This bill introduces an exception to the current prohibition on highway surveillance, allowing the state or a municipality to use video monitoring specifically for the purpose of identifying the cause of damage to historic covered bridges. The new legal language inserted into RSA 236:130, III as subparagraph (i) specifies that video recordings can be used solely for investigating damage to such bridges, including identifying vehicles and operators responsible for the damage. The bill outlines the conditions for preserving the video evidence: it must be kept until a determination is made on pursuing criminal or motor vehicle charges, and if charges are to be brought, the video must be preserved until the case is resolved. Any video not needed for investigation must be erased within 7 days of recording.

Additionally, the bill requires that notice of video monitoring be posted on the highway leading to the bridge entrance within 100 feet of the bridge. If the highway is a state highway, the Department of Transportation is tasked with posting the notice upon notification by the municipality of the installation of a monitoring system. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an approved date of July 03, 2024, and an effective date of September 01, 2024. There are no deletions marked in the provided text of the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 236:130
As Amended by the House: 236:130
Version adopted by both bodies: 236:130
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 236:130