Urge your representatives to support SB 620
Governor Ayotte has made it clear from day one that public safety is not negotiable in New Hampshire, and her leadership on impaired driving is another example of that commitment.
We are proud to be the safest state in the nation, but that status comes with a responsibility to address the areas where we are falling short. Impaired driving remains one of those areas, and it is costing lives that should never have been lost. Strengthening penalties for DUI refusals is a commonsense step to improve accountability and make our roads safer.
Law enforcement officers across New Hampshire see firsthand the consequences of impaired driving. They need laws that support their work and ensure dangerous drivers are held accountable.
New Hampshire has the highest rate of DUI test refusals in the nation, and about 75% of DUI arrests result in a refusal. At the same time, DUI-related fatalities in the state are rising.
Current law unintentionally incentivizes these refusals, leading to reduced penalties and contributing to repeat offenses. It’s important to note that a BAC test is only administered after an arrest has been made.
The Senate has already acted. Now it is time for the House to step up and do the same. This is not a partisan issue. It is about protecting lives and doing what is right for our communities.
We must take the action needed to keep New Hampshire roads safe from drunk drivers.