Should NH collect data on gun violence?

A bill being considered by the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee, HB 1474, would require the state Department of Safety to make an annual report on the total number of firearm-related injuries and deaths in New Hampshire. The report would also include data on convictions for firearm-related crimes.

Supporters argue that collecting data on gun-related injuries and deaths would allow legislators and public safety officials to create informed policy decisions that help prevent gun violence without infringing on the rights of responsible, law-abiding gun owners.

Opponents counter that such data would only be used to promote more restrictive gun control in New Hampshire, which they hold would be a violation of constitutional rights.