This bill introduces a new prohibition on the operation of motor vehicles while the driver has an animal on their person. Specifically, it amends RSA 265 by adding a new section, 265:105-b, which makes it a violation for a person to operate a vehicle on a public way with an animal on their person, or to allow an animal to impede their access to vehicle controls or obstruct their vision. The penalty for violating this provision is set at a $100 fine. The act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2024.

The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates that there is no immediate fiscal impact on state, county, or local budgets. The revenue and expenditures are indeterminable as it is not possible to predict the number of charges that may be brought under this new offense. The revenue from fines would be credited to the highway fund. The Judicial Branch estimates that the potential cost per case for violation/misdemeanor level offenses would be $122 in FY 2024, not including appeals. The bill does not specify any deletions from the current law but does indicate an insertion regarding the funding source, which is not detailed in the provided text.