Senator Burzo sponsors Senate Bill 149 to address wrong way driving incidents

The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals and issues concerning public safety and criminal justice reform.

The meeting began with a discussion on the implications of a proposed amendment regarding the rights of witnesses in criminal proceedings. A committee member raised concerns about whether witnesses should be explicitly informed of their Fifth Amendment rights. While some members expressed that such a notification might not be necessary due to the presence of knowledgeable prosecutors and defense attorneys on the commission, the conversation highlighted the ongoing commitment to ensuring justice and protecting individual rights.

The committee then shifted focus to the persistent issue of domestic violence homicides. A member reflected on their experience from 1988 to 1992, noting that the percentage of domestic violence-related homicides has remained unchanged despite significant efforts to address the problem. This prompted a discussion about the need for more data collection and analysis to understand the underlying causes of these homicides better. The committee acknowledged the complexity of the issue and emphasized the importance of establishing a committee to gather necessary testimony and insights to tackle the problem effectively.

Following this, the committee opened a public hearing for Senate Bill 149, introduced by State Senator Regina Burzo. This bill aims to address the growing concern of wrong-way driving incidents, often linked to driving under the influence. Senator Burzo explained that the legislation would classify wrong-way driving as an aggravating factor in driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases, thereby enhancing penalties for offenders. The committee members engaged in a dialogue about the similarities between this bill and a previously passed measure, confirming that both proposals aimed to strengthen public safety on divided highways.

Lieutenant Chris Storm from the State Police confirmed that the new bill mirrored an earlier version that had received unanimous support. He clarified that the legislation specifically targets wrong-way driving on divided highways, ensuring that it does not apply to other types of roadways.

The meeting concluded with no further questions from the committee members, marking a productive session focused on enhancing public safety and addressing critical issues within the criminal justice system. The discussions underscored the committee's commitment to refining legislation that protects citizens while ensuring justice is served.