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House Criminal Justice Committee hears from families of drunk driving victims over bill to close “DWI loophole”

House Criminal Justice Committee hears from families of drunk driving victims over bill to close “DWI loophole”

FILE - The New Hampshire Statehouse stands on June 2, 2019, in Concord, N.H. In a victory for abortion-rights supporters, the Republican-led but closely divided New Hampshire House on Thursday, March 23, 2023, rejected multiple bills to further restrict abortion access while also approving legislation to protect it. Photo: Associated Press/AP Photo/Holly Ramer


MANCHESTER, N.H.- House lawmakers heard supporters of an effort that would close what’s commonly referred to as a “DWI loophole” and increase the penalty for those who refuse to take an impaired driving test.

On Wednesday the House Criminal Justice Committee heard from the families of drunk driving victims and police over Senate Bill 620 which would increase the penalties for refusing a DWI Impairment test to a year.

The additional push for support comes after Governor Kelly Ayotte and Law Enforcement officials called on lawmakers to pass the bill which would bring New Hampshire in line with 30 other state who feature the same punishment for refusing an impairment test.

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