HB 1279 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-2855
09/08
HOUSE BILL 1279
AN ACT relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person.
SPONSORS: Rep. Polozov, Merr. 10; Rep. Aures, Merr. 13; Rep. Avellani, Carr. 4; Rep. Giasson, Hills. 29; Rep. McFarlane, Graf. 18; Rep. Sabourin dit Choiniere, Rock. 30; Rep. Sirois, Hills. 32; Rep. Thibault, Merr. 25; Rep. Roy, Rock. 31; Sen. Sullivan, Dist 18
COMMITTEE: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
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ANALYSIS
This bill modifies the standard for when force can be used against someone likely to use unlawful force in the commission of a felony.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-2855
09/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Physical Force in Defense of a Person. Amend RSA 627:4, II(d) to read as follows:
(d) Is likely to use any unlawful force in the commission of a felony against the actor or a third person within such actor's vehicle or dwelling or its curtilage.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 29, 2026 | House | Hearing |
| Feb. 13, 2026 | House | Exec Session |
| Feb. 13, 2026 | House | Floor Vote |
March 17, 2026: Introduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 7
March 11, 2026: Ought to Pass: MA DV 183-144 03/11/2026 HJ 7
March 2, 2026: Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
March 2, 2026: Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass 02/13/2026 (Vote 7-6; RC) HC 10 P. 33
March 2, 2026: Executive Session: 02/13/2026 03:30 pm GP 159
Jan. 21, 2026: Public Hearing: 01/29/2026 03:30 pm GP 159
Dec. 1, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety