Bill > SB553

This bill increases penalties for individuals who willfully attempt to elude pursuit by a law enforcement officer through specific dangerous actions. Under the proposed legislation, a driver who tries to evade police by increasing speed, turning off headlamps while moving, or abandoning their vehicle during a pursuit will face mandatory consequences, including a driver's license suspension of at least 6 months and a mandatory minimum 5-day jail sentence in the house of corrections. This sentence cannot be suspended or deferred, indicating the legislature's intent to create a strict deterrent for such dangerous driving behavior. The new penalties will be added to existing law under RSA 265:4, which governs disobeying law enforcement officers, and will take effect on January 1, 2027. By introducing these enhanced penalties, the bill aims to discourage reckless attempts to flee from law enforcement and improve public safety on roadways.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1354&inflect=2