News

Lawmakers to further address DWI Penalty billl

FILE - Flowers bloom outside the New Hampshire Statehouse on June 1, 2024, in Concord, N.H. Photo: Associated Press/AP Photo/Holly Ramer, file


CONCORD, N.H.- Lawmakers are scheduled to continue conversation this week on how to address a penalty for those drivers suspected of driving under the influence, who refuse to take a blood alcohol test.

Currently the penalty for refusing to take an impairment test stands at six months, however under SB620 that period would be increased to a year, an increase which has received a strong show of support from Governor Kelly Ayotte.

However out of negotiations, the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee says it’s willing to meet the Governor halfway, following an amendment that would extend the suspension period to nine months for refusing the test.

Committee Chairman Terry Roy R-Deerfield, notes that the nine-month period is equal to how long someone additionally can lose their driver’s license, if they’re convicted after trail for DWI for the first time. But Roy admits the 12-month penalty would “true threshold” for a functional system.

Recent Headlines

3 days ago in National

Utah restricts fireworks, declares state of emergency as largest US wildfire grows

Utah restricted fireworks and declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of July Fourth celebrations as the United States' largest wildfire mushroomed in size.

5 days ago in National

Key inflation gauge jumps to 3-year high in latest sign of affordability challenges

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge rose to a new three-year high in May as gas prices peaked, a sign rising costs could pose political problems for President Donald Trump and his political party as midterm elections near.

6 days ago in National

Savannah Guthrie says family remains ‘in agony’ over missing mom, begs the public for tips

"Today" show host Savannah Guthrie made an emotional appeal to viewers Tuesday to come forward with any information about her missing mother, a day after news organizations said a ransom note received months ago had indicated that she was dead.

7 days ago in National

A shooter kills 2 at a Northern California library and an 18-year-old suspect is arrested

A shooting at a library in Northern California left two people dead and an 18-year-old suspect has been arrested, police said Tuesday. Police responded to a 911 call soon after 5 p.m. Monday.

1 week ago in National

A plan to sell artifacts from the Titanic faces US government opposition

A plan to auction more than 100 artifacts salvaged from the wreckage of the Titanic — including personal belongings, currency, kitchen items and decor — is facing pushback from the U.S. government, according to newly unsealed court documents.