Guns on the 2016 agenda

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte came under fire last week after signaling support for an amendment that would prohibit individuals on the terrorist watch list from purchasing firearms - provided that there is a process in place to challenge inclusion on the list.

The debate over firearms is also brewing at the state level. Many New Hampshire legislators are sponsoring 2016 bills to expand or roll back gun control.

Rep. Mark Proulx is sponsoring HB 1132, which would allow a person to carry a loaded rifle or shotgun in a car. 

Rep. Ed Comeau is the primary sponsor of HB 1314, which would prohibit state colleges and universities from regulating the possession of firearms on campus. 

Rep. J. R. Hoell is the primary sponsor of HB 1400, which would remove police officers’ discretion to determine if a person is “suitable” to carry a concealed firearm. 

Rep. James Spillane is the primary sponsor of a bill “relative to carrying a pistol or revolver without a license.” The text of that bill is not yet public.

Sen. Dan Feltes is the primary sponsor of a bill “relative to the penalty for possession of multiple firearms.” The text of that bill is not yet public.

Rep. Katherine Rogers is the primary sponsor of a bevy of bills to bolster gun control.

First, HB 1368 would require firearm owners to have liability insurance. 

HB 1474 would require the state to make an annual report relative to firearm related deaths and injuries. 

HB 1416 creates a position in the Department of Safety for conducting criminal background checks, and allows the department to charge a fee for conducting background checks. 

The text is not yet available for three of Rogers’ bills. One bill would establish a criminal penalty for providing a firearm to someone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Another prohibits firearms “in certain places.” The third bill is “relative to the theft of a firearm during a burglary.”

Do you support or oppose any of these bills? Comment below!