New Hampshire General Court to Consider Veto Override of Self-Defense Bill

Please contact your state Senator and state Representative(s) today!

Every American has the right to defend themselves.  Most reasonable people believe that the last thing a crime victim should be burdened to do is "think twice" in a terrifying and dangerous situation before using reasonable force to defend themselves or their loved ones from a murderer, robber or rapist.  This is why we support Castle Doctrine laws that ensure law-abiding citizens have the option and the right to protect themselves when criminals attack.  When the law-abiding are faced with the threat of deadly attack, laws should unequivocally protect the victim, not coddle the criminal.  This is why we support Senate Bill 88.

SB 88 would restore the right of self-defense in New Hampshire and establish that New Hampshirites have the right to defend themselves from assault wherever they have a legal right to be, and when they believe there is an imminent threat to their life and well being.  Contrary to widespread misinformation, Castle Doctrine laws do not pre-empt investigation or review by law enforcement or prosecutors into a crime.  

Unfortunately for law-abiding citizens in New Hampshire, Governor John Lynch vetoed this common-sense legislation that 28 states across the country have enacted with broad bipartisan support.  SB 88 passed overwhelmingly in both chambers – in the state House by a 283 to 89 vote and in the state Senate by a 19 to 5 vote.  Governor Lynch’s veto of SB 88 on July 13 is a disappointment to gun owners and a disservice to all law-abiding citizens in the Granite State.

The New Hampshire General Court will reconvene on September 7 to consider a veto override on SB 88.  Please contact your state Senator and state Representative(s) and urge them to override the Governor’s veto on SB 88.  Contact information for your elected officials can be found here.