Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (04/09/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB14 00:09:27.920 - 9:08:03 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the penalty for certain fentanyl-related offenses.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB15 01:38:42.400 - 10:37:18 AM	Public Hearing	relative to establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB54 02:03:45.360 - 11:02:21 AM	Public Hearing	relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
HB71 02:15:35.480 - 11:14:11 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) prohibiting the use of the facilities of a public elementary school, a public secondary school, or an institution of higher education to provide shelter for aliens who have not been admitted into the United States and relative to department of health and human services contracts.	Harvey-Bolia, Juliet(R)[A]2024
SB41 03:42:55.840 - 12:41:31 PM	Public Hearing	changing the reckless driving minimum penalties.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
SB49 04:01:45.520 - 1:00:21 PM	Public Hearing	establishing the crime of and penalties for unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
SB140 04:32:56.399 - 1:31:32 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a domestic violence fatality review committee.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
SB149 05:02:07.200 - 2:00:43 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024

SB14: Senator Support00:09:27.920 - 9:08:03 AM; The Senator opened the public hearing for Senate Bill 14, which is about imposing mandatory minimum sentences for individuals caught with certain amounts of fentanyl class drugs. The Senator shared personal anecdotes from constituents in Sandown, Fremont, Kingston, and Seabrook, emphasizing the impact of drug-related deaths on families, particularly mothers. The bill proposes a mandatory minimum of 3 years and 6 months for possession of 20 grams or more of a fentanyl class drug, and 7 years for 50 grams or more. The Senator argued that these mandatory minimums would provide certainty in sentencing, deter drug dealers, and potentially reduce recidivism rates, referencing studies and testimonies from law enforcement and the mayor of Manchester. The Senator also mentioned the support of the Governor and the need for safe streets, expressing a willingness to adjust the proposed sentence lengths if necessary.
SB14: Representative Sheer Information Only00:15:49.519 - 9:14:25 AM; Representative Sheer questioned the Senator about the proposed mandatory minimums, highlighting the potential conflict with budget cuts to the Department of Corrections, which might reduce treatment and reintegration programs. The Representative expressed concerns based on past experiences with mandatory minimums during the '80s and '90s war on drugs, questioning their effectiveness in reducing drug problems. The Representative also asked if mandatory minimums would deter other potential drug dealers, to which the Senator responded with a study showing lower recidivism rates among those convicted under mandatory minimums and the testimony of a drug dealer who avoided selling in Maine due to harsh penalties.
SB14: Representative Murray Information Only00:20:00.840 - 9:18:36 AM; Representative Murray requested data on the link between mandatory minimums and recidivism rates to be sent to the whole committee. They also discussed the penal system's dual role in punishment and rehabilitation, highlighting the perspective of families affected by drug-related deaths, particularly mentioning the impact on families in Fremont when drug dealers are released.
SB14: Representative Muse Information Only00:21:10.320 - 9:19:46 AM; Representative Muse questioned the quantities of drugs needed to trigger mandatory minimums in the bill, asking if there was evidence that New Hampshire judges were sentencing drug offenders lightly. The response indicated that the police suggested the 20 and 50 gram figures to ensure the bill's passage and judicial acceptance, though lower amounts were initially considered.
SB14: Daryl Lennon Oppose00:23:33.200 - 9:22:09 AM; Daryl Lennon, a person with substance use disorder, opposed the bill, stating that 20 grams could be considered personal use based on his experience. He shared his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the need for treatment over incarceration. Lennon argued that criminalizing people with substance use disorder does not address the underlying mental health issues and hinders recovery.
SB14: Senator Information Only00:26:17.159 - 9:24:53 AM; The senator expressed sympathy for the loss due to an opiate overdose and discussed the impact of mandatory minimums on the decision-making of individuals with substance use disorders. They shared a personal story to illustrate how executive functioning is affected by addiction, questioning the effectiveness of mandatory minimums in such contexts.
SB14: Representative Shear Information Only00:28:27.039 - 9:27:03 AM; Representative Shear congratulated Daryl Lennon on his recovery and asked about the amount of drugs that should distinguish between personal use and dealing. Lennon responded that it was difficult to set a specific number and reiterated his opposition to mandatory minimums, advocating for addressing mental health issues instead.
SB14: Michelle Lennon Oppose00:30:33.720 - 9:29:09 AM; Michelle Lennon, president and CEO of Our Choice Recovery Community Organization, opposed the bill. She shared her husband's experience with addiction, highlighting the ineffectiveness of mandatory minimums in saving lives or aiding recovery. She stressed the importance of treatment and support systems like Narcan distribution and criticized mandatory minimums as not addressing the root causes of addiction.
SB14: Representative Newman Information Only00:34:17.679 - 9:32:53 AM; Representative Newman asked for more information on how tolerance to drugs develops and the physiological changes associated with addiction. Michelle Lennon explained the brain changes and the involuntary nature of addiction, emphasizing the need for treatment rather than punishment.
SB14: John Burns Oppose00:38:16.560 - 9:36:52 AM; John Burns, a person in recovery and executive director of SOS Recovery Community Organization, opposed SB14 and SB15. He argued that mandatory minimums have been proven ineffective and harmful, referencing past failures in the 80s and 90s. Burns criticized the anecdotal and fear-based arguments for the bill, advocating for evidence-based strategies like naloxone distribution and Good Samaritan laws that have reduced overdose deaths.
SB14: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:45:34.079 - 9:44:10 AM; The speaker discusses the ineffectiveness of a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery, emphasizing the unique circumstances and backgrounds of individuals. They argue that using fixed quantities like 20 or 50 grams to determine sentencing does not address the complex needs of people with addiction, advocating for personalized treatment over a standardized legal response.
SB14: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:46:36.000 - 9:45:12 AM; The speaker continues to argue against mandatory minimums, suggesting that judicial discretion is crucial because each case has unique factors. They provide an example of a young woman who received a harsh sentence despite the complexities of her situation, illustrating that mandatory minimums fail to account for individual circumstances and do not serve as a deterrent.
SB14: Jake Barry, Vice President of Policy at New Futures Oppose00:49:27.920 - 9:48:03 AM; Jake Barry expresses strong opposition to SB14 and another related bill, SB15. He argues that substance use disorder should be treated as a chronic brain condition requiring treatment, not punishment. He cites data showing that mandatory minimums do not prevent overdoses or drug-related crimes but instead increase incarceration costs and limit access to treatment. Barry also mentions the potential budget cuts that could further hinder treatment services.
SB14: Amanda Aad, Policy Director at the ACLU of New Hampshire Oppose00:54:53.200 - 9:53:29 AM; Amanda Aad opposes mandatory minimums, citing their historical rejection in New Hampshire and their high cost to taxpayers without improving safety. She discusses the strain on the Department of Corrections and the negative impact of long sentences on individuals and their communities. Aad argues that mandatory minimums take away judicial discretion and lead to plea bargaining, which can result in unjust outcomes.
SB14: Melissa Davis, New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Professor at UNH Law Oppose01:02:32.799 - 10:01:08 AM; Melissa Davis criticizes the proposed law for shifting decision-making power from judges to prosecutors, leading to potential inequalities in the application of the law. She argues that mandatory minimums do not deter crime but encourage plea bargaining, undermining the right to a fair trial and creating dangerous situations within communities due to forced cooperation agreements. Davis also highlights the high cost of incarceration and the effectiveness of harm reduction efforts in reducing overdoses.
SB14: Amanda Vashon, Coordinator for the Merrimack County Recovery Court in Concord Oppose01:12:00.800 - 10:10:36 AM; Amanda Vashon opposes SB14 and SB15, recognizing the intent to address the flow of fentanyl but arguing that mandatory minimums are not effective. She cites research showing that mandatory minimums do not deter drug use or crime and could harm individuals by limiting access to treatment. Vashon emphasizes the success of recovery courts in New Hampshire, which provide a more effective alternative to incarceration for individuals with substance use disorders. She also highlights the potential negative impact of the bills on recovery court programs and the need for a collaborative approach to address the issue.
SB14: Amanda Vashon, Coordinator for the Merrimack County Recovery Court in Concord Information Only01:12:00.800 - 10:10:36 AM; Amanda Vashon discussed the importance of recovery courts, emphasizing their effectiveness in managing individuals with severe substance use disorders. She highlighted that participants face significant consequences, such as suspended prison sentences, if they fail to complete the program. Vashon also pointed out the need for expanding access to these programs, particularly for underserved groups like women, due to biases in risk assessments. She mentioned the upcoming milestone of graduating the 10,000th participant from these programs in New Hampshire.
SB14: Bill Brightite, Major with the New Hampshire State Police Support01:24:31.400 - 10:23:07 AM; Major Bill Brightite expressed support for SB14, emphasizing the dangers of any amount of fentanyl due to its potential harm to others, such as family members and children. He discussed the bill's provision for leniency in sentencing if defendants cooperate with law enforcement leading to arrests or convictions, viewing this as a tool to tackle the supply chain of fentanyl. He addressed concerns about the safety of informants, stating that law enforcement takes significant measures to protect them and that cooperation is driven by various factors, including plea agreements and pre-charge cooperation.
SB15: Unknown Speaker Support01:38:42.400 - 10:37:18 AM; The speaker supports SB15, focusing on punishment and accountability rather than rehabilitation. They argue that the bill is necessary to send a message to drug dealers and users about the severe consequences of their actions, particularly when death results. The speaker believes in mandatory minimums as a way to ensure equitable sentencing across different demographics and socioeconomic statuses, emphasizing that the bill targets the most severe cases where death results from drug distribution. They express a willingness to consider adjustments to the sentencing length but remain firm on the need for mandatory minimums to hold individuals accountable, especially in cases involving death.
SB15: Representative Shear Information Only01:42:30.320 - 10:41:06 AM; Representative Shear questions the strict liability language in the bill, suggesting that it might be overly harsh as it removes the consideration of intent. They propose considering a more traditional mental state requirement and a lower mandatory minimum sentence, suggesting three to five years might be adequate. The representative acknowledges the difficulty in sentencing someone without considering intent but sees the necessity of mandatory minimums in severe cases.
SB15: Representative Newell Information Only01:45:45.520 - 10:44:21 AM; Representative Newell inquires if the bill's intention is to imprison individuals who supply drugs to friends or partners if an overdose occurs. The response confirms that accountability should be enforced even in such cases, emphasizing the need for severe consequences for supplying drugs that result in death.
SB15: Representative Murray Information Only01:46:52.159 - 10:45:28 AM; Representative Murray discusses the potential harshness of the bill, particularly in scenarios involving college students at parties. They express concern about the fairness of imposing a 10-year sentence on someone who may not have intended harm but distributed drugs unknowingly laced with dangerous substances. The representative questions the justice in such severe sentencing for what could be a mistake.
SB15: Representative Muse Information Only01:47:55.199 - 10:46:31 AM; Representative Muse raises concerns about the unintended consequences of the bill, particularly the potential deterrent effect it might have on calling for help during an overdose due to fear of severe penalties. They question whether the bill should include provisions for mitigating factors, like calling for help, to encourage life-saving actions.
SB15: Daryl Lynn Oppose01:49:52.719 - 10:48:28 AM; Daryl Lynn opposes the bill, arguing that it does not consider intent, which is crucial in other crimes involving loss of life. They share a personal story of addiction to illustrate the complexities of drug use and the need for case-by-case consideration rather than blanket mandatory minimums. Lynn advocates for alternative solutions like drug court to address substance use disorders.
SB15: Michelle Lennon, Archways Oppose01:54:17.520 - 10:52:53 AM; Michelle Lennon from Archways opposes the bill, highlighting the dangers of unintended distribution of laced drugs among young people. She draws parallels with alcohol distribution and emphasizes the need for prevention programs over mandatory minimums, which she argues do not work and could have far-reaching negative consequences.
SB15: Amanda, ACLU of New Hampshire Oppose01:56:15.320 - 10:54:51 AM; Amanda from the ACLU of New Hampshire strongly opposes SB15, describing it as a 'death resulting' bill with a mandatory minimum of 10 years for a strict liability crime. She argues that the bill is unjust and could lead to the incarceration of friends and family members of overdose victims, not just drug dealers. Amanda cites evidence showing that such laws do not reduce overdose rates and may even increase them, advocating instead for evidence-based policies like increasing Narcan access to save lives.
SB54: Senator Ganon Support02:03:45.360 - 11:02:21 AM; Senator Ganon introduced SB54, which aims to address New Hampshire's high refusal rate for breathalyzer tests, currently at 70-75%, compared to the national average of 20-25%. The bill proposes increasing the administrative license suspension period for refusal from six to twelve months, with a potential reduction to three months for cooperation and rehabilitation, especially for first-time offenders. The legislation also seeks to recognize out-of-state DWI convictions and refusals as subsequent offenses to close a loophole. Senator Ganon emphasized that the goal is to increase breathalyzer test compliance, which correlates with lower DUI rates on the road, and stressed the importance of judicial discretion in sentencing for aggravated DUIs to encourage test-taking.
SB54: Unnamed Speaker Support02:08:34.639 - 11:07:10 AM; The speaker supported SB54, highlighting the parallel nature of the bill to one previously discussed in the House. They stressed the high refusal rates in New Hampshire leading to increased highway fatalities due to drugs and alcohol. The speaker advocated for the bill's provisions, including longer license suspension periods for refusals, judicial discretion for sentencing, and the recognition of out-of-state convictions to combat recidivism. They emphasized the importance of the bill in reducing drunk driving and related crashes.
SB54: Ryan McFron, Administrator, Department of Safety Bureau of Hearings Support02:11:01.239 - 11:09:37 AM; Ryan McFron supported SB54, noting Vermont's approach to DWI refusals with lifetime suspensions after a third refusal, which has lowered their refusal rate to the national average. He pointed out a loophole in New Hampshire law where out-of-state DWI convictions and refusals are not considered as subsequent offenses, which the bill aims to address. McFron clarified that license suspensions for refusals in neighboring states like Massachusetts are reciprocated, but not the refusals themselves. He also addressed concerns about the bill violating rights against search and seizure, explaining that having a driver's license is a privilege that comes with implied consent to testing.
HB71: Representative Sheer Support02:15:35.480 - 11:14:11 AM; Representative Sheer introduced HB71, which aims to ensure that law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire can participate in the 287(g) program without local obstruction. The program involves cooperation with ICE or Homeland Security for jail enforcement and warrant service officer training. He noted that participation is voluntary and mentioned that some northern towns near the border, as well as state police and sheriffs, expressed interest in participating. The bill addresses concerns from some communities and Democratic senators who opposed such participation.
HB71: Senator Support02:17:26.638 - 11:16:02 AM; The senator supported HB71, clarifying that while they are aware of some counties participating in the 287(g) program, such as Strafford and Cheshire Counties, the bill's scope extends beyond just housing federal prisoners. They noted that some northern communities near the border and state police want to engage in other forms of cooperation with ICE and Homeland Security. The senator emphasized that the bill is designed to prevent local legislative bodies from impeding law enforcement's voluntary participation in these programs.
HB71: David Hol, Somersworth, New Hampshire Oppose02:23:37.680 - 11:22:13 AM; David Hol from Somersworth opposed HB71, expressing concerns about the bill's potential to create conflict between law enforcement and local governments. He questioned whether allowing police to act independently of their community's wishes could set a precedent for other agencies to disregard their supervisors. Hol argued that the bill is based on misinformation and a manufactured immigrant crisis, pointing out that immigrants are statistically less likely to commit crimes. He criticized the potential for racial profiling and increased costs without addressing real community needs like increasing the minimum wage and providing healthcare. Hol urged the committee to recommend the bill as inexpedient to legislate (ITL), highlighting the importance of maintaining trust between local law enforcement and the community.
HB71: Bill Ganon, Sandown, NH Support02:29:56.080 - 11:28:32 AM; Bill Ganon, representing the wine district from Sandown to Seabrook, supports HB71. He argues that the bill is necessary due to the lack of immigration agreements similar to those in the past, which he believes worked well without burdening the state. He expresses concerns about the security implications of illegal immigration, mentioning instances of crime and terrorism, and emphasizes the financial burden on society due to costs associated with illegal immigrants. He advocates for non-interference with federal authorities like Homeland Security and ICE, criticizing towns like Lebanon, Hanover, Hillsboro, and Peterborough for their 'welcoming ordinances' that he believes hinder federal efforts. He clarifies that HB71 does not mandate active cooperation but rather asks municipalities not to impede federal operations, including notifying federal authorities of detainers. He also distinguishes HB71 from HB62, stating that HB71 imposes a financial penalty on non-cooperative municipalities.
HB71: David Holt, Somersworth, NH Oppose02:44:19.880 - 11:42:55 AM; David Holt, also part of the New Hampshire Immigrant Rights Network, opposes HB71. He argues that entering the country without proper documentation is a civil, not a criminal, offense, emphasizing the distinction between federal and local law enforcement responsibilities. Holt criticizes the bill for potentially causing profiling and racial bias and highlights the economic contributions of immigrants, suggesting that the focus should be on broader societal issues like healthcare and living wages. He urges the committee to find the bill inexpedient to legislate (ITL), arguing that it is unnecessary and could lead to increased costs and profiling.
HB71: Kate Han, New Hampshire Association of Counties Oppose02:49:48.319 - 11:48:24 AM; Kate Han, representing the New Hampshire Association of Counties, opposes HB71 in its current form, arguing that House Bill 511 is a better solution as it protects counties from litigation and financial costs. She worked with Senator Ganon on an amendment for HB71 but believes it still falls short, particularly in requiring counties to hold individuals for 48 hours without guaranteed financial support. Han notes that only Strafford and Merrimack Counties currently have contracts with ICE, and smaller counties might not meet federal requirements for holding detainees, which could lead to logistical and financial issues for those counties.
SB41: Regina Birdsell, State Senator for District 19, representing Derry, Hampstead, and Windham Support03:42:55.840 - 12:41:31 PM; Senator Birdsell introduced Senate Bill 41, highlighting its origin from a request by the Department of Safety due to increasing highway fatalities. She detailed the bill's provisions for additional penalties for drivers exceeding 100 mph, including fines and license revocations. She mentioned specific instances of speeding in Hampton and on I-93 to underline the urgency of the issue.
SB41: Lieutenant Storm, New Hampshire State Police, Department of Safety Support03:46:25.680 - 12:45:01 PM; Lieutenant Storm supported Senate Bill 41, noting a significant increase in drivers exceeding 100 mph, as observed from their airplane. He emphasized the need for the bill to help curb this dangerous trend, aligning it with a similar House bill that had been passed unanimously.
SB49: Regina Birdsell, State Senator for District 19, representing Derry, Hampstead, and Windham Support04:01:45.520 - 1:00:21 PM; Senator Birdsell introduced Senate Bill 49, explaining its purpose to establish penalties for the misuse of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). She detailed various scenarios where such misuse could interfere with emergency operations, aviation, and security, including real-world examples from California and New Hampshire.
SB49: Jeff Oja, Director of Emergency Management, New Boston Space Force Station Support04:05:33.359 - 1:04:09 PM; Jeff Oja expressed full support for Senate Bill 49, emphasizing its importance to the operations at New Boston Space Force Station. He explained the potential risks posed by unauthorized UAS flights over their facility and the reliance on local and state authorities for enforcement due to their lack of law enforcement capabilities on site.
SB49: Helen Hanks, Commissioner, Department of Corrections, New Boston Support04:08:37.040 - 1:07:13 PM; Helen Hanks, the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections, expressed strong support for SB49, highlighting the critical role of their investigative department in visually detecting unmanned aerial systems (UAS) over correctional institutions. She emphasized the necessity of criminal penalties for flying UAS over these facilities, referencing the national issue of contraband smuggling via drones. She introduced Chief Dar to share specific experiences, including a recent escape facilitated by drones, and noted an 80% increase in drone sightings at a federal facility in Berlin over the past year.
SB49: Chief Dar, Department of Corrections, New Boston Support04:09:29.120 - 1:08:05 PM; Chief Dar reinforced the impact of drones on correctional facilities, mentioning over 16 drone sightings at their facility within a year, with three believed to be criminal. He discussed the inability to detect drones effectively and shared a recent escape incident facilitated by drones, underscoring the need for drone detection systems which they currently lack due to infrastructure priorities.
SB49: Lieutenant Storm, Department of Safety Support04:13:47.840 - 1:12:23 PM; Lieutenant Storm supported the House version of the bill, citing the necessity of federal law inclusion for effective regulation. He mentioned recent grant acquisition for drone detection at special events and expressed support for correctional and federal partners, highlighting the safety and security issues posed by drones at airports and correctional facilities.
SB49: Joe Hannon Oppose04:18:06.159 - 1:16:42 PM; Joe Hannon argued that civilian drones should be protected under the Second Amendment, viewing them as modern tools for lawful self-defense. He criticized the bill's criminal penalties for possessing drones capable of causing harm, suggesting that such broad prohibitions infringe on constitutional rights. He proposed amendments to address these concerns, emphasizing the need for Second Amendment community involvement in the bill's development.
SB140: Regina Bzell, State Senator, District 19, Derry, Hampstead, Windham Support04:32:56.399 - 1:31:32 PM; Senator Regina Bzell introduced SB140, requested by the Department of Justice, which aims to establish a domestic violence fatality review committee. She explained the bill's intent to conduct multidisciplinary reviews of domestic violence-related deaths and highlighted the inclusion of a criminal penalty for disclosing information obtained from committee proceedings.
SB140: Unnamed Representative Support04:34:17.039 - 1:32:53 PM; The representative supported the legislation, drawing parallels to their experience with the overdose fatality review commission. They suggested including individuals with lived experience in domestic violence on the committee, to which Senator Bzell was open, noting the involvement of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
SB140: Representative Muse Information Only04:35:16.000 - 1:33:52 PM; Representative Muse inquired about the rationale behind the criminal penalty for disclosing information from the commission, to which Senator Bzell responded that the DOJ would be better suited to answer, but emphasized the need for confidentiality given the sensitive nature of the information.
SB140: Dr. Scott Hampton, Stratford Guidance Center/Community Partners Support04:36:36.639 - 1:35:12 PM; Dr. Scott Hampton, with 35 years of experience in interpersonal violence and clinical psychology, supports SB140. He highlighted the necessity of a robust Domestic Violence Fatality Review process following a tragic homicide-suicide in Dover, which exposed systemic gaps. Hampton stressed the importance of learning from past tragedies to prevent future incidents, suggesting a team with broad representation and a non-blaming, collaborative atmosphere. He detailed the process of reviewing closed cases, collecting data, identifying patterns, and developing action plans with follow-ups to ensure progress.
SB140: Pamela Kylig, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support04:48:43.520 - 1:47:19 PM; Pamela Kylig, representing the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, supports SB140, which would codify the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee. She emphasized the committee's role in conducting biannual reviews of domestic violence-related homicides and publishing reports that inform state strategies. Kylig highlighted the direct impact of domestic violence on victims, families, and communities, and the importance of the committee's work in identifying barriers to victim safety and making preventive recommendations.
SB140: Matthew Broadhead, Associate Attorney General, New Hampshire Department of Justice Support04:53:19.520 - 1:51:55 PM; Matthew Broadhead, representing the New Hampshire Department of Justice, supports SB140. He provided statistics highlighting the prevalence of domestic violence and its correlation with mass shootings and law enforcement risks. Broadhead stressed the need for a systemic review to identify gaps in services, commending the proposed legislation for outlining the mission, membership, and responsibilities of the committee. He noted the model's adoption in over 30 states and the necessity of codifying this best practice into state law.
SB149: Regina Birdsell, State Senator for District 19, representing Derry, Hampstead, and Windham Support05:02:07.200 - 2:00:43 PM; Senator Regina Birdsell, as the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 149, explained that the bill was requested by the Department of Safety. It aims to address the issue of wrong-way driving by adding it as an aggravating factor to the existing law on driving while intoxicated (DWI) on divided highways. She highlighted that this addition was in response to several recent incidents involving wrong-way driving, primarily associated with elderly drivers or those under the influence. She noted that the Department of Safety was present to answer any questions from the committee.
SB149: Lieutenant Chris Storm, Office of Highway Safety and Special Services, State Police Support05:05:14.920 - 2:03:50 PM; Lieutenant Chris Storm confirmed that Senate Bill 149 is identical to a bill previously passed by the committee with a unanimous vote of 16-0. He reiterated that the bill adds wrong-way driving on divided highways as an aggravating factor for DWI offenses. He clarified that this would not apply to wrong-way driving on undivided streets, such as in Hampton, addressing a question posed in a previous session.

Roy, Terry(Chairman)(R)[B]2024	Murray, Alissandra(Clerk)(D)[D-]2024	Rhodes, Jennifer(V Chairman)(R)[B]2024
Harriott-Gathright, Linda(D)[CT]2024	Proulx, Mark(R)[B]2024	Lascelles, Richard(R)[B+]2024
Morency, Pete(R)	Paquette, Kathleen(R)	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2024
Newman, Ray(D)[CT]2024	Meuse, David(D)[CT]2024	Devoid, Ricky(R)
Newell, Jodi(D)[D-]2024	Scherr, Buzz(D)	Valerino, Brian(R)
Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)