This bill establishes a framework for the licensing and regulation of curbside electric vehicle charging devices (EVSE) within public rights-of-way. It amends RSA 236 by adding a new subdivision that defines key terms such as "curbside EVSE," "operator," and "host property." The bill grants highway authorities the authority to license the installation, operation, and maintenance of curbside EVSE, while ensuring that such licenses do not convey property interests and can be revoked for public work needs. It also outlines the requirements for applications, including site plans and safety compliance, and specifies that owners and operators of EVSE are not classified as public utilities solely based on their operation of these charging stations.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for electrical supply arrangements, siting and design standards, parking regulations, consumer disclosures, and data reporting. It allows for host properties to supply electricity to curbside EVSE through reimbursement arrangements without being classified as utilities. The bill also mandates that curbside EVSE must comply with accessibility guidelines and safety codes, and it allows highway authorities to enforce parking regulations for designated charging spaces. New paragraphs are added to RSA 236:134 to clarify that parking spaces associated with EVSE must be used only while vehicles are actively charging and that requirements for compatible connectors do not constitute subscription or membership requirements. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 236:134
SB628 text: 236:134