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HB 159 · 2025 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

Mental health reporting for gun checks

AI-generated

(New Title) authorizing the state to report mental health data for firearms background check purposes and providing for processes for voluntary surrender of firearms following certain mental health-related court proceedings and for relief from mental health-related firearms disabilities.

Authorizes New Hampshire courts and the department of safety to report certain mental health adjudications to the national firearms background check system and establishes a process for relief from resulting firearm possession disqualifications.AI-generated

Status

Died on the table in the House · March 13, 2025
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill authorizes the state to report mental health data for firearms background check purposes and provides processes for the confiscation of firearms following certain mental health-related court proceedings and for relief from mental health-related firearms disabilities.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Terry RoyRPrimeChair· Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • Rep. Jennifer MandelbaumDClerk· State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Also: Rep. Richard LascellesR

Public testimony

407 signed in online · 179 wrote testimony

39% support61% oppose0% neutral

ForCloses a gap in national background check reporting

AgainstConfiscation without due process infringes Second Amendment

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“This is a reasonable, common sense bi-partisan bill that will save lives.”
— LENA NIRK, GILFORDsupports
“As only those deemed a danger to themselves or others can be involuntarily committed to a mental health facility, I believe this would be similar to someone who had once been denied bail. Selling them a deadly weapon endangered the public.”
— Robin Schnell, Portsmouthsupports
“Dear Committee Members, We need to do everything possible to end gun violence. I know so many parents who live with the anxiety of sending their children to school each day and wonder if they will be safe. Background checks are so important in protecting the public.…”
— KRISTYNE GROVES, DUNBARTONsupports
“I am opposed to this red flag bill because I feel it might be abused and might discourage people who are experiencing temporary stressful situations from seeking the help they need.”
— Mary Murphy, Francestown · Hillsborough District 27opposes
“I oppose this bill. Try solving the real problem instead of creating a gun control bill that only targets gun owners and does NOTHING about mental health.”
— Nicole Poulin, Nashuaopposes
“"....shall bot be infringed." 2nd Amendment to Our Bill of Rights. Criminals obtain firearms ILLEGALLY. Without privacy and private property there is no Liberty.…”
— Mr Martin, Merrimackopposes
“The opportunity here is to not increasing spending. I understand the issue, but the State should not be spending any new revenue to implement this.”
— Gordon Springate, wiltonneutral

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-02-079:30 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyLOB 202-204Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-02-2110:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyLOB 202-204Public hearing
  • 2025-02-2610:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyLOB 202-204Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 8, 2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 2 P. 8
  2. Feb 7, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/07/2025 03:15 pm LOB 202-204
  3. Feb 21, 2025House==RECESSED== Executive Session: 02/21/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204
  4. Feb 26, 2025House==CONTINUED== Executive Session: 02/26/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204
  5. Feb 26, 2025HouseMajority : Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0487h (NT) 02/26/2025 (Vote 10-6; RC)
  6. Mar 4, 2025HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  7. Mar 13, 2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0487h (NT): AA VV 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 24
  8. Mar 13, 2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0930h (NT): AA VV 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 26
  9. Mar 13, 2025HouseLay HB159 on Table (Rep. Osborne): MA DV 193-187 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 28
  10. Mar 13, 2025HouseRemove from Table (Rep. Lascelles): MF DV 174-198 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 47
  11. Dec 17, 2025HouseDied on Table, Session ended 12/17/2025 HJ 19

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.