New Hampshire: 2014 Legislative Session Convened Last Week

First Hearing on Senate Bill 244 Scheduled for Tuesday

Last Wednesday, the 2013-14 legislative session reconvened in Concord.  The first gun-related legislation, Senate Bill 244, will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow, January 14.

SB 244, sponsored by state Senator David Watters (D-4), is intended to create a requirement that individuals who have been “adjudicated as a mental incompetent” or “involuntarily committed to a mental institution” -- thus prohibiting them from receiving or possessing firearms under federal law since 1968 -- have their commitment record reported to the FBI for use in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), in compliance with the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (NIAA).

In addition to this reporting requirement, the NIAA establishes clear standards for states to use in crafting laws to give persons subject to these prohibitions a means of relief.  Under the guidelines established by the NIAA, a court would be allowed to grant relief from the federal prohibition upon finding that the petitioner is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and when the granting of relief would not be contrary to the public interest.  Such a restoration of rights provision is included in SB 244.  Please click here for an NIAA fact sheet.

The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on SB 244 will be held tomorrow, January 14, at 9:00 AM in State House Room 100 in Concord.  This will be an opportunity for all stakeholders to voice comments or concerns to this proposal.

Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated on this legislation as well as other measures that affect you as a gun owner and sportsman in the new year.  Please continue to check your e-mail and www.NRAILA.org for further updates.