The bill amends current law regarding the operation of off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRVs) by eliminating the requirement for petitioners to cover the costs of verified mail notifications to property abutters when seeking OHRV use. This change aims to streamline the process for municipalities considering OHRV operations. Additionally, the bill expands the list of counties where OHRV operations on designated highways are permitted, now including Carroll, Cheshire, Hillsborough, Merrimack, and Sullivan counties, alongside Coos and Grafton counties.

The bill also outlines the procedures for municipalities to authorize OHRV use on various types of highways, requiring a public hearing and notification to affected communities. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has indicated that the financial implications of the bill, particularly regarding the installation of signage for newly approved OHRV routes, are indeterminable. Local municipalities may incur some costs related to the notification process, but these are expected to be minimal, likely under $10,000 annually. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 215-A:6, 215-A:10