Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
← All bills

HB 1543 · 2026 · House · Public Works and Highways Committee

Transferring state property to municipalities

AI-generated

relative to the transfer of state-owned real property to municipalities.

Restructures the process for disposing of or reclassifying highway-funded real estate by updating procedural steps, municipal notice requirements, and rehabilitation obligations.AI-generated

Status

Committee recommended Inexpedient to Legislate; died at adjournment · February 3, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill restructures the process for disposing of or reclassifying highway-funded real estate by updating procedural steps, municipal notice requirements, and rehabilitation obligations.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“Upon recommendation of the commissioner of the department of transportation to dispose of or lease property purchased with state or federal highway funds or both, or turnpike funds, the request for disposal or leasing shall be reviewed and approved by the long range capital planning and utilization committee before submission to the governor and council for approval.”
RSA 4:39-c
“The commissioner of transportation shall not discontinue, reclassify to a class V or class VI highway, or revert to the town, class I or class II highways if the highway is still in use by the public for motor vehicle travel unless the municipality concurs or an agreement and approval consistent with RSA 4:39-c, V-VII is obtained.”
RSA 230:57
“Prior to any reclassification or reversion of class I or class II highway still in public use, the department shall complete all rehabilitation required by RSA 229:5 and provide the report required by RSA 4:39-c, VI.”
RSA 229:5-a
“Upon determination that the property is no longer needed by the state, the governor and council shall first offer it to the government of the town, city, or county in which the property is located.”
RSA 4:39-c

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Julie MilesRPrime
  • Rep. Jeanine NotterRAssistant Majority Leader
  • Rep. Brian ColeRVice Chair· Housing
  • Sen. Howard PearlRChair· Executive Departments and Administration

Also: Rep. Manoj ChourasiaD, Rep. Gary DanielsR, Rep. Henry GiassonR, Rep. Lilli WalshR, Rep. Adam PresaR, Sen. Tim McGoughR

Public testimony

4 signed in online

75% support25% oppose0% neutral

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Jan 20, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate10–3
    Overall
    77% yea

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 20, 2026Public hearingHouse Public Works and Highways1:03:40–1:21:2217m 42slocated in the stream transcriptMajority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate — roll call; Public Hearing; Executive Session

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Public Works and Highways HJ 1 P. 25
  2. Jan 20, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/20/2026 11:00 am GP 228
  3. Jan 20, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/20/2026 11:00 am GP 228
  4. Jan 20, 2026HouseMajority : Inexpedient to Legislate 01/20/2026 (Vote 10-3; RC) HC 10 P. 105
  5. Feb 3, 2026HouseMinority : Ought to Pass

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.