The state Senate yesterday quickly passed with little discussion House Bill 420, which restricts the operation of off-highway recreational vehicles on parts of the Rockingham Recreational Trail. The trail runs along several rail bed paths from Windham north to Derry then east to Fremont.

Responding to noise complaints by homeowners abutting the trail, the Senate-passed House bill restricts operation on any portion of the trail when it isn't snow-covered.

The bill, which is effective 60 days after passage, bans use of the parking lot at the Windham depot along the trail from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Year-round use will be permitted on the portion of the Rockingham Trail from Rte. 28 in Derry to Rte. 125 in Epping.