HB468
Sponsored By: Terry W Roy (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Higher fines for reckless driving
Beginning January 1, 2026, a first reckless driving conviction has a minimum $500 fine plus penalty assessment and a 60‑day license loss. A later reckless driving conviction has a minimum $750 fine and a 60‑day to one‑year license loss. Driving 100 mph or more is a separate violation: first offense at least $750 and a 90‑day license loss; later offense at least $1,000 and a 90‑day to one‑year license loss. Reckless driving fines may reach $1,000 plus penalty assessment.
Stricter penalties for unsafe drone use
Beginning January 1, 2026, it is illegal to fly a small drone in New Hampshire in violation of FAA rules. The first offense is a violation; a later offense is a misdemeanor. Negligent flights that interfere with a manned aircraft or airport are a class A misdemeanor; damaging a manned aircraft is a class B felony; causing a crash with death or serious injury is a class A felony. Flying in FAA‑restricted airspace over prisons or jails is a misdemeanor; doing so to drop contraband or help an escape is a class B felony. Knowingly having or flying a drone equipped to cause serious harm or to fire or release a projectile is a class B felony; bomb squads and certain police uses are allowed. The law links these offenses to one penalty section so the same penalties apply statewide.
Drone limits at emergency scenes
Beginning January 1, 2026, it is a misdemeanor to fly a small drone that interferes with police, firefighters, or other emergency crews. News reporters are allowed if they follow FAA Part 107, have an FAA waiver (COA) for news gathering, do not endanger anyone, and obey the scene leader’s orders, including to change or stop flight. The law does not apply to law enforcement officers acting under lawful authority.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Terry W Roy
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Jonah Orion Wheeler
Democratic • House
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor Ayotte 08/01/2025; Chapter 278; eff.01/01/2026
8/11/2025HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 63
7/14/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
7/14/2025SenateEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2903e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 60
7/8/2025HouseEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2903e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/26/2025); SJ 18
7/8/2025SenateHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-2484s (Rep. Roy): MA RC 265-83 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 2
6/12/2025HouseLay HB468 on Table (Rep. McFarlane): MF DV 66-279 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 2
6/12/2025HouseSen. Birdsell Moved to Remove From Table, MA, VV; 06/05/2025; SJ 15
6/5/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-2484s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 06/05/2025; SJ 15
6/5/2025SenateSen. Birdsell Floor Amendment # 2025-2484s, AA, VV; 06/05/2025; SJ 15
6/5/2025SenatePending Motion Ought to Pass; 05/01/2025; SJ 11
5/1/2025SenateSen. Birdsell Moved Laid on Table, MA, VV; 05/01/2025; SJ 11
5/1/2025SenateHB 468 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 05/01/2025; SJ 11
5/1/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/01/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 19
4/24/2025SenateHearing: 04/01/2025, Room 100, SH, 02:00 pm; SC 15
3/27/2025SenateHearing: 03/18/2025, Room 100, SH, 02:30 pm; SC 13
3/12/2025SenateIntroduced 03/06/2025 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 7
3/11/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0290h: MA VV 02/20/2025 HJ 6 P. 3
2/20/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0290h: AA VV 02/20/2025 HJ 6 P. 3
2/20/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0290h 02/05/2025 (Vote 13-0; CC) HC 12 P. 4
2/11/2025HouseExecutive Session: 01/31/2025 02:30 pm LOB 202-204
2/11/2025HousePublic Hearing: 01/31/2025 02:30 pm LOB 202-204
1/22/2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 01/09/2025 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 3 P. 12
1/13/2025House
Bill Text
As Amended
7/8/2025
Enrolled
7/8/2025
Introduced
1/13/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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