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HB 1482 · 2026 · House · Transportation Committee

New seasonal scenic license plates

AI-generated

authorizing the department of motor vehicles to adopt seasonal tourism-themed license plates.

Replaces the Old Man of the Mountain graphic on standard passenger license plates with four seasonal scenic designs.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 19, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill replaces the Old Man of the Mountain graphic on standard passenger plates with 4 seasonal scenic designs.

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

“For all standard passenger motor vehicle number plates issued on or after January 1, 2027, the division of motor vehicles, within the department of safety and in consultation with the division of travel and tourism development, shall replace the Old Man of the Mountain graphic with 4 alternating designs representing the state's scenic and recreational attractions for each season.”
RSA 261:75-d
“The division of travel and tourism development shall provide suitable images representing each of the 4 seasons to the division of motor vehicles.”
RSA 261:75-d
“The department of safety shall update plate manufacturing specifications to ensure implementation.”
RSA 261:75-d
“The division of motor vehicles shall ensure that each of the 4 seasonal designs is issued in reasonably equal distribution each calendar year and that all designs retain the “Live Free or Die” motto.”
RSA 261:75-d

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Michael CahillDPrime
  • Rep. Jaci GroteDDemocratic Advisor
  • Rep. Mike OuelletRVice Chair· Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Also: Rep. Nicholas BridleR, Rep. Charles MelvinR

Public testimony

23 signed in online · 13 wrote testimony

13% support83% oppose4% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Optional specialty plates can promote tourism and local identity without imposing mandates or costs on residents who choose not to participate.”
— Hannah Meiselman, Machestersupports
“This bill would be a large burden to many families in nh. Most families with young children have multiple bikes and would have to pay hundreds if dollars for registration.…”
— Keith Evans, Fremontopposes
“I am vehemently opposed to the $50 bike registration bill as this would hurt NH residents for exercise, getting outside and a form of transportation for a lot who have no other means of getting to work ???????????? Roy C”
— Roy Cuddahy, Gilfordopposes
“I believe this bills is completely unnecessary considering bicyclist do no damage to roadways or trails so they should not be required to register there bike. This is asinine to think they should be forced to register a bike that is used for mostly FUN! Get a grip nh”
— Daegan Scott, Hooksettopposes
“I like the idea of seasonal/tourism plates, but not as a replacement to the current plate. It was my understanding based on other hearings recently that the DMV is going to have new license plate design/printing technology next year.…”
— Alex Hawk, Manchesterneutral

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Feb 3, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate15–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Feb 19, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 27, 2026Public hearingHouse Transportation8:08–9:151m 7slocated in the stream transcript==ROOM CHANGE== Public Hearing
  • Feb 3, 2026Public hearingHouse Transportation4:05:46–4:07:111m 25slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Executive Session
  • Feb 19, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote

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 Transportation HJ 1 P. 22
  2. Jan 27, 2026House==ROOM CHANGE== Public Hearing: 01/27/2026 10:00 am GP 232
  3. Feb 3, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/03/2026 01:00 pm GP 234
  4. Feb 3, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/03/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 7 P. 21
  5. Feb 19, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 34

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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