This note is brought to you from the facebook page of the Project for Safer Communities NH of which I am a member.
The NH House Criminal Justice Committee is scheduled to hear public testimony on four bills related to gun safety on Thursday, February 21, including legislation that will:
- HB290 restrict open carry of firearms in public buildings
- HB609 allow school districts to force local school boards to vote on a policy to allow school employees to carry concealed weapons on school property
- HB451 repeal the requirement to obtain a license to carry a concealed, loaded handgun
- HB 396 – establishing a committee to study requiring safety training or instruction prior to the purchase or acquisition of a firearm.
The hearings will be held in Representative’s Hall, which means that high public turnout is expected. Gun rights supporters will be there in full force, so it’s important for gun safety advocates attend & speak out for responsible solutions. Please be there if you can. Details after the jump
10:00 am: HB 290-FN – prohibiting unlicensed persons from openly carrying a pistol or revolver in a public building.
This bill will strengthen NH gun safety law by prohibiting individuals who are not licensed to carry a concealed weapon from openly carrying a loaded or unloaded firearm in any public building.
11:00 am: HB 609 – relative to possession of a firearm on school property.
This bill weakens public gun safety by:
- Allowing school districts to force local school boards to vote on a policy that would permit school employees with a concealed weapon license to carry firearms on school property.
- It conflicts with current federal regulations establishing gun-free zones in and around public school buildings.
1:00 pm: HB-451- r repealing the license requirement for carrying a concealed pistol or revolver.
This dangerous bill significantly weakens NH gun safety laws by:
- Lowering the non-resident application fee for a concealed carry weapon license from $100 to $20;
- Increasing the time a concealed carry license is valid from 4 to 5 years;
- Allowing any unlicensed individual who can legally possess a firearm to carry a loaded, concealed handgun on their person or in a vehicle;
- Requires state licensing agencies to request that other jurisdictions recognize concealed carry weapon licenses granted in New Hampshire;
- Broadens the definition of persons who may legally purchase handguns through a private sale without a background check;
- Repeals the licensing and background check requirement to carry a concealed weapon in New Hampshire.
2:00 pm: HB 396 – establishing a committee to study requiring safety training or instruction prior to the purchase or acquisition of a firearm.
This bill authorizes the formation of a committee to study the feasibility of implementing requirements for safety training and instruction as a condition of purchasing a firearm in NH