Bill > HB466

This bill modifies New Hampshire's laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) and refusal to submit to alcohol testing, making several key changes. First, it increases the license suspension period for first-time refusals of alcohol testing from 180 days to one year, and for subsequent refusals from two to three years. The bill also expands the definition of prior convictions to include out-of-state offenses that are reasonably equivalent to DUI. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for aggravated DWI offenses, specifically for violations under RSA 265-A:3, III, which now carry more detailed penalties including a mandatory minimum 17-day jail sentence (potentially suspended), a minimum fine of $750, required installation of an interlock device, and a license revocation of at least 18 months. The bill also allows courts to suspend up to 180 days of the license suspension if the offender pleads guilty and requires offenders to undergo a substance use disorder evaluation and follow a service plan developed by the Impaired Driver Care Management Program (IDCMP). The new provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to strengthen penalties for repeat and aggravated drunk driving offenses while providing a pathway for rehabilitation.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=704&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB466