HB 1594 changes New Hampshire's registration fees for electric vehicles from a flat rate to a weight-based system. Fully electric cars (BEVs) will pay $25 for vehicles under 2,000 pounds, $100 for 2,000-5,000 pounds, and $150 for heavier models, while plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will continue to pay $50 regardless of weight. Neighborhood electric vehicles and low-speed scooters would be exempt from fees. The fees collected would go into the highway fund, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 136 creates a state fund to cover medically necessary care for uninsured patients by imposing a surcharge on commercial health insurers, reinsurers, and certain self-insured plans (including state/municipal plans). The fund, managed by the Department of Insurance, will support non-profit safety-net health providers who treat uninsured individuals who don’t qualify for government programs. Insurers must pay the assessment directly without passing costs to consumers via higher premiums, and an advisory committee will determine annual assessment levels and fund distribution. The program will begin in January 2026, with assessments collected quarterly starting in 2026.
HB 629 establishes two new fees to fund state dam maintenance: a $5 boat registration fee for all vessel owners and a $1.58-per-foot shoreline fee on taxable waterfront properties maintained by state-owned dams. The boat fee applies to all annual registrations, while the shoreline fee affects property owners with waterfronts behind dams, covering approximately 4.8 million feet of shoreline. Together, these fees are projected to generate about $8 million annually starting July 2025, with all funds directed to the Dam Maintenance Fund (RSA 482:55) for dam operations, maintenance, and repairs. The bill does not change existing fees but adds these new revenue streams to address dam upkeep needs.
SB 633 creates a voluntary $0.50-per-ticket surcharge for New Hampshire performing arts venues with 100-2,500 seats that choose to participate. Venues can add this to ticket prices, and all collected funds will go into a dedicated account managed by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The money supports the Division of Arts and State Council on Arts through grants, administrative costs, and program funding - no other uses are allowed. The program is optional for venues, requires no taxpayer money, and has minimal fiscal impact (under $10,000 annually).
HB 1838 creates a "voter-owned elections fund" and commission to provide public funding for qualifying candidates, while raising vehicle registration fees to fund it. The bill increases vanity plate fees from $60 to $65 and adds a $1 annual fee for all private passenger vehicles. The new commission will manage the fund and provide financial support to candidates who file a registration affidavit and meet specific spending thresholds during election cycles. This directly affects vehicle owners through higher registration costs and candidates who qualify under the new public financing rules.
HB 1751 establishes a 5% public safety surcharge on paid parking at New Hampshire state park facilities. The surcharge, collected through existing parking systems, funds a dedicated account that distributes quarterly revenues to the host municipalities based on each park's collected surcharge. These funds must be used solely for public safety services directly related to park visitation, such as police, fire, and emergency medical services. The bill creates a new revenue stream for local public safety without imposing new fees on visitors or creating new criminal penalties.
HB 1580 imposes a 0.75% annual surcharge on the assessed value of residential properties not used as the owner’s primary residence (defined as living there 183+ days yearly and listing it for voter/driver’s license/tax purposes). It directly affects owners of second homes, vacation properties, or vacant residential properties (including single-family homes, condos, and mobile homes). Key exemptions include primary residences, long-term rentals (6+ months), properties under $500,000, and those qualifying for existing tax exemptions. Revenue collected must be used by municipalities to reduce property taxes or fund local services like schools and infrastructure. The bill takes effect April 1, 2027.
