SB 186-FN is a bill that seeks to establish an electric bicycle (e-bike) incentive and rebate program for low-income workers in New Hampshire. The program would be administered by the Department of Environmental Services in coordination with the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition. It defines eligible e-bikes, participating retailers, and qualified applicants, who must be state residents with an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, aged 16 or older, and recommended by the New Hampshire Community Action Program. Rebates would cover up to 50 percent of the purchase price for e-bikes under $1,000 or a flat $500 for e-bikes over $1,000, with an additional rebate of up to $100 for accessories. The bill also proposes the creation of a nonlapsing fund to support the program, with an appropriation of $100,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and inserts a new subparagraph into RSA 6:12, I(b) for this purpose. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.

The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates no fiscal impact for FY 2023, but significant expenditures starting in FY 2024, including the $100,000 appropriation and additional costs totaling over $1.7 million across FY 2024 to FY 2026. These costs will support the program's establishment, a full-time Program Specialist IV position, and annual contracts with New Hampshire Community Action Programs to qualify applicants. The Department of Revenue Administration may require additional staffing to audit applications. The bill does not authorize new positions but appropriates funds to the Department of Environmental Services for program administration, with the E-Bikes for Low Income Worker Transportation Incentive Program Fund as the funding source.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12