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SB 152

authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established noise barrier construction fund for the design and construction of noise barrier projects.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Regina Birdsell and 4 co-sponsors

SB 152 would authorize selling toll credits to fund a dedicated Noise Barrier Construction Fund for design and construction of transportation noise barriers.

Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 01/07/2026; SJ 1
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Bill Summary · SB 152

Summary of Bill: SB 152 (New Hampshire, 2026 Session)

Overview

SB 152 proposes authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established Noise Barrier Construction Fund. The fund would be dedicated to the design and construction of noise barrier projects to mitigate transportation-related noise impacts.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a dedicated financing mechanism to support noise mitigation infrastructure along transportation corridors.
  • Create a fund specifically for the design and construction of noise barriers, leveraging toll credits as a funding source.
  • Provide a structured pathway for converting toll-related assets or credits into capital available for noise barrier projects.

Key Provisions (anticipated elements based bill title and action history)

  • Authorization to sell toll credits: The bill would authorize the state or a designated transportation authority to sell toll credits. These credits would presumably represent future toll revenue or credit allocations that can be monetized to raise funds.
  • Creation of a Noise Barrier Construction Fund: Establishment of a new fund dedicated to funding noise barrier projects. The fund would receive proceeds from the sale of toll credits and be used exclusively for planning, design, and construction of noise barriers.
  • Eligible projects: Noise barrier projects along transportation corridors where noise mitigation is warranted and funded through the new mechanism.
  • Governance and administration: Likely provisions to designate the agency responsible (e.g., a state department of transportation) and outline fiduciary and procurement controls for managing proceeds, grants, and project approvals.
  • Use of proceeds: Clear mandate that funds from toll credit sales are to be used only for noise barrier design and construction, not for general operating expenses.
  • Reporting and accountability: Potential requirements for annual reporting, auditing, or oversight to ensure funds are applied to listed projects and that sale of toll credits complies with state procurement rules.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State transportation department or equivalent agency: Responsible for administering the toll credit sales, managing the Noise Barrier Construction Fund, and overseeing project selection and implementation.
  • Local governments and communities near transportation corridors: Beneficiaries of enhanced noise mitigation; affected residents would see potential reductions in road/rail noise where barriers are installed.
  • Toll and transportation finance stakeholders: Entities involved in toll collection, revenue forecasting, and credit monetization could be affected by the new financing tool.
  • Taxpayers and ratepayers: Indirectly affected through potential changes in transportation funding strategies and capital project prioritization.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Referral and study path: The bill has progressed through interims study and committee referrals, indicating a period of review and potential amendments before final action.
    • January 7, 2026: Referred to Interim Study (SJ 1).
    • October 29, 2025: Committee Report indicating interim study referral (SC 46).
    • March 6, 2025 and February 20, 2025: Referred and reported back from committee with favorable votes.
    • January 29, 2025 & January 22, 2025: Hearing and introduction steps in the House/Senate transportation context.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through normal legislative procedures (committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes in both chambers, and governor's signature) with ongoing assessment during interim study phases.

Potential Implications and Considerations

  • Financial risk and timing: The sale of toll credits would convert future revenue into upfront capital. This involves risk regarding credit valuation, market demand, and the alignment of toll revenue streams with debt-like instruments.
  • Project prioritization: The fund would need clear criteria for selecting noise barrier projects, ensuring equitable distribution and adherence to environmental and community impact standards.
  • Accountability and transparency: Given dedicated funds, robust reporting and oversight measures are essential to maintain public trust and ensure funds are used as intended.

This summary presents the essential elements of SB 152 as described in the available action history and bill title. For authoritative details, refer to the official bill text and committee amendments when released.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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