This bill removes the authority to suspend the sentence of a habitual offender in cases where the operation of a motor vehicle was required due to an extreme emergency. The current law allows for the suspension of a sentence in such cases. The bill also specifies that any sentence of one year or less imposed on a habitual offender shall be served in a county correctional facility, while sentences of more than one year shall be served in the state prison. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2025.

This bill may have an impact on the judicial and correctional systems, which could affect prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole costs for the state, as well as county and local governments. The exact fiscal impact is indeterminable. The bill has been reviewed by the Judicial Branch, Judicial Council, Department of Justice, Department of Corrections, New Hampshire Association of Counties, and New Hampshire Municipal Association.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 597:2
As Amended by the House: 262:23