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, "Drives or operates a vehicle in violation of 265:26, I," while deleting the conjunction "or" from the previous clauses (d) and (e). This change aims to enhance penalties for drivers who engage in particularly dangerous behaviors while intoxicated.

Additionally, the bill designates the Virginia opossum as the official state marsupial of New Hampshire, with the new section 3:32 stating that these animals found within the state shall be referred to as "New Hampshire opossums." The effective date for the amendments related to aggravated DWI is set for January 1, 2026, while the designation of the state marsupial will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, on 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