New Hampshire: Important Firearms Legislation to be Heard in House Committee Tomorrow

An executive session is scheduled for tomorrow, February 28 at 10:00 AM by the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

The following anti-gun bills will be considered:

House Bill 135, introduced by state Representative Stephen Shurtleff (D- Merrimack 11), would drastically infringe on your inherent right to self-defense by repealing important self-defense provisions enacted in 2011.   Two years ago, Senate Bill 88 was enacted into law and restored the right to self-defense in New Hampshire with broad bipartisan support by establishing that law-abiding citizens have the right to defend themselves and a third party from assault wherever they have the legal right to be.  HB 135, if passed and enacted, would eradicate these protections for law-abiding citizens acting in self-defense.

HB 290-FN, introduced by state Representative Delmar Burridge (D- Cheshire 16), would prohibit individuals without a carry permit from openly carrying a pistol or revolver in a public building.  This legislation imposes unnecessary restrictions on your Right to Keep and Bear Arms and provides no benefit to public safety.

HB 396, introduced by state Representative Cynthia Sweeney (D-Sullivan 8), would establish a committee to study the effect of mandated safety training or instruction prior to the purchase or acquisition of a firearm.  This legislation would be an extremely costly endeavor that places an undue burden on law-abiding citizens wishing to exercise a constitutional right.

The following pro-gun bills will be considered:

HB 609, introduced by state Representative Daniel Itse (R-Rockingham 10), requires each individual school district to vote to establish policies and procedures relative to licensed school employees carrying a firearm while on school property.  This legislation provides local school boards the option to allow employees who hold a pistol/revolver license to carry on the job, increasing the safety of students and school employees across the state.

HB 451-FN, introduced by state Representative J.R. Hoell (R-Merrimack 23), is an omnibus bill for which a key provision would repeal the licensing requirement for carrying a concealed pistol or revolver.  This legislation would allow law-abiding gun owners to carry their firearms for self-defense without going through the arduous process associated with obtaining a pistol/revolver license.

Please contact members of the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee TODAY and urge them to stand up for our firearms freedoms when they vote on these measures next week!   Click here to view contact information for members of the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee or send them an e-mail at: [email protected]