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Bill

HB 100

prohibiting the use of state funds for new passenger rail projects.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aidan Ankarberg and 2 co-sponsors

The bill would prohibit using state funds to initiate or advance new passenger rail projects in New Hampshire.

Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 77
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Bill Summary · HB 100

Summary of HB 100 (New Hampshire, 2026 Session)

Purpose

HB 100 proposes prohibiting the use of state funds for the development, construction, or support of new passenger rail projects in New Hampshire. The bill aims to ensure that state resources are not allocated to add or expand passenger rail initiatives at the outset, directing attention and funding to other transportation priorities or to existing programs.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition on state funds: The bill would bar the use of state resources, including appropriations, for initiating or advancing new passenger rail projects. This encompasses planning, design, environmental reviews, engineering, construction, or procurement activities related to new passenger rail initiatives.
  • Scope of projects: The prohibition targets “new passenger rail projects.” It is not clear from the summary whether it applies to expansions, enhancements, or reactivations of existing lines without new funding; the focus is on projects that would represent new passenger rail ventures for the state.
  • Compliance and enforcement: The bill would likely require state agencies to avoid obligating or expending state funds on prohibited activities and to identify any ongoing commitments that would be subject to the prohibition. Violations would potentially trigger remedial or corrective actions, though specific enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in the available summary.
  • Potential exceptions (not specified in provided materials): The summary does not indicate explicit carve-outs. If present, typical exceptions might include federally funded components or critical safety improvements, but such details are not stated here.

Who and What Would Be Affected

  • State agencies and departments: Agencies responsible for transportation, planning, and capital projects would be constrained from funding new passenger rail efforts.
  • Government funding decisions: Future appropriations or allocations for passenger rail would be restricted unless the bill is amended or repealed.
  • Stakeholders: Rail service proponents, regional transit authorities, and rail-related industry partners would be impacted by constraints on pursuing new passenger rail projects using state funds.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: December 26, 2024, with referral to Public Works and Highways (HB 100 introduced in January 2025 per the history).
  • Public hearing: Held January 28, 2025.
  • Committee action:
    • February 25, 2025: Retained in Committee.
    • September 8, 2025: Public hearing (reconvened), Full Committee Work Session, and Executive Session.
    • October 14, 2025: Committee Report “Refer for Interim Study” with a vote of 16-0 (House Committee on Public Works and Highways). The interim study designation indicates the committee recommends further study rather than immediate passage.
  • Referral for Interim Study: January 7, 2026, indicating the bill was sent to an interim study process for consideration during a session recess. This path suggests the bill may be studied further by a committee or commission before any potential floor action in the 2026 session.

Notes for Readers

  • The interim study designation means that, while the bill has cleared committee with a favorable recommendation to study, it would not necessarily become law without subsequent action after the interim review.
  • Specifics such as definitions of “new passenger rail projects,” exceptions, or enforcement details may be clarified during the interim study or in any amended version of the bill.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential fiscal impacts, compare with similar measures in other states, or extract any available fiscal notes or committee statements.

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

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