March 18, 2009

On March 9, 2009 HB 398 was voted "ought to pass" by the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committe.   It now goes to the full house for a roll call vote. 

HB398 repeals R.S.A. 644:13, an onerous law that requires anyone who wishes to discharge a firearm within certain areas, “compact part”, of a town to get written permission from their Chief of Police or Governing Body. It is almost impossible to obtain this permission. Anti gun local bureaucrats can refuse to grant permission, without any reasons, thus shutting down backyard ranges. Even if there have been no complaints against the property owner.

The definition of a “compact part” of a town as provided in the statute is very complex, and does nothing to keep people safe. Indoor shooting ranges are effectively outlawed except in a few rare instances.

Technically anyone firing in self-defense - even in their own home - would become a criminal unless they were in a very remote area.

It is important to get this law repealed. Target shooting is part of New Hampshire's culture and history. Unfortunately, as the state grows, anti gun sentiment grows too. We need to preserve New Hampshire's unique culture of individual liberty and freedom which allows people to use their property.

House Bill 398 eliminates this pointless ban by repealing RSA 644:13.

1) Call or email your Representatives and ask them to support HB 398.   (To find out who your Representatives are, call your town or city hall,
or go to http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ns/whosmyleg/default.asp )

2) Call or email the Criminal Justice Committee and thank them for standing up for your rights.

3)  Join NHFC to help us protect your rights.


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