(New Title) establishing the crime of and penalties for unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems and changing the reckless driving minimum penalties.
Sponsored By: Terry W Roy (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Drivers face higher extreme-speed penalties
Beginning January 1, 2026, covered reckless driving carries a $500 first-offense minimum fine and a 60-day license revocation. Every later offense carries a $750 minimum and revocation lasting 60 days to one year, not just a second offense. Driving at least 100 mph while violating state motor-vehicle law or a motor-vehicle director's rule triggers higher penalties. That tier carries minimum fines of $750 for a first offense and $1,000 for later offenses, with respective license revocations of 90 days and 90 days to one year. Both tiers have a $1,000 maximum fine, and all fines carry an added penalty assessment.
Dangerous drone flights bring escalating penalties
Beginning January 1, 2026, negligent small-drone flights that disrupt an aircraft carrying people or normal airport operations are class A misdemeanors. The offense becomes a class B felony if the operation damages an aircraft carrying people in flight. Causing a crash that results in death or serious bodily injury is a class A felony.
Drone operators face new flight penalties
Beginning January 1, 2026, breaking federal aviation rules with a small drone is a violation for a first offense. Later offenses are misdemeanors, as is interfering with police, firefighting, or other emergency responses. Drone use that violates RSA 644:9 is also a misdemeanor. News media are exempt from the emergency-response provision only with federal drone-rule compliance, valid FAA news-gathering authorization, safe operation, and obedience to scene-agency directions. The law's drone restrictions do not apply to law enforcement officers acting within lawful authority.
Drone operators face prison airspace restrictions
Beginning January 1, 2026, small-drone flights in FAA-restricted airspace over federal, state, or county correctional or detention facilities are misdemeanors. The offense is a class B felony when the flight is intended to deliver contraband or help a prisoner escape.
Drone owners face dangerous equipment ban
Beginning January 1, 2026, knowingly possessing or operating a small drone with specified dangerous equipment is a class B felony. This covers devices capable of causing serious bodily injury, death, or property damage, or firing or releasing a projectile. Exceptions cover federal, state, and municipal public safety bomb squads disposing of explosives, bombs, or hazardous devices. Police use of distraction or disorientation devices is also exempt, as are officers acting within lawful authority.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Terry W Roy
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Jonah Orion Wheeler
Democratic • House
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
6/12/2025HouseOught 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
6/5/2025SenateSen. Birdsell Moved to Remove From Table, MA, 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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