This bill introduces two significant changes to New Hampshire law. First, it adds wrong-way driving as an aggravating factor that can elevate a driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense to an aggravated DWI offense. Specifically, it amends RSA 265-A:3 by inserting a new clause (f) that states driving or operating a vehicle in violation of RSA 265:26, I is an aggravating factor. The previous language that allowed for certain aggravating factors, such as carrying a passenger under the age of 16 or driving a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, remains unchanged, with the conjunction "or" being added to connect the new clause.

Additionally, the bill designates the Virginia opossum as the official state marsupial of New Hampshire, amending RSA 3 to include this designation and stipulating that these opossums within the state shall be referred to as "New Hampshire opossums." The effective date for the new aggravating factors related to DWI is set for January 1, 2026, while the designation of the state marsupial will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, which is September 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265-A:3
As Amended by the Senate: 265-A:3
Version adopted by both bodies: 265-A:3
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 265-A:3
HB776 text: 265-A:3