NH Democrats Vote To Ban Guns From Statehouse

CONCORD, NH — One of the first actions by the new Democratic-controlled New Hampshire legislature was a vote Wednesday to ban guns from the statehouse. The House Rules Committee approved the measure by a vote of 6-4. The ban is expected to be approved in the coming weeks when the full House votes, as Democrats hold a 233 to 167 majority.

Republicans claim the ban infringes on lawmakers' right to bear arms.

"Although this is not unexpected, I am extremely disappointed in today’s vote by the Rules Committee to prohibit the carrying of firearms in the House chamber," House Republican Leader Dick Hinch, of Merrimack, said in a statement. "There are far more pressing issues facing our state than immediately taking away House members’ constitutionally protected right to bear arms. By removing this basic right, we are effectively making the chamber a gun-free zone and less safe environment for our colleagues."

The gun ban has been reversed and reinstated several times over the last decade, depending on which party holds the majority in Concord. Most Democrats support the ban, while most Republicans oppose it.

In 2012, State Rep. Kyle Tasker, a Nottingham Republican, accidentally dropped his loaded pistol at the statehouse during a House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. The gun didn't discharge and no one was hurt.

"We have fourth graders coming in to view us in session and I think like any classroom we don’t want firearms present," Democratic House Speaker Steve Shurtleff, of Concord, told the Union Leader.

Democrats retook control of the legislature in the midterm election last month. In addition the gun ban, Democrats are expected to push for marijuana legalization and paid family leave —among other measures — in the coming year.

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