CONCORD – House Republican Leader Dick Hinch (R-Merrimack) issued a statement following the House vote on HB564, relative to possession of firearms in safe school zones. The bill passed by a 194-154 vote.
“This bill would make any public or private property where a school activity might be happening a gun free zone, including extracurricular activities in parks, town commons, museums, or other public areas. Republicans on the Education committee agreed unanimously that it would be impossible for citizens to know when or if they were in a safe school zone, and put law abiding gun owners in the position of being in violation of this law. It’s unconstitutional, and it is a gun restriction bill disguised as a safe school bill. The New Hampshire School Boards Association opposed the bill, as did a number of groups who oppose these types of bills that chip away at gun owners rights.”