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New HampshireHB13082025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

relative to increasing the penalty for passing a stopped school bus.

Sponsored By: Henry R Giasson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Tougher penalties for passing stopped school buses

Beginning January 1, 2027, New Hampshire sets tougher penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus. A first offense is a class B misdemeanor, with a $300 fine plus a penalty assessment and a 7-day driving suspension. A second or later offense is a class A misdemeanor with a fine of at least $750. Driving privileges are revoked for at least 30 days unless the court finds exceptional circumstances. A third or later offense also requires at least 15 consecutive days in county jail and indefinite loss of driving privileges. Driving privileges cannot be restored for at least one year. After that minimum period, the driver must complete a driver safety course before asking the court for permission to reapply. These penalties are subject to the exceptions in RSA 265:54, paragraph IV.

New evidence rules for school bus violations

Beginning January 1, 2027, New Hampshire expands evidence allowed in cases involving illegally passing a stopped school bus. Sworn testimony from the bus driver or another witness is enough to prove the vehicle owner's violation unless rebutted. The testimony must establish that the vehicle failed to stop and remain stopped as required. Bus camera footage can be evidence against the owner or driver and must be provided to the county attorney by subpoena. The footage cannot be used for other purposes unless allowed by law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Henry R Giasson

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Erica J Layon

    Republican • House

  • Jay D Markell

    Republican • House

  • Lisa R Mazur

    Republican • House

  • Matt R Sabourin dit Choinière

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Melissa A. Litchfield

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Seth B Miller

    Democratic • House

  • Sherri L Reinfurt

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor Ayotte 06/19/2026; Chapter 163; eff.01/01/2027

    6/24/2026House

  2. Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 43

    6/10/2026House

  3. Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14

    6/10/2026Senate

  4. House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1513s (Rep. Rhodes): MA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 4

    5/7/2026House

  5. Committee Amendment # 2026-1513s, AA, VV; 04/23/2026; SJ 10

    4/17/2026Senate

  6. Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1513s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/23/2026; SJ 10

    4/17/2026Senate

  7. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1513s, 04/23/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 15

    4/15/2026Senate

  8. Hearing: 03/19/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:10 pm; SC 10

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Introduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 6

    3/6/2026Senate

  10. Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0523h: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 6

    3/5/2026House

  11. Amendment # 2026-0523: AA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 6

    3/5/2026House

  12. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0523h 02/13/2026 (Vote 13-0; CC) HC 9

    2/24/2026House

  13. Executive Session: 01/30/2026 11:00 am GP 159

    2/24/2026House

  14. Public Hearing: 01/30/2026 11:00 am GP 159

    1/21/2026House

  15. Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 14

    12/1/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    6/10/2026

    HTML

  • Introduced

    12/1/2025

    PDF

  • CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION

    PDF

  • Version adopted by both bodies

    PDF

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