This bill establishes a new annual registration fee of $50 for all bicycles and electric bicycles operating on state or municipally funded paths, trails, and roadways, as outlined in the newly created section RSA 265:144-b. The registration process will require applicants to provide their name, age, proof of ownership, and other necessary information, with a penalty of $100 for operating an unregistered bicycle. The fees and penalties collected will be directed to the Department of Transportation for the development and maintenance of bicycle infrastructure. The bill also clarifies that mopeds and motorcycles are exempt from this registration requirement.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws by repealing the prohibition on registering electric bicycles under RSA 265:144-a and allows municipal authorities to grant permits for bicycle use without conflicting with DMV registration authority. The bill will incur costs for the DMV related to the new registration process, including an estimated $150,000 for initial programming and $156,000 for hiring three new clerks in FY 2027, with costs expected to rise to $225,000 by FY 2029. The financial impact on municipalities is anticipated to be minimal, likely under $10,000, as no municipalities currently require licensing for bicycles. The act will take effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:144-a, 265:146, 265:149, 230:75
HB1703 text: 265:144-a, 265:146, 265:149, 230:75