HB 468-FN (2025): establishing the crime of and penalties for unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems and changing the reckless driving minimum penalties.

HB 468-FN (2025)

establishing the crime of and penalties for unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems and changing the reckless driving minimum penalties.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Crimes, Criminal Procedure and Corrections
• Chapter law: 278

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 31, 2025, with 5 people signed in online: 5 in support. The committee met in executive session on January 31, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 13–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-0290h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-0290h) was adopted on a voice vote on February 20, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On February 20, 2025 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 6, 2025 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held public hearings on March 18, 2025 and April 1, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The bill was taken off the consent calendar on May 1, 2025. On May 1, 2025 the Senate voted to lay it on the table on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Regina Birdsell. On June 5, 2025 the Senate adopted “Remove From Table” on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Regina Birdsell. A floor amendment (2025-2484s), offered by Sen. Regina Birdsell, was adopted on a voice vote on June 5, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On June 5, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On June 12, 2025 the House failed “Lay HB468 on Table” on a division vote 66–279, on a motion by Rep. Donald McFarlane. On June 12, 2025 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-2484s” on a roll call 265–83, on a motion by Rep. Terry Roy. The bill was enrolled on June 26, 2025 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor — and an enrolled bill amendment (2025-2903e) was adopted on a voice vote to correct technical errors found after passage. The governor signed it on August 1, 2025, making it Chapter 278 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Terry Roy (R - Rock 31) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Jonah Wheeler (D - Hills 33)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 31, 2025, 2:30 PM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204
• January 31, 2025, 2:30 PM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204
• February 20, 2025: consent calendar, House
• March 18, 2025, 2:30 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• April 1, 2025, 2:00 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• May 1, 2025: floor debate, Senate
• June 5, 2025: floor debate, Senate
• June 12, 2025: floor debate, House

Votes

• February 20, 2025, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-0290h — voice vote, passed
• May 1, 2025, Senate: Laid on Table — voice vote, passed
• June 5, 2025, Senate: Remove From Table — voice vote, passed
• June 5, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-2484s — voice vote, passed
• June 12, 2025, House: Lay HB468 on Table — yeas 66, nays 279, failed
• June 12, 2025, House: Concur — yeas 265, nays 83, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 644
• RSA 422:28
• RSA 422:29
• RSA 265:79

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HC 12, page 4
• SC 13
• SC 15
• SC 19