8-2-01 -- The session ended June 26, 2001, however unresolved legislation carries over into the next session, which begins Jan. 2, 2002. For bill status information, call (603) 271-2239.

7/19/01-New Hampshire passed its negligent driving bill (HB652) just as the session ended June 26. The new law will criminalize such things as drinking coffee and eating lunch while driving, or failing to clean ice and snow off your vehicle. Although the new law doesn't specify any certain activities, sponsors say the bill could include reading a newspaper or drinking a cup of coffee, or anything that takes a driver's attention away from the wheel. Penalties could include fines from $250 to $1,000 with licenses revoked for 60 days on the first offense and up to a year for the second offense with stiffer penalties if the incident causes a fatal accident.