HB1285 (2020) Compare Changes


The Bill Text indicates a new section is being inserted. This situation is not handled right now, and the new text is displayed in both the changed and unchanged versions.

Unchanged Version

Text to be removed highlighted in red.

1 New Section; Possession of Firearms on School Property. Amend RSA 159 by inserting after section 159:19-a the following new section:

159:19-b Possession of a Firearm on School Property.

I. No person shall knowingly possess a firearm on public school property, including buildings, grounds, school buses, and vans. Any person who violates the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

II. This section shall not apply to:

(a) Any person or persons picking up or dropping off a student, provided the firearm remains in a motor vehicle.

(b) Any person specifically authorized by name and in writing by the school board to possess a firearm on school property. Any school board considering granting such authorization shall first hold at least one public hearing, noticed in the usual manner. At the hearing, the board shall consider whether any persons should be authorized to possess firearms on school property. Following the public hearing, the school board may decide, in a nonpublic session, to authorize specific persons to possess firearms on school property. Any specific authorizations adopted shall specify the weapon that has been authorized, the purpose and scope of the authorization, and the time period for which the authorization applies. Such authorization shall not be subject to RSA 91-A.

(c) Any law enforcement officer, when on or off duty or serving as a school resource officer.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.

Changed Version

Text to be added highlighted in green.

1 New Section; Possession of Firearms on School Property. Amend RSA 159 by inserting after section 159:19-a the following new section:

159:19-b Possession of a Firearm on School Property.

I. No person shall knowingly possess a firearm on public school property, including buildings, grounds, school buses, and vans. Any person who violates the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

II. This section shall not apply to:

(a) Any person or persons picking up or dropping off a student, provided the firearm remains in a motor vehicle.

(b) Any person specifically authorized by name and in writing by the school board to possess a firearm on school property. Any school board considering granting such authorization shall first hold at least one public hearing, noticed in the usual manner. At the hearing, the board shall consider whether any persons should be authorized to possess firearms on school property. Following the public hearing, the school board may decide, in a nonpublic session, to authorize specific persons to possess firearms on school property. Any specific authorizations adopted shall specify the weapon that has been authorized, the purpose and scope of the authorization, and the time period for which the authorization applies. Such authorization shall not be subject to RSA 91-A.

(c) Any law enforcement officer, when on or off duty or serving as a school resource officer.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.