HB 1308-FN (2026): relative to increasing the penalty for passing a stopped school bus.

HB 1308-FN (2026)

relative to increasing the penalty for passing a stopped school bus.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Motor Vehicles
• Chapter law: 163

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 30, 2026, with 34 people signed in online: 31 in support and 3 as neutral. The committee met in executive session on January 30, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 13–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0523h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0523) was adopted on a voice vote on March 5, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 5, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 5, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 19, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1513s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1513s) was adopted on a voice vote on April 23, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 23, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On May 7, 2026 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1513s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Jennifer Rhodes. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 19, 2026, making it Chapter 163 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Henry Giasson (R - Hills 29) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Erica Layon (R - Rock 13)
• Rep. Melissa Litchfield (R - Rock 32)
• Rep. Jay Markell (R - Rock 18)
• Rep. Lisa Mazur (R - Hills 44)
• Rep. Seth Miller (D - Straf 21)
• Rep. Sherri Reinfurt (R - Hills 29)
• Rep. Matt Sabourin dit Choinière (R - Rock 30)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 30, 2026, 11:00 AM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
• January 30, 2026, 11:00 AM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
• March 5, 2026: consent calendar, House
• March 19, 2026, 1:10 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• April 23, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• May 7, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 5, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0523h — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1513s — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1513s — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 265:54

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 14
• HC 9
• HJ 6, page 6
• SJ 6
• SC 10
• SC 15
• SJ 10
• HJ 12, page 4
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 43