Bill > SB620

This bill modifies the consequences for refusing a chemical test to determine alcohol concentration and increases penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated (DWI). Specifically, it changes the license suspension period for a first refusal from 180 days to 12 months, and for subsequent refusals or those with prior DWI convictions, it extends the suspension from 2 years to 3 years. The bill also introduces a new provision allowing courts to suspend up to 180 days of a license suspension if a person pleads guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to certain DWI offenses, provided they complete a substance use disorder evaluation and comply with the resulting service plan. Furthermore, it establishes new penalties for aggravated DWI under RSA 265-A:3, III, including a mandatory jail sentence of at least 17 consecutive days (though this can be suspended with conditions), a fine of at least $750, a license revocation of at least 18 months, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.