HB 260-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2023 SESSION

23-0268

02/08

HOUSE BILL 260-FN

AN ACT prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles by drivers with animals on their laps.

SPONSORS: Rep. Rhodes, Ches. 17; Rep. Bordes, Belk. 5; Rep. Eaton, Ches. 9

COMMITTEE: Transportation

-----------------------------------------------------------------

ANALYSIS

This bill prohibits operation of a motor vehicle while the driver has an animal on his or her person.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

23-0268

02/08

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Three

AN ACT prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles by drivers with animals on their laps.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1  New Section; Motor Vehicles; Operating With Animal On Driver's Person Prohibited.  Amend RSA 265 by inserting after section 105-a the following new section:

265:105-b  Operating With Animal On Driver's Person Prohibited.

I.  A person who operates any motor vehicle on a public way with an animal of any size on their person, or who permits an animal to impede his or her free access to and use of vehicle controls or to obstruct their vision with any animal between the operator and the operators door is guilty of a violation.

II.  The fine for a violation of this section shall be $100.

2  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect January 1, 2024.

LBA

23-0268

12/22/22

HB 260-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS INTRODUCED

AN ACT prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles by drivers with animals on their laps.

FISCAL IMPACT:      [ X ] State              [    ] County               [    ] Local              [    ] None

METHODOLOGY:

This bill, effective January 1, 2024, establishes a violation level offense (carrying a $100 fine) relative to an individual operating a motor vehicle with an animal on their person. There is no method to determine how many charges, if any, would be brought as a result of this bill to determine the fiscal impact on revenue or expenditures (revenue would be credited to the highway fund). The Judicial Branch has indicated the potential cost per case for violation/misdemeanor level offenses would be $122 in FY 2024 (not including appeals).

AGENCIES CONTACTED:

Judicial Branch