This email is intended to further explain why SB 500 is bad for gun owners. Quite frankly, I am surprised that I even need to write this because our first alert was pretty clear.
First, it is never a good idea to tie state law to federal law. Federal law can change, we here in New Hampshire might not like that change. However, once the federal definitions change, New Hampshire gun owners would be bound by that change in definitions. Right now, today, federal law defines firearms to include frames, receivers, silencers and even STARTER GUNS! None of these items can fire live ammunition, but yet federal law includes these items in the definition of a firearm.
Now, to be clear, we must follow federal law but that means New Hampshire based dealers cannot sell firearms to prohibited persons and private citizens cannot modify firearms in a manner that would violate any law, New Hampshire or federal. However, following the law does not mean linking New Hampshire law to federal law.
SB 500 also changes some of the words in the misdemeanor domestic violence gun ban. We have been pretty clear in our opposition to this arguably unconstitutional gun ban. For many years, we have said that we would like to see the only gun ban that is triggered by a misdemeanor and not a felony repealed. Thus, it makes no sense to modify the words and make it easier to prosecute people when our true goal is a full repeal.
The possessory gun ban found in R.S.A. 207:7 should also be repealed. We have said as much for several years. Yet the sponsors of SB 500 are attempting to modify the language in a possessory only gun offense. We can see no reason to fix drafting errors or correct inconsistent language in a law that we have advocated repealing.
When we surveyed candidates for State Senate and State Representative, we have asked candidates about these two anti-gun laws. Senator Avard completed a candidate survey and said that he would support repealing both the misdemeanor gun ban and the possessory gun ban. However, when it came time to introduce a bill; instead of a full and complete repeal of these repulsive laws, he decided to modify these two, really bad, anti-gun laws.
Several people have called and emailed asking why I didn’t speak with Senator Avard. I tried, he has refused to return my phone calls. He told at least one person that he won’t speak with me. That left NHFC with no choice, we went directly to you, the grassroots gun owner, to help us defeat SB 500.
Therefore, I am repeating my call to action, please, do not wait, contact Senator Kevin Avard and demand that he withdraw SB 500 at once. There is still time, before the 2018 Senate session begins for him to withdraw the bill. Click here to email Senator Avard or call him at (603) 318-4031 or (603) 271-4151. Then, please contact Senator Jeb Bradley and deliver the same message,
Click here to email Senator Bradley or call him at (603) 387-2365 or (603) 271-2609.
Please feel free to reply to this email with any questions or concerns. I answer all emails; I have been fighting for Second Amendment civil rights for close to 30 years including 14 years as an NHFC Board Member, close to 20 years working with Gun Owners of America and 6 years as a founding Board Member of Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership. I do what I do, because if a right is worth having, than it is also worth some sacrifices to protect. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.
Finally, if you hear from Senator Avard or Senator Bradley please forward their comments to me.
Thanks for your support!
In liberty,
President – NHFC, Inc.
