HB 1285 - AS INTRODUCED

2020 SESSION

20-2060

06/05

HOUSE BILL 1285

AN ACT relative to possession of firearms on school property.

SPONSORS: Rep. Heath, Hills. 14; Rep. Cornell, Hills. 18; Rep. Doherty, Merr. 20; Rep. Eisner, Rock. 6; Rep. Mulligan, Graf. 12; Rep. Van Houten, Hills. 45; Rep. Berch, Ches. 1; Rep. Levesque, Straf. 4; Rep. Towne, Straf. 4

COMMITTEE: Education

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ANALYSIS

This bill prohibits carrying a firearm on school property.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

20-2060

06/05

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty

AN ACT relative to possession of firearms on school property.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1  New Section; Possession of Firearms on School Property.  Amend RSA 159 by inserting after section 159:19-a the following new section:

159:19-b  Possession of a Firearm on School Property.  

I.  No person shall knowingly carry a firearm on public school property, including buildings, grounds, school buses, and vans.  Any person who violates the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

II.  This section shall not apply to:

(a)  Any person or persons picking up or dropping off a student, provided the firearm remains in a motor vehicle.

(b)  Any person authorized by name and in writing by the school board or duly authorized designee to possess a firearm.  Such authorization shall not be subject to RSA 91-A and shall specify the weapon or weapons that have been authorized, the purpose and scope of the authorization, and the time period for which the authorization applies.  Prior to adopting such authorization the school board shall hold at least one public hearing, noticed in the usual manner, which shall also include written notice designed to reach the general student population for the purpose of soliciting their input and participation.

(c)  Any law enforcement officer, when on duty or serving as a school resource officer, or member of the armed services of the United States or National Guard when on duty.

2  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect upon its passage.