dual tires established by the commissioner of transportation in rules adopted under RSA 541-A. Beginning January 1, 2027, the toll rates shall be as follows: ... [followed by specific tolls for each class of vehicle at various locations].

  New paragraph II introduces specific toll rate increases for vehicles without funded E-Z Pass accounts based on vehicle classification.

• RSA 237:5

  4. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for a period of 210 days, beginning December 1, 2026, the department of transportation shall issue, at no cost, a New Hampshire E-Z Pass transponder to anyone who opens or currently maintains a funded New Hampshire E-Z Pass account, if so requested by the new or current New Hampshire E-Z Pass holder.

  This addition implements a temporary free issuance of E-Z Pass transponders to account holders, encouraging toll payment efficiency.