This bill establishes the Speed Enforcement and Awareness Fund, which will provide financial assistance to municipalities for the purchase of speed enforcement and awareness traffic equipment. The fund is created as a nonlapsing entity within the Department of Safety, and grants will be awarded based on demonstrated need, potential impact on road safety, and existing traffic enforcement challenges. Municipalities receiving grants must report back on the use of funds and their impact on speed enforcement and public awareness. The bill also outlines specific types of equipment eligible for funding, including speed detection devices and data collection tools.

To fund this initiative, the bill amends RSA 106-L:10, IV, reducing the percentage of penalty assessments allocated to the state general fund from 66.66% to 58.33% and directing 8.33% to the newly established Speed Enforcement and Awareness Fund. This change is expected to decrease general fund revenue by approximately $250,000 annually while increasing the revenue available for grants to municipalities. The bill also includes a new subparagraph in RSA 6:12, I(b) to account for the moneys deposited in the Speed Enforcement and Awareness Fund. The act will take effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 106-L:10, 6:12