Earlier this week we told you about New Hampshire HB 1589. A bill that will put you in prison for up to 7 years if you sell or loan a gun to a friend, shooting partner or hunting buddy.
The bill had a public hearing on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 and opponents outnumbered supporters by 30 – 1. Nevertheless, instead of just killing the bill, Rep. Edward Butler, Chairman of the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee has appointed himself and 2 other State Representatives to a “sub committee” to “study” the bill.
Here’s what you need to do:
Contact the members of the Sub Committee, let them know in very clear and polite language, that you are strongly opposed to criminalizing the sale, gifting or loaning of your private property.
Explain to these legislators that HB 1589 might make them “feel like they are doing something” but in reality nothing needs to be done. Please point out that HB 1589 would do nothing to advance public safety. It would not have prevented the tragedies in Newtown, CT (guns stolen after a murder), Aurora, CO (passed background check), or Tuscon, AZ, (passed background check). In fact there is no proof, anywhere, that allowing peaceable, law-abiding state residents to sell and trade their lawfully-owned firearms poses any risk whatsoever to public safety.
Don’t be fooled, private parties cannot order firearms through the mail or UPS, only licensed dealers can do that. HB 1589 only addresses face to face private sales. Please also let these legislators know (because they are most likely ignorant about firearms) that dealers are licensed, but private parties are currently free and should remain free to dispose of their property as they see fit.
Tell them to vote HB 1589, “inexpedient to legislate”, (ITL), no amendments, no study committees, the only acceptable vote is ITL.
Sub Committee:
Rep. Edward Butler, (603)374-6131
Rep. Donald Flanders, (603)524-5369
Rep. Richard McNamara, (603)464-0212
Time is of the essence, the Sub Committee has scheduled a “work session” for tomorrow, January 23, 2014 at 2:15PM. Please contact these State Reps. promptly.
If any of these elected officials writes back to you please forward that email to NHFC.Thanks for your support.
In Liberty,
Scott A. Krauss
Vice President – NHFC
