This bill aims to invalidate out-of-state driver's licenses that are issued to undocumented immigrants. It adds a new paragraph to RSA 263:1, stating that any person who holds a driver's license issued by another state exclusively to undocumented immigrants who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States will have their license invalidated in New Hampshire. This means that the license will not authorize the holder to operate a motor vehicle in the state. The bill also establishes that driving with such a license in New Hampshire will be considered a class B misdemeanor. Additionally, the Department of Safety will be required to maintain a list of out-of-state driver's licenses that are invalid in New Hampshire on its website.

The bill also amends RSA 263:77 to specify that the reciprocal recognition of licenses to drive and eligibility therefor should consider compliance with motor vehicle laws as a condition precedent to the continuance or issuance of any license. The bill does not provide funding to cover the estimated expenditures associated with implementing this law, and it does not authorize new positions. The Department of Safety estimates that one new position would be needed to research and maintain the list of invalid license classes, costing approximately $53,000 in FY 2025, $64,000 in FY 2026, and $66,000 in FY 2027. There may also be additional costs for necessary system updates. The bill may have an impact on the judicial and correctional systems, potentially affecting prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 263:1, 263:77