(New Title) relative to the impaired driver care management program and recovery residences.
Sponsored By: Suzanne M. Prentiss (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Stricter education rules for impaired drivers
Beginning January 1, 2026, covered drivers need approved impaired-driver education and alcohol and drug screening completed within the past 5 years before license restoration. Screening that suggests a substance use disorder also requires an evaluation and completion of a care program service plan. Drivers must show proof of education and pay applicable program fees; the law sets no dollar amounts. For specified impaired-driving and boating offenses, including certain offenses involving passengers under 16, prior education within 5 years no longer excuses another course. Courses must include at least 20 hours of evidence-based lessons, except residents taking courses in their home state follow that state's hour rules.
Repeat driver requirements with fee relief
Beginning January 1, 2026, drivers who finished care program requirements must repeat screening and/or evaluation and impaired-driver education when applying for restoration more than 5 years after becoming eligible. The same rule applies after another impaired-driving conviction, regardless of elapsed time. A new service plan and its fees apply only when the program finds the plan clinically necessary. Applicable fees remain due, but the state per-client fee does not apply. People who fully completed the multiple offender program before January 1, 2013, are exempt from this rule.
Out-of-state drivers can complete services locally
Beginning January 1, 2026, eligible out-of-state residents can complete required screening, evaluation, treatment, and education in their legal home state. They must register with a New Hampshire care program before or upon finishing their home state's requirements. The program checks state-approved providers and programs, plus education equivalence or a waiver submitted to the commissioner. It also verifies completion of restoration requirements within 5 years, home-state restoration eligibility, and no later impaired-driving conviction in either state. The program reports eligibility for New Hampshire license restoration to the motor vehicle agency.
Driver clearance checks and record costs
Beginning January 1, 2026, care program clients must provide and pay for an original certified driving record. It must come from New Hampshire's motor vehicle agency or, for out-of-state clients, their licensing state. The law removes the requirement to provide it before the service plan is finalized. Programs must check all applicable program requirements, not just service-plan requirements, before issuing a completion notice after fees are paid. Notices go to the client, motor vehicle agency, and court; the health department is no longer a listed recipient.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Suzanne M. Prentiss
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Debra Altschiller
Democratic • Senate
Donovan Fenton
Democratic • Senate
George E Sykes
Democratic • House
Mark L Proulx
Republican • House
Pat Long
Democratic • Senate
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka
Democratic • Senate
Tara Reardon
Democratic • Senate
Denise Ricciardi
Republican • Senate
Cindy Rosenwald
Democratic • Senate
David H. Watters
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor on 07/15/2025; Chapter 0235; Effective 07/15/2025
7/22/2025SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 59
7/7/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
7/3/2025SenateOught to Pass: MA VV 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 11
6/5/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass 04/23/2025 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 27 P. 9
5/15/2025House==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 04/25/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204
4/14/2025House==RECESSED== Executive Session: 04/23/2025 11:00 am LOB 202-204
4/14/2025HousePublic Hearing: 04/11/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204
4/1/2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 11 P. 111
3/28/2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-0739s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/13/2025; SJ 7
3/13/2025SenateCommittee Amendment # 2025-0739s, AA, VV; 03/13/2025; SJ 7
3/13/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0739s, 03/13/2025; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 12
3/7/2025SenateHearing: 03/04/2025, Room 100, SH, 01:20 pm, on proposed amendment # 2025-0137ss; SC 11
2/26/2025SenateHearing: 01/28/2025, Room 100, SH, 01:45 pm; SC 7
1/23/2025SenateIntroduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 3
1/22/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
7/3/2025
Introduced
1/22/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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