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New HampshireSB492025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

SB49

Sponsored By: Regina Birdsell (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.

Drones cannot interfere with emergencies

The law makes it a misdemeanor to fly a small drone that interferes with police, firefighters, or other emergency response. It also covers flights that violate RSA 644:9. This rule applies statewide beginning January 1, 2026.

No drone flights over prisons

Flying a small drone in FAA‑restricted airspace over a state or federal prison is a misdemeanor. It is a class B felony if done to deliver contraband or help a prisoner escape. This rule applies statewide beginning January 1, 2026.

Tougher penalties for drones near aircraft

Negligently flying a small drone that disrupts a human‑piloted aircraft or airport operations is a class A misdemeanor. If your drone damages a human‑occupied aircraft in flight, it is a class B felony. If it causes a crash that results in death or serious injury, it is a class A felony. These penalties apply in New Hampshire starting January 1, 2026.

Weaponized drones are a felony

Knowingly possessing or operating a small drone with a device that can cause serious injury, death, or property damage, or that can fire or release a projectile, is a class B felony. Federal, state, and local bomb squads are exempt when using drones to dispose of explosives or hazardous devices. Law enforcement may also use drones to deploy distraction or disorientation devices, and the law does not apply to officers acting under lawful authority. This rule takes effect January 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Regina Birdsell

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Terry W Roy

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor on 03/20/2026; Chapter 6; Effective 05/19/2026

    3/23/2026Senate

  2. Enrolled 03/11/2026 HJ 7

    3/11/2026House

  3. Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 03/05/2026); SJ 6

    3/11/2026Senate

  4. Special Order to the Present Time, Without Objection, MA; 02/05/2026; SJ 3

    2/5/2026Senate

  5. Sen. Gannon Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 02/05/2026; SJ 3

    2/5/2026Senate

  6. Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-3024h: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 48

    1/7/2026House

  7. Amendment # 2025-3024h: AA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 48

    1/7/2026House

  8. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-3024h (NT) 10/22/2025 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 51 P. 7

    11/13/2025House

  9. ==RESCHEDULED== Full Committee Work Session: 10/22/2025 10:00 am GP 230

    10/3/2025House

  10. ==RESCHEDULED== Executive Session: 10/22/2025 01:00 pm GP 230

    10/3/2025House

  11. Retained in Committee

    4/24/2025House

  12. ==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 04/25/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204

    4/14/2025House

  13. ==RECESSED== Executive Session: 04/23/2025 11:00 am LOB 202-204

    4/14/2025House

  14. Public Hearing: 04/09/2025 02:00 pm LOB 202-204

    4/1/2025House

  15. Introduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 11 P. 110

    3/28/2025House

  16. Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-0754s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/13/2025; SJ 7

    3/13/2025Senate

  17. Committee Amendment # 2025-0754s, AA, VV; 03/13/2025; SJ 7

    3/13/2025Senate

  18. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0754s, 03/13/2025; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 12

    3/7/2025Senate

  19. Hearing: 01/28/2025, Room 100, SH, 01:00 pm; SC 7

    1/23/2025Senate

  20. Introduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 3

    1/10/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    3/11/2026

    HTML

  • Introduced

    1/10/2025

    PDF

  • CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION

    PDF

  • Version adopted by both bodies

    PDF

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