HB 2024 is a multifaceted bill that addresses transportation, speed limit regulations, and the funding for a new correctional facility in New Hampshire. The bill adopts the State of New Hampshire Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan for 2025-2034, which includes new projects such as bridge rehabilitation, operational improvements, superstructure replacement, and construction on various infrastructures. It also restores a previously removed project and adds preliminary engineering for several other projects. The bill reclassifies a highway, removes certain projects from the plan, increases funding for others, and mandates the salvaging of rail from a specific rail line to offset trail construction costs. Additionally, the bill amends RSA 265:60 to potentially introduce a new speed limit of 45 miles per hour on unimproved rural highways and outlines the fines for speed violations.

The bill also includes a financial provision authorizing the appropriation of $40 million for the design and construction planning of a replacement correctional facility for the New Hampshire state prison for men. To facilitate this, the state treasurer is authorized to issue bonds and notes up to the specified amount. The effective dates for the bill's various sections are staggered, with some provisions taking effect as late as July 1, 2029, and others as soon as January 1, 2025, September 9, 2024, or August 9, 2024. The bill introduces a new subparagraph (d) to the existing law, which re-letters subsequent subparagraphs, and specifies the conditions under which the new 45 mph speed limit would apply.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 265:60, 265:62, 100-A:6-a, 100-A:6, 100-A:52, 100-A:55, 21-I:30
Version adopted by both bodies: 265:60, 265:62
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 265:60, 265:62