SB 553 New Hampshire Senate · 2026 Regular Session

relative to penalties for attempting to elude pursuit by law enforcement.

SB 553 increases penalties for drivers who willfully attempt to evade law enforcement by speeding, turning off headlights while moving, or abandoning their vehicle during a chase. Offenders will face a mandatory 5-day jail term (with no probation or deferred sentencing) and a driver's license suspension of at least six months. This law directly affects individuals who use these specific tactics to avoid police pursuit. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Nov 24, 2025 Last action Jan 29, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
Committee Report: Referred to Interim Study, 01/29/2026, Vote 4-0; SC 3
upper
Nov 24, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 1
upper
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors