Transcript Highlights:

• /c> dependent on the revenue so Turnpike dependent on the revenue so Turnpike funds<01:35:22.760>
• <01:35:58.280> toll potentially less Turnpike toll potentially less Turnpike toll credits<
• So the Turnpike toll credits are not used on the Turnpike at all.
• toll credits from the balance. the turnpike toll credits are not used the turnpike toll credits are
• roads through the fhwa so those Turnpike roads through the fhwa so those Turnpike credits<01:41:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Turnpike funds are for turnpikes, correct?
• Turnpike funds are for turnpikes, correct?
• Turnpike funds are for turnpikes, correct?
• Turnpike funds are for turnpikes, correct?
• Turnpike funds are for turnpikes, correct?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hampshire Hampshire Turnpike, and New Hampshire Turnpike<00:06:25.840> system.
• the turnpike to be spent on the turnpike.
• turnpike to be spent on the turnpike. turnpike to be spent on the turnpike.
• Turnpike toll credits are earned when Turnpike toll revenue is used to build, maintain, or improve Turnpike
• Turnpike toll use Turnpike toll credits.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Turnpike funds come from the toll plazas and the toll booths on the turnpike system.
• Turnpike funds come from the toll plazas and the toll booths on the turnpike system.
• and<04:36:17.359> they Turnpike um Turnpike dollars and they Turnpike um Turnpike dollars
• well<04:52:19.360> let<04:52:19.480> me Turnpike um Turnpike Revenue well let me Turnpike
• the turnpike system and used Turnpike the turnpike system and used Turnpike you<05:01:27.000>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 2 Finance Committee heard an overview and budget presentation from New Hampshire Fish and Game, led by new Executive Director Stephanie Simi and Business Division Chief Kathy Leonti. The agency described its mission to conserve and manage fish, wildlife, and marine resources, and emphasized growing pressures from disease, climate impacts, habitat change, and increased public demand. Simi said the department is largely funded by hunting and fishing license revenue and federal grants, is reviewing staffing and internal processes, and faces critical needs including permanent funding for environmental review staff, infrastructure and IT modernization, and possible service reductions if additional support is not found. Members asked about specific program and policy issues, including chronic wasting disease in deer, hemorrhagic disease in rabbits and hares, moose population decline, and a proposed bait-disease bill. The department said it is actively monitoring diseases and did not see a need for the bait bill at this time. Legislators also discussed the Hike Safe program, which the department said has grown from an expected $100,000 annually to more than $300,000, and a possible boating version of that program, which the department said remains under consideration but would involve complex logistics and multiple agencies. Questions were also raised about rescue costs, out-of-state hikers, and whether boat registrations could be used as a revenue source; Fish and Game said boat registration is handled by the Department of Safety, though the department receives $5 per registered boat for the public boat access program. The budget discussion focused on revenue projections, use of unrestricted Fish and Game funds, and dependence on federal reimbursements. Leonti said the department met the governor’s general fund target but not the Fish and Game fund target without using surplus unrestricted funds, leaving only about $100,000 in the fund by the end of the biennium. She said the budget uses more than $18 million in Fish and Game funds annually against about $14 million in unrestricted revenue, and that five of 193 full-time positions remain unfunded. The department warned that if federal grants were halted, it could cost about $5 million over five months and force the Fish and Game fund to cover the gap. Committee members also requested that future presentations be sent electronically in advance, and the department agreed to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:30.320> projects to look where those turnpike projects to look where those turnpike
• So wouldn't that be used on the turnpike or does that free up other money somehow?
• So wouldn't that be used on the turnpike or does that free up other money somehow?
• I mean this turnpike uh project.
• for instance, we we built the turnpikes for instance, we we built the turnpikes on<00:56:00.160>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:19:09.360> to Route 3, I for you have a turnpike to Route 3, I for you have a turnpike
• Those are the pieces of the turnpike that we can use Turnpike revenue on.
• turnpike turnpike piece.<03:25:08.000> Uh<03:25:08.239> the<03:25:08.399> turnpike<
• that we can use Turnpike revenue on. that we can use Turnpike revenue on.
• the Turnpike program. the Turnpike program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be turnpike funded.
• be turnpike funded.
• system that could be turnpike funded. system that could be turnpike funded.
• And that makes with turnpike funds.
• For a while, traffic on the turnpike For a while, traffic on the turnpike system<01:18:44.400>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So any funds we take in on the turnpike, we need to then spend back onto the turnpike.
• There's three basic sections of the turnpike: the Blue Star Turnpike, which is I-95; the Spaulding Turnpike
• last part of the plan is is turnpikes. last part of the plan is is turnpikes.
• The blue star turnpike which turnpike.
• central turnpike or the FE ever turnpike central turnpike or the FE ever turnpike from<01:56:24.639

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:57.040> funds that we could move to turnpike funds that we could move to turnpike funds
• There are certain sections of the turnpike that are eligible for federal funds.
• of the turnpike is one you can use federal funds on. >> That's right. >> Pretty good.
• <00:18:00.320> Uh<00:18:00.640> then safety uh needs on the turnpike.
• Uh then safety uh needs on the turnpike.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that's it on the turnpikes."
• familiar about, that's not a turnpike familiar about, that's not a turnpike issue.<00:33:39.120>
• be turnpike funded.
• system that could be turnpike funded. system that could be turnpike funded.
• And that makes with turnpike funds.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused first on SP 492, a bill intended to give the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services authority to lease or license property for housing and related uses. Major General David Mikolitis testified that the bill is aimed at addressing affordable housing for junior enlisted service members, especially those assigned to Pease Air National Guard Base who currently face long commutes because of the Seacoast housing shortage. He said the most likely uses would be converting limited barracks space in Pembroke or Stratford into apartment-style or extended-stay housing, and possibly allowing office/co-op space for federal civilians, though he emphasized the primary purpose is housing for junior ranks. He also said any development would likely be done by a private developer through an RFP, with costs borne by the developer rather than the department. Committee members asked about whether the bill could apply to commercial uses, how taxes would work, whether revenues would go into the general fund, and whether the concept could be expanded statewide. Mikolitis said the intent was housing only, not commercial development like a Starbucks, and that any developed property would be taxable locally rather than remain tax-exempt. He said revenues would go into a dedicated Veteran Services Property Fund and be used for facilities, not the general fund. He also explained that the department has about 20 armories statewide but sees only a few viable locations for this concept, mainly Pembroke, Stratford, and possibly one other site, because the goal is to serve personnel within roughly a 45-minute drive of Pease. He noted that a proposed seven-acre parcel near Pease had already been approved by the Pease Development Authority but still needed FAA approval, and he was not optimistic about using that land for housing because of contamination and redevelopment costs. Committee discussion ended with members indicating support for OTP, but the chair said the vote would have to wait until 11 o'clock and then closed the work session on SP 492. The committee then opened a work session on SP 627 and heard testimony from Jim Jelbert, owner of CJ Bus Lines and chair of the legislature’s transportation council, who spoke in support of the bill. Jelbert argued that the measure would allow New Hampshire to raise tolls and generate significant revenue for the 10-year highway plan without directly taxing citizens, and said the money could address congestion and safety problems, including work on I-93 in Manchester and other statewide projects. He estimated the bill could generate substantial revenue over time and said toll credits could help leverage federal matching funds. He also said improved roads would benefit businesses like his by reducing vehicle wear and improving efficiency. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SP 627 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have our Turnpike system, and we're very fortunate in New Hampshire to have that Turnpike system
• has to stay in the Turnpike system.
• 00:41:03.800> as system the turnpike system operates as system the turnpike system operates as
• > when<00:41:13.079> we stay in the turnpike system so when we stay in the turnpike system
• <00:41:23.359> system the state the the turnpike system the state the the turnpike system

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee held an orientation meeting focused on introducing members, outlining committee norms, and hearing an overview from the Department of Transportation. Chair David Mills emphasized the committee’s long-standing bipartisan working style, asked members to share contact information for short-notice scheduling, and noted that the committee would need to complete as much work as possible before the building is vacated later in the year. Members introduced themselves and described backgrounds in engineering, construction, planning, local government, military service, education, and business. Several members highlighted prior service on planning boards, school boards, zoning boards, or in transportation-related fields as relevant to the committee’s work. Members repeatedly described the committee as collegial and nonpartisan, with most bills going to the consent calendar. The chair also noted that the committee’s work centers on state infrastructure, including roads, bridges, highways, and buildings. Representative Cluder, the ranking member, and others echoed that the committee is effective because it talks issues through and resolves disagreements collaboratively. One member mentioned a recent trip that reinforced the importance of infrastructure resilience after storms and rebuilding efforts in other states. Department of Transportation officials, led by Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer David Rodrig, gave a detailed organizational and operational overview. They described DOT’s structure, mission of “transportation excellence,” and major responsibilities across highways, bridges, rail, transit, aeronautics, maintenance, and administration. Rodrig reported 1,651 permanent positions and 404 vacancies, 2,160 state bridges with 115 on the Red List, 4,600 centerline miles of roadway, 25 public airports, 11 transit systems, and 194 active state-owned rail lines. He also outlined FY 2024 spending, project development activity, highway maintenance operations, fleet and fuel systems, and the distinction between the highway fund and DOT’s budget, including the role of federal funds and the turnpike enterprise fund. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this orientation meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you Mentioned if the turnpike authority needed troopers, do you receive any funding from the turnpike
• Now, that was a turnpike-funded academy.
• And really, the turnpike allowed us to put more through than we really needed because of turnpike expansion
• to the turnpike to cover those positions that they've funded.
• metro area off the turnpike but on the interstate.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1939 by Sterling of The House and Andridge of the Senate, an act relating to the turnpike
• anytime you're dealing with people's property that's going to be affected by being taken over by a turnpike
• exhaust all options, even though they're not perfect, and notifying people that are Affected by the turnpike
• They're reading the bill, House Bill 1939 by Sterling of the House and Senate, an act relating to the turnpike

Bills: HB3407, HB1242, HJR1081, HB3443, HB3781, HB1939, HB4237, HB3430, HB3321, HB3905, HB3329, HB4253, HB4421, HB4311, HJR1046, HB2015, HB3244, HB4265, HB3941, HB4203, HB2941, HB3695, HB3380, HB3132, HB3673, HB3134, HB3383, HB4490, HB4058

Keywords: property rights, abandoned homes, manufactured homes, notification, salvage, real estate, Oklahoma Tax Commission, landowner liability, redemption, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• told uh that comprise the uh Turnpike told uh that comprise the uh Turnpike system<01:40:46.080>
• <01:41:24.599> system some figures about the turnpike system some figures about the turnpike
• and then the remaining F ever Turnpike and then the remaining F ever Turnpike goes<01:42:04.599>
• to facility as part of the turnpike to facility as part of the turnpike system<01:42:21.239>
• system as well as the Spalding Turnpike system as well as the Spalding Turnpike from<01:42:23.560

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an opening/orientation session in which members introduced themselves and explained their interest in the committee. Several members noted backgrounds in trucking, piloting, boating, motorcycles, road safety, or constituent concerns about transportation issues. The chair also noted several absent members and said the committee would first hear agency presentations before covering committee procedures. The Department of Safety gave the main presentation, outlining its seven divisions and how they relate to transportation policy and the Highway Fund. The assistant commissioner emphasized that Highway Fund revenue supports both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Safety, with collections coming largely from the road toll/gas tax, DMV fees, and the new electric vehicle surcharge. He also noted that 12% of Highway Fund revenues go to local road repair through the DOT Betterment Fund, and warned that the fund has had a structural deficit for several biennia, requiring General Fund transfers that may be uncertain this session. He said the department aims to provide data and fiscal context on legislation and fiscal notes. State Police then provided a detailed overview of its structure and operations, including the Operations Bureau, Investigative Services Bureau, and Justice Information Bureau. Testimony highlighted Troop G’s role in vehicle inspections, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, fraud investigations, and consumer complaint handling, as well as statewide staffing shortages. The division reported rising calls for service, motor vehicle stops, DWI arrests, and other arrests despite a vacancy rate of about 17%. It also described aviation, K-9, bomb squad, special events response, SWAT, narcotics, major crime, forensic laboratory, and other specialized units, with statistics on drug seizures, investigations, and lab workload. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• them<00:17:10.480> it<00:17:10.720> would So those Manchester projects are turnpike
• This project in Albany would be federally funded, away from the turnpike. Okay. Thank you.
• This project in Albany turnpike funded.
• away from the turnpike. away from the turnpike.
• It would be right now, I think, owned by the turnpike system, right?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• passage of the Roaster Prosperity Program in the 2017 legislative session, the cost to travel the turnpike
• hearings with at least 14 days' prior public notice in each county traversed by the West Virginia Turnpike
• opportunity to speak and be heard on the proposed increase, and also at which the West Virginia Turnpike
• opportunity to speak and be heard on the proposed increase, and also at which the West Virginia Turnpike
• The Parkways Authority actually lost an employee last year on the turnpike where speed was a factor.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you'll notice that on line 106, we actually exempt the Department of Transportation and the Florida Turnpike
• And the reason for that is that in the Turnpike Enterprise, you actually have toll roads.
• Is that $11 billion excluding the groups that you said, the Turnpike and the Department of Transportation
• Is that $11 billion excluding the groups that you said, the Turnpike and the Department of Transportation
• The groups that you said, the Turnpike and the Department of Transportation. Senator Brodeur.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard three measures focused on state finances. SB 1906 by Senator Brodeur would add a ninth element to the state debt reduction strategy report and create a program to transfer $250 million annually from the General Revenue Fund to accelerate retirement of outstanding state debt, while exempting the Department of Transportation and Florida Turnpike Enterprise. Members questioned the fiscal tradeoffs and flexibility, but the bill was supported in debate and reported favorably. The committee then considered SJR 1908 by Chair Hooper, which would amend the Constitution to raise the Budget Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections, require $750 million annual deposits until the cap is reached, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by separate bill with a two-thirds vote, while keeping existing rules for emergencies and revenue shortfalls. Testimony and debate centered on whether Florida already has sufficient reserves, how “critical state need” would be defined, and whether the new requirement would reduce flexibility during recessions or federal funding cuts. Despite opposition from advocacy groups and several senators, the resolution was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 7031 as the vehicle for the tax package and adopted a delete-everything amendment to place it in the proper posture for conference. As amended, the bill was described as reducing the state sales tax by 0.75%, lowering the commercial rent tax from 2% to 1.25%, eliminating the business rent tax, and creating permanent sales tax exemptions while preserving sales tax holidays. The amended bill was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um they re we recently turnpike.
• I I personally by the small turnpike.
• turnpike of which we paid with turnp turnpike system<01:18:21.520> funds.
• So, I think turnpike system.
• it's too confusing with a turnpike it's too confusing with a turnpike system,<02:10:17.440> but

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to new business under RSA 4-39-C, disposal of highway or turnpike funded real estate.
• Under RSA 4:39, bulk disposal of highway or turnpike funded real estate. LRCP26-00002.
• fund as this was going to be a turnpike project.
• > turnpike<00:26:00.720> project.
• So this will help be a turnpike project.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its September 29 meeting and then took up a series of Department of Transportation and Department of Administrative Services property actions. Several DOT items involved disposal of land originally acquired for the now-dissolved Conway bypass or other highway projects, including a 445.6-acre Conway parcel proposed for sale to the town of Conway for conservation use, a 1.78-acre Chesterfield parcel for sale to an abutter, a 6.13-acre Madison parcel tied to the Conway bypass, and a bulk disposal package of 22 improved parcels in Merrimack, Litchfield, and Hudson. Members asked about appraisals, conservation easements, federal funding restrictions, tenant occupancy, and whether the state would recover its original investment; DOT said values were based on appraisal or market analysis, federal reimbursements may be required where federal funds were used, and proceeds from turnpike-related property would return to the turnpike fund. All of these disposal motions were approved. The committee also approved several DOT lease/easement items. These included a Greenfield railroad-corridor lease for equestrian use, a Lake Winnipesaukee dock lease to CE Realty Trust, a similar dock lease to Needle Eye Association, and an easement in Carroll for Industrial Wireless to build a private road and cross Mount Deception Brook for a cell tower project. Members focused on maintenance responsibilities, liability insurance, access limitations, fencing, and the relationship between the railroad corridor and adjacent uses. DOT said lessees would be responsible for maintenance, access to the railroad would be restricted, and liability insurance would be included where appropriate. The committee also approved a separate easement for Eversource in Rochester to install utility lines serving the new courthouse, with the department explaining that the easement is a narrow strip needed to complete construction. The Department of Administrative Services received approval for a use-of-premises agreement allowing Rockingham County to lease 300 square feet in the Brentwood courthouse for office space, and for a perpetual utility easement in Rochester for Eversource, with a waiver of the administrative fee. The committee also heard that the Rochester courthouse project needs the utility work to finish construction. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly asked about insurance, public access, valuation, and whether tenants or abutters would have first opportunity to buy or lease the affected properties. All motions before the committee were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill prohibits the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and all Commonwealth agencies from using text
• gentleman will limit his comments to the bill before us, not his comments on the history of the Turnpike
• You would not need the Turnpike to be sending out text messages or letters, causing our citizens to have
• to pay exorbitant tolls that are the highest per mile tolls in the entire country if the Turnpike were
• The Turnpike were free like it was originally designed to be. Thank you.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed numerous guests and interns to the chamber, and established a quorum with 202 members voting on the master roll call. The House then received committee reports on several bills and a resolution, including measures from Consumer Protection, Finance, Communications and Technology, Rules, and Appropriations, and agreed to the reports. House Bill 1877 was reported as passed by the Senate without amendment and was signed by the Speaker for presentation to the Governor. The chamber adopted House Resolution 363, as amended, directing the Joint State Government Commission to study Pennsylvania’s early childhood education system, including the role of public and private equity in child care and recommendations to improve access and affordability. The House also advanced several bills on final passage, including House Bills 2551, 75, 76, 426, 1127, 2234, and 1585. These measures addressed issues such as banning government text-message collection of fees and tolls, medical licensing for physician assistants and physicians, native habitats at Commonwealth facilities, joining the dental and dental hygienist compact, a spent grain donation tax credit, and restrictions on mugshot removal fees. Most passed with broad support, though House Bill 1127 drew opposition over concerns about licensing standards and the compact structure. Members also considered House Bill 2650, creating the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development Certification for data centers, and House Bill 2496, establishing a temporary pause on data center proposals while local ordinances are reviewed. Both bills were amended several times. Debate on HB 2650 focused on data center impacts on electricity costs, water use, noise, community benefit agreements, and farmland protection; one farmland-protection amendment was tabled, while other amendments on closed-loop cooling and enforceable local criteria were adopted. Debate on HB 2496 centered on preserving local control and home rule authority for municipalities, with amendments clarifying that local governments could continue curative amendment procedures and retain zoning powers. The House agreed to both bills as amended. The House also re-reported several bills from Appropriations and Rules, reconsidered and re-accepted a prior committee report on House Bill 2359, and announced caucus and committee meetings. At the end of the session, the House moved several bills to Appropriations, removed Senate Bill 1058 from the table calendar to the active calendar, and adjourned until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11 a.m., unless recalled sooner.