NH Rep. Ellen Read Seeks Dismissal of 2 Speeding Cases Under 1784 Privilege

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 15

Ellen Read is asking a court to throw out two New Hampshire speeding cases, arguing police could not lawfully stop her while she was traveling to or from legislative session.
A 1784 state constitutional provision bars lawmakers from being “arrested, or held to bail” during attendance at, travel to, or return from the General Court, and Read says that protection covers the stop itself.
The cases stem from a December 2024 stop alleging she drove more than 100 mph on Interstate 93 and a June 2025 stop alleging 92 mph in a 65-mph zone; in both, she says she told officers she was returning from session.
A judge already rejected that argument in the first case, finding her guilty of negligent driving in August 2025 and fining her $1,240, while the New Hampshire Supreme Court later declined to take up the constitutional question before the second case.