New Hampshire Lawmakers Override Governor Kelly Ayotte's Vetoes to Pass Transportation and State Park Fee Increases
New Hampshire legislators successfully overrode several vetoes from Governor Kelly Ayotte, notably passing a 10-year transportation plan that increases highway tolls for out-of-state drivers and those paying with cash. Starting in January 2027, the new law will double the cost of several major tolls, such as the Hampton toll on I-95, while maintaining current rates for those using a funded New Hampshire E-ZPass. Supporters argue the move is necessary to fund infrastructure projects like the widening of Interstate 93, while Governor Kelly Ayotte expressed concern that the hike represents a tax increase on local residents. In addition to transportation, the administration announced a new fee structure for state parks, requiring non-residents to pay double the entry fees. Lawmakers also secured a bipartisan override for a bill allowing prisoners who maintain their innocence to request a retrial after the three-year deadline if new evidence emerges. These legislative victories occurred during a chaotic session ahead of the state's September primaries.