Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
← All bills

SB 649 · 2026 · Senate · Transportation Committee

Higher fines for phone use driving

AI-generated

increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle.

Increases fines and adds license suspension for repeat violations involving the use of a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving, with enhanced penalties when the violation contributes to a crash.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · May 29, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✓House
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill increases fines and adds license suspension for repeat offenses involving the use of a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving, with enhanced penalties when the violation contributes to a crash.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Donovan FentonDPrime
  • Sen. Mark McConkeyRVice Chair· Transportation
  • Sen. Bill GannonRChair· Judiciary
  • Sen. Suzanne PrentissDAssistant Democratic Leader
  • Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader
  • Sen. Denise RicciardiRChair· Transportation
  • Rep. Terry RoyRChair· Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • Rep. Ted GorskiRVice Chair· Transportation
  • Rep. Karel CrawfordRClerk· Transportation

Also: Rep. Nancy MurphyD

Public testimony

12 signed in online

83% support17% oppose0% neutral

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-131:00 pmSenate TransportationSH 122-123Public hearing
  • 2026-03-1810:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyGP 159Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Transportation; SJ 1
  2. Jan 13, 2026SenHearing: 01/13/2026, Room 122-123, SH, 02:00 pm; SC 46
  3. Jan 29, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 01/29/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 3
  4. Jan 29, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 01/29/2026; SJ 2
  5. Feb 19, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 02/19/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 5 P. 127
  6. Mar 18, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 03/18/2026 03:00 pm GP 159
  7. Mar 20, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 03/20/2026 02:00 pm GP 159
  8. Mar 20, 2026House: Ought to Pass 03/20/2026 (Vote 11-1; CC)
  9. Apr 3, 2026HouseRemoved from Consent (Reps. Alexander Jr., Tom Mannion, McFarlane, Barton, D. Kelley, DeVito, Reinfurt, Granger, Thibault, Giasson) 04/03/2026 HJ 10 P. 11
  10. Apr 9, 2026HouseLay SB649 on Table (Rep. Scherr): MF DV 168-186 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 20
  11. Apr 9, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA DV 232-123 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 21
  12. May 14, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 147
  13. May 14, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
  14. May 28, 2026SenSigned by the Governor on 05/28/2026; Chapter 114; Effective 01/01/2027

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.