This bill amends current law regarding the certificate of title requirements for certain trailers, specifically introducing an exemption for boat trailers that weigh over 3,001 pounds and are more than 10 years old based on their manufacturer’s model year. The existing law is modified to include this exemption by amending RSA 261:3, I(j) to read that trailers with a gross weight of less than 3,001 pounds, as well as any qualifying boat trailers, are exempt from title requirements. Additionally, the bill allows owners of title-exempt vehicles to voluntarily request a title by submitting specific documentation to the Department of Safety, which is detailed in a new paragraph added to RSA 261:3.

The fiscal impact of this bill is significant, with an estimated decrease in state revenue of approximately $190,000 per year due to the loss of title application fees for the exempted boat trailers. Local revenue is also expected to decrease by about $22,800 annually starting in FY 2028, as a portion of highway fund revenue is distributed to municipalities. The Department of Safety anticipates minimal additional costs related to the administration of titles, estimated at around $4,000 per year. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 261:3
As Amended by the House: 261:3
Version adopted by both bodies: 261:3
HB1466 text: 261:3