SB 617 (2026): relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways and relative to the removal of abandoned vehicles by law enforcement.

SB 617 (2026)

relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways and relative to the removal of abandoned vehicles by law enforcement.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Transportation
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Motor Vehicles
• Chapter law: 274

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 3, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1218s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1218s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 26, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 26, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 26, 2026 and was referred to the House Transportation committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 14, 2026, with 2 people signed in online: 2 in support. The committee met in executive session on April 14, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 15–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1510h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1510h) was adopted on a voice vote on April 23, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 23, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On April 23, 2026 the bill was referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 30, 2026, with 8 people signed in online: 6 in support and 2 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 30, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 12–1 to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1755h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1755h) was adopted on a voice vote on May 14, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 14, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 21, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Bill Gannon. 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 July 2, 2026, making it Chapter 274 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Sen. Bill Gannon (R - SD23) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. JD Bernardy (R - Rock 36)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Rep. Aboul Khan (R - Rock 30)
• Rep. Melissa Litchfield (R - Rock 32)
• Sen. Tim McGough (R - SD11)
• Rep. Mark Pearson (R - Rock 34)

Hearings and Sessions

• March 3, 2026, 1:45 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• March 26, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• April 14, 2026, 11:00 AM: public hearing, House Transportation, GP 234
• April 14, 2026, 1:00 PM: executive session, House Transportation, GP 234
• April 23, 2026: floor debate, House
• April 30, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
• April 30, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
• May 14, 2026: consent calendar, House
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 26, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1218s — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1510h — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1755h — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 262:35-a
• RSA 262:33
• RSA 106-B:30
• RSA 262
• RSA 106-B:27
• RSA 106-B:28
• RSA 106-B:29
• RSA 106-B:31
• RSA 263
• RSA 106-B:34

Related Bills

• HB 1492-FN (2026): relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways and relative to the removal of abandoned vehicles by law enforcement.

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 8
• SC 11
• SJ 7
• HJ 9, page 55
• HJ 11, pages 13 and 15
• HC 19, page 11
• HJ 13, page 12
• SJ 13
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 45
• House Calendar 16, 2026, committee report