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Senate to vote on Nat’l Guard gun policy

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On Thursday, April 21 the New Hampshire Senate will vote on HB 1288, a bill that would require the National Guard to allow members to carry concealed weapons at National Guard facilities.

Bill supporters point to the 2015 terrorist attack on military recruitment centers in Chattanooga, Tennessee as evidence in support of concealed carry at National Guard facilities.

“We feel it is incredibly ironic that individuals who fight for our freedoms can carry at home as civilians, and yet when they wear a uniform, are required to be disarmed when they are broadcasting themselves as targets to bad people,” said bill co-sponsor Rep. Dan Tamburello.  “This legislation would correct that.”

Bill opponents argue that legislating on this issue conflicts with the constitutional role of the Governor as Commander in Chief.

“The National Guard and Air National Guard fall under the command and control of the Governor as commander in chief,” wrote Rep. Kris Roberts. “When a citizen becomes a member of the armed forces he or she gives up some rights. It is up to the facility’s commander to determine if he or she will allow service members to bring personal weapons upon such facilities.”

The Senate already passed a bill to study the issue of arming National Guard members at recruitment facilities.  As a result, the Senate Public and Municipal Affairs Committee is recommending the Senate kill HB 1288.

Do you think the Legislature should pass a bill on National Guard force protection policy?  Share your opinion in the comments.

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