New Hampshire: House Scheduled to Vote Wednesday on Legislation that Erodes Your Inherent Right to Self-Defense

On Wednesday, March 20, the state House of Representatives is scheduled to consider House Bill 135, introduced by state Representative Stephen Shurtleff (D- Merrimack 11).  If passed and enacted, this misguided legislation would drastically infringe upon your inherent right to self-defense by repealing important self-defense provisions enacted in 2011.

HB 135 would make the following changes to New Hampshire’s current self-defense laws:

1.  Eliminates the provision that allows a person to use deadly force anywhere he or she has a legal right to be.  This limits an individual’s ability to defend themselves or a third party from assault to their own place of residence.
2.   Amends the definition of non-deadly force by removing the provision that specifies the act of producing or displaying a weapon is considered non-deadly force.  Thus, drawing or exhibiting your firearm to intimidate a perpetrator could be considered deadly force.
3. Repeals the provision granting civil immunity for the use of force in certain circumstances.  The elimination of this provision removes legal protections for law-abiding citizens acting in self-defense.

HB 135 was reported by a 12-6 vote with an “ought to pass” recommendation by the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, despite the fact that it severely encroaches on your inherent right to self-defense and will render law-abiding citizens and their loved ones defenseless victims.

Given the partisan Committee report, it is very important that you contact your state Representative(s) TODAY.  Let your state Representative(s) know that HB 135 is a step in the wrong direction for New Hampshire and respectfully urge him or her to oppose HB 135 when considered on Wednesday.  Click here for contact information and help identifying your state Representative(s).