This bill aims to enhance penalties for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus, introducing stricter consequences for offenders. Key changes include the amendment of RSA 265:54, I-a and I-b, which now allows testimony from the school bus driver or other witnesses to serve as sufficient evidence of a violation, unless contradicted. Additionally, the bill permits the use of camera footage from the bus as evidence to identify the vehicle owner or operator, which must be made available by subpoena. Vehicle owners cited for violations will have access to the recording upon request.

The penalties for violations have been significantly increased. The bill reclassifies the offense from a violation to a class B misdemeanor for first-time offenders, with fines raised from $150 to $300. A 7-day license suspension is mandated for first offenses, while repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including class A misdemeanor charges, fines of at least $750, and potential jail time. A second offense results in a minimum 30-day license revocation, while a third offense incurs a mandatory 15-day jail sentence and indefinite license revocation, with eligibility for reapplication only after completing a driver safety course. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:54
As Amended by the House: 265:54
As Amended by the Senate: 265:54
Version adopted by both bodies: 265:54
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 265:54
HB1308 text: 265:54