HB 198-FN (2019): clarifying the prohibition against the use of mobile electronic devices while driving.

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“HB 198-FN (2019): clarifying the prohibition against the use of mobile electronic devices while driving.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/bill/2019/hb198. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
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Granite Record. (n.d.). HB 198-FN (2019): clarifying the prohibition against the use of mobile electronic devices while driving. Retrieved 24 Oct. 2026, from https://graniterecord.org/bill/2019/hb198
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Granite Record. “HB 198-FN (2019): clarifying the prohibition against the use of mobile electronic devices while driving.” Accessed 24 Oct. 2026. https://graniterecord.org/bill/2019/hb198.
BibTeX
@misc{bill-2019-hb198, title = {HB 198-FN (2019): clarifying the prohibition against the use of mobile electronic devices while driving.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/2019/hb198}, note = {Accessed 24 Oct. 2026} }

HB 198-FN (2019)

clarifying the prohibition against the use of mobile electronic devices while driving.

  • Status: Vetoed, override failed
  • Term: 2019-2020
  • House committee: Transportation
  • Senate committee: Transportation
  • Subject: Motor Vehicles

The Story

It was introduced on January 2, 2019 and referred to the House Transportation committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 5, 2019. The committee met in executive session on February 12, 2019 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 15–3 to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2019-0412h), and the report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2019-0412h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 14, 2019, changing the text of the bill. On March 14, 2019 the House voted to pass it with changes on a division vote 252–73. It crossed to the Senate on March 21, 2019 and was referred to the Senate Transportation committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 2, 2019. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2019-1620s). The committee's amendment (2019-1620s) was adopted on a voice vote on May 2, 2019, changing the text of the bill. On May 2, 2019 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote, then referred it on to the Senate Finance committee. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it. On May 30, 2019 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On June 13, 2019 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 1620s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. George Sykes. The bill was enrolled on June 27, 2019 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor vetoed it on July 12, 2019. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. On September 18, 2019 the House voted 223–157 on overriding the governor's veto on a roll call, and the veto was sustained, failing to meet the two thirds threshold.

Sponsors

Hearings and Sessions

  • February 5, 2019, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Transportation, LOB 203
  • February 12, 2019, 2:00 PM: executive session, House Transportation, LOB 203
  • April 2, 2019, 1:30 PM: hearing, Senate Transportation, LOB 103
  • May 21, 2019, 1:00 PM: hearing, Senate Transportation, SH 103

Votes

  • March 14, 2019, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2019-0412h (NT) — yeas 252, nays 73, passed
  • May 2, 2019, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2019-1620s — voice vote, passed
  • May 30, 2019, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
  • June 13, 2019, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 1620s — voice vote, passed
  • September 18, 2019, House: Veto Override — yeas 223, nays 157, failed

The Docket

  • January 2, 2019: Introduced 01/02/2019 and referred to Transportation
  • February 5, 2019: Public Hearing: 02/05/2019 10:30 am LOB 203
  • February 12, 2019: Executive Session: 02/12/2019 02:00 pm LOB 203
  • March 7, 2019: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2019-0412h (NT) for 03/07/2019 (Vote 15-3; RC)
  • March 7, 2019: Special Order to 03/14/2019 Without Objection
  • March 14, 2019: Amendment #2019-0412h (NT): AA VV 03/14/2019
  • March 14, 2019: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2019-0412h (NT): MA DV 252-73 03/14/2019
  • March 21, 2019: Introduced 03/21/2019 and Referred to Transportation
  • April 2, 2019: Hearing: 04/02/2019, Room 103, LOB, 01:30 pm
  • May 2, 2019: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2019-1620s , 05/02/2019
  • May 2, 2019: Committee Amendment #2019-1620s , AA, VV; 05/02/2019
  • May 2, 2019: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2019-1620s, MA, VV; Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 05/02/2019
  • May 21, 2019: Hearing: 05/21/2019, Room 103, SH, 01:00 pm, on proposed amendment #2019-2031s
  • May 30, 2019: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/30/2019
  • May 30, 2019: Ought to Pass : MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/30/2019
  • June 13, 2019: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 1620s (Rep. Sykes): MA VV 06/13/2019
  • June 27, 2019: Enrolled (In recess 06/27/2019)
  • June 27, 2019: Enrolled 06/27/2019
  • July 12, 2019: Vetoed by Governor Sununu 07/12/2019
  • September 18, 2019: Veto Sustained 09/18/2019: RC 223-157 Lacking Necessary Two-Thirds Vote

Laws It Would Change

From the General Court