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HB 211 · 2025 · House · Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee

Air rifles allowed for hunting

AI-generated

relative to the use of air rifles for hunting game.

Allows the use of air rifles for hunting game, further defines "air rifle," and directs the fish and game commission to create an air rifle hunting tag program.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · May 21, 2025
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill: I. Allows the taking of game in New Hampshire with air rifles. II. Further defines "air rifle." III. Requires the fish and game commission to make rules creating and administering a hunting tag program for air rifle hunting.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. James SpillaneRPrimeChair· Fish and Game and Marine Resources
  • Rep. Brian ColeRVice Chair· Housing
  • Rep. Terry RoyRChair· Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • Sen. Howard PearlRVice Chair· Energy and Natural Resources

Also: Rep. Will DarbyD, Rep. Jim KofaltR, Rep. Daniel Popovici-MullerR, Rep. Donald McFarlaneR, Sen. David WattersD

Public testimony

8 signed in online · 2 wrote testimony

63% support38% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“This broadens participation in NH outdoors sports for those who want to avoid problems associated with firearm ownership.”
— Daniel Richardson, Nashuasupports
“Fully oppose as written as it adds restrictions to air rifles and equates them to firearms. So much for Little Johnny learning on a Tractor Supply purchased BB gun in the basement or back yard before going to the range for some time on a .22LR.…”
— Simon Berrio, Daltonopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-02-0511:00 amHouse Fish and Game and Marine ResourcesLOB 307Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-03-259:00 amSenate Energy and Natural ResourcesSH 103Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 8, 2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Fish and Game and Marine Resources HJ 2 P. 10
  2. Feb 5, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/05/2025 11:00 am LOB 307
  3. Feb 5, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 02/05/2025 11:00 am LOB 307
  4. Feb 5, 2025House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0073h 02/05/2025 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 12 P. 7
  5. Feb 20, 2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0073h: AA VV 02/20/2025 HJ 6 P. 7
  6. Feb 20, 2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0073h: MA VV 02/20/2025 HJ 6 P. 7
  7. Mar 6, 2025SenIntroduced 03/06/2025 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 7
  8. Mar 25, 2025SenHearing: 03/25/2025, Room 103, SH, 09:20 am; SC 14
  9. Apr 17, 2025Sen: Ought to Pass, 04/17/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 17
  10. Apr 17, 2025SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/17/2025; SJ 10
  11. May 1, 2025HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 05/01/2025 HJ 13 P. 31
  12. May 1, 2025SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/01/2025); SJ 12
  13. May 14, 2025HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 05/14/2025; Chapter 21; eff.07/13/2025

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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