Transportation (Freight)

HB 533 authorizes New Hampshire's state police to use civilian automotive equipment inspectors (instead of only sworn officers) for commercial truck safety inspections. It also allows certified law enforcement agents to enter trucking company premises during business hours to review safety records for compliance checks, audits, or investigations. The bill directly affects commercial carriers required to maintain these safety records. Requested by the Department of Safety, it updates how inspections and record reviews are conducted under state law.

SB 589 requires New Hampshire to create a task force studying electricity needs for interstate trucking charging stations, port electrification, and transmission corridors, with a report due by June 2027. It authorizes a pilot program for microgrid development at up to five locations to improve energy resilience, collaborating with utilities and businesses. The bill also mandates the Department of Energy to develop cybersecurity guidelines for distributed energy systems like solar and battery storage. These provisions directly affect state agencies, transportation infrastructure planners, port operators, and energy providers by setting new planning and safety requirements.