A light day at the State House. One bill became law and three others were finished off in the Senate. The new DWI refusal law takes effect January 1; the three bills killed covered a mix of criminal justice reform, behavioral health, and privacy law.
Signed into Law
- SB 620: Strengthens penalties for refusing a breath or blood test and for aggravated DWI — closes loopholes that had allowed some impaired drivers to avoid accountability. Takes effect January 1, 2027.
Killed
- HB 1173: Would have expanded post-secondary education opportunities for incarcerated individuals in NH. Research has consistently linked prison education programs to reduced recidivism. Killed by ITL in the Senate.
- HB 1438: Would have allowed mental health caseworkers to report animal abuse by their clients, carving out a narrow exception to confidentiality rules. Sent to interim study, effectively ending its chances this session.
- HB 1100: Would have created an exception to NH’s all-party-consent wiretapping law, potentially allowing recording in situations such as documenting harassment or abuse. Killed by ITL.
To see how your representatives voted, visit nhpolitics.org/find-your-rep.