Current law RSA 644:13 makes a person a criminal if they discharge a firearm in a “compact” part of a city or town.  This law has always been troubling to those concerned with firearm owners' civil rights.  First, in this statute there is no exemption from this law for those who might need to use a firearm for self defense.  Second, the definition of a compact area does not work well in rural NH and bans the recreational discharge of firearms in safe places.  Finally, this law bans the discharge of firearms in places allowed in other laws.

The current law does allow for the police chief or governing body of a city or town to give permission to shoot within the “compact areas”, but that has not been enough.  This law has already caused at least one long standing shooting range to be closed down, because it could no longer obtain the permission despite being safe.  This law needs to be repealed.

HB 1407 as introduced would have removed the requirement now in law that permission to shoot in the “compact areas” be “written.”  While this might sound like a good idea, in reality, it sets the stage for law abiding citizens who rely on the verbal permission of a police chief to be later arrested and charged with a crime when the police chief changes or later forgets or denies giving permission. 

HB 1407 was a bad bill to start with, but to make matters worse, the anti-gun majority now in control at the State House has made this legislation even worse!  They now want you to have written permission from your police chief AND your local governing body.  This new permission would be almost impossible to get!  It is bad enough safe shooting ranges have been shut down under the current law!  Just think what will happen if HB 1407 as amended becomes law!  This is the fourth piece of legislation introduced this year to limit the places a person can carry or use firearms.  The anti-gun crowd in Concord knows outright gun bans would be opposed by thousands.  So they try to push their agenda one small piece at a time hoping to go unnoticed.  We at the New Hampshire Firearms Coalition strive to keep you informed. With your help we will stop the anti-gun zealots attacking your rights.

Here is how you can help:

1. Call and/or email sponsor Rep. David Welch and ask him to drop his support for HB 1407, only a complete repeal of RSA 644:13 will fix the current situation. Rep. Welch’s phone number is (603)642-4402 and his email address is repdawelch@hotmail.com.
2. Call and/or email your state representatives and ask them to oppose HB 1407 when it comes to the house floor for a vote. (To find out who your state representatives are call your town or city clerk or go to http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/whosmyleg/ )
3. Become an NHFC member so we can keep you informed.

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