This bill establishes the crime of unlawful operation or use of small unmanned aircraft systems and outlines the associated penalties. It introduces a new section, RSA 644:23, which defines terms related to small unmanned aircraft systems and specifies various offenses, including operating such systems in violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, interfering with emergency response operations, and operating in restricted airspace. The penalties range from a violation for first offenses to misdemeanors and felonies for more serious infractions, such as causing damage to human-occupied aircraft or operating with the intent to deliver contraband to correctional facilities. Exemptions are provided for news media personnel and law enforcement under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill amends the reckless driving statute, RSA 265:79, to change the minimum penalties for driving at excessive speeds. It removes the specific mention of driving at 100 miles per hour or greater as a standalone offense and instead incorporates it into a broader definition of reckless driving. The penalties for reckless driving are increased, with fines and license revocation periods adjusted for first and subsequent offenses. The bill also mandates that individuals pleading guilty to certain offenses complete a victim impact panel program unless exceptional circumstances are determined. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 422:28, 422:29
As Amended by the House: 422:28, 422:29
As Amended by the Senate: 422:28, 422:29, 265:79
Version adopted by both bodies: 422:28, 422:29, 265:79