Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (05/09/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB54 00:03:07.840 - 9:01:43 AM	Public Hearing	relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB54 2024-1453h 00:45:12.079 - 9:43:48 AM	Public Hearing	relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB54 2025-1756h 02:30:20.080 - 11:28:56 AM	Executive Session	relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB300 1719h 03:10:39.800 - 12:09:15 PM	Executive Session	criminalizing the creation of child intimate visual representations.	Innis, Daniel(R)[C+]2024

SB54: Representative Roy Support00:03:07.840 - 9:01:43 AM; Representative Roy introduced an amendment to SB54, explaining that the original bill was about penalties for refusing a breathalyzer test but had not fared well in the House due to its punitive nature. The amendment modifies the bill to incentivize taking the breathalyzer test and complying with court-ordered alcohol treatment, allowing for a reduction in license suspension. Additionally, the amendment introduces a 'Cinderella license' concept, allowing restricted driving hours for those in compliance with treatment and clean of alcohol. Roy also discussed a non-germane amendment inspired by a national PTA association, proposing mandatory firearms safety training in schools, arguing for the importance of teaching about the Second Amendment and gun safety as part of the curriculum. This amendment would require one hour of age-appropriate training per year, with an opt-out provision for parents.
SB54: Representative Han Oppose00:22:53.120 - 9:21:29 AM; Representative Han expressed opposition to the firearms safety training amendment to SB54, arguing that it is inappropriate and the wrong way to promote safety. Han criticized the short timeline for implementation, the lack of clarity on funding, and the use of the NRA's Eddie Eagle program, questioning its quality and objectivity. Han also noted the amendment's opt-out approach might be better as an opt-in and highlighted concerns about its applicability to special needs students and the lack of guidance on fitting it into the school curriculum.
SB54: Heather Raymond, Nasha (Hillsboro District 5) Oppose00:28:33.159 - 9:27:09 AM; Heather Raymond, a representative from Nasha and a member of the Nashville Board of Education, opposed the amendment, citing her experience with a divisive air rifle program in her district. She emphasized that such programs should be opt-in, allowing local school districts to decide based on community input. Raymond stressed the challenges of adding specific instructional time to the curriculum and the differences in appropriateness across age groups. She also questioned the feasibility of implementing the program uniformly across all classes and the involvement of advocacy groups in teaching such programs.
SB54: Sarah Gentilly, Rochester Oppose00:42:04.319 - 9:40:40 AM; Sarah Gentilly from Rochester strongly opposed the amendment, arguing that it shifts the burden of firearm safety onto children rather than holding adults accountable. She criticized the lack of action on secure storage laws and other safety measures, suggesting the amendment is more about political cover than genuine safety concerns. Gentilly highlighted the impulsiveness of children and the challenges schools face with additional mandates amidst budget cuts.
SB54: Marcela Oppose00:44:02.280 - 9:42:38 AM; Marcela found the amendment to SB54 confusing, particularly its addition to a bill about breathalyzer penalties. She noted the NRA's Eddie Eagle program's long history and its failure to prevent firearms from becoming the leading cause of death among children and teens, questioning its effectiveness and relevance to the original bill.
SB54 2024-1453h: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:45:12.079 - 9:43:48 AM; The speaker presented findings from two public health studies indicating that children are generally ineffective at resisting unsecured guns, even with training. They mentioned that children often engage in gunplay when they find a firearm, which can lead to unintentional injuries. The speaker highlighted the insufficiency of existing gun safety programs like the National Rifle Association's Eddie Eagle Gunsafe program and a behavioral skills training program. They emphasized that while programs using active learning strategies are more effective, they still fail to teach children to apply safety skills outside of training sessions. The speaker concluded by stressing the adult responsibility to secure firearms safely from children.
SB54 2024-1453h: Senator Uler Oppose00:46:34.079 - 9:45:10 AM; Senator Uler spoke in opposition to the amendment 2024-1453h to Senate Bill SB54. She criticized the legislature for continuously adding new requirements to public school curricula without adequate funding, impacting core subjects like math, English, science, and social studies. She argued that such mandates, including the firearm training amendment, place an unfair burden on schools which are already underfunded, as confirmed by court rulings. Senator Uler found the content of the program personally offensive and criticized the lack of legislative action on gun violence prevention, such as extreme risk protective orders and universal background checks. She urged the committee to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on the amendment, describing the normalization of firearms in schools as inappropriate and outrageous.
SB54 2024-1453h: Gabrielle Rothstein, Portsmouth, NH Oppose00:53:04.160 - 9:51:40 AM; Gabrielle Rothstein, a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a former Portsmouth Public Schools student, opposed the amendment requiring firearm training in New Hampshire public schools. She argued that the bill does not enhance safety in schools but introduces firearms into the school environment unnecessarily. Rothstein shared personal experiences with lockdown drills and an active shooter incident, highlighting the fear and trauma these situations cause. She emphasized that the root of gun violence in schools is not a lack of knowledge but the intent to cause harm, and training students in firearm safety will not prevent such incidents or the associated trauma. Rothstein urged the committee to vote against the amendment for the sake of student safety and well-being.
SB54 2024-1453h: Kathleen Slover, Portsmouth, NH Oppose00:56:41.760 - 9:55:17 AM; Kathleen Slover, a resident of Portsmouth, NH, and a former active member of the PTAs, opposed the amendment. She shared her experience working with the PTAs for 12 years and their approach to bringing programs into schools, emphasizing sensitivity and focusing on parents rather than students for gun safety education. Slover noted that during her tenure, no parent ever requested gun safety programs for students, and school resource officers focused on connecting with students rather than gun safety training. She criticized the Eddie Eagle program mentioned in the bill, referencing Dr. Lisa Monroe's regret over her involvement and the NRA's statements about using such programs to reaffirm traditional values in education. Slover opposed the NRA's influence on school curricula and urged a rejection of the amendment.
SB54 2024-1453h: Emma Cavini, New Futures Oppose01:00:44.599 - 9:59:20 AM; Emma Cavini, the children's behavioral health policy coordinator at New Futures, opposed the amendment for not addressing suicide risks associated with firearms and not accounting for trauma students may have encountered. She highlighted the high rate of suicides by firearms in New Hampshire and the increased number of student suicide attempts. Cavini stressed the importance of delaying access to firearms to reduce suicides, especially in younger populations, and criticized the amendment for not including evidence-based strategies like safe storage and suicide prevention training. She also pointed out the need for trauma-informed education, given the percentage of New Hampshire students who have witnessed violence. Cavini urged the committee to vote ITL on the amendment and expressed concerns about fitting comprehensive suicide prevention into a one-hour course.
SB54 2024-1453h: Justin Davis, New Hampshire State Director for the National Rifle Association Support01:04:51.240 - 10:03:27 AM; Justin Davis, representing the National Rifle Association, supported the bill and praised Representative Roy for bringing it forward. He described the Eddie Eagle program as the gold standard for teaching children gun safety, offering various interactive methods for education. Davis emphasized the NRA's role in promoting safe storage and hunter education, which he claimed are provided free of charge. He clarified the NRA's structure, including its advocacy and educational wings, and refuted claims that the organization is solely political. Davis criticized opponents of the bill for not experiencing the NRA's safety courses and argued that the program could be adopted by the Department of Public Safety. He defended the NRA's stance against mandated safe storage laws, citing Second Amendment rights, and addressed questions about the effectiveness of the Eddie Eagle program and its relevance to various scenarios involving firearms.
SB54 2024-1453h: Ander Hawkins, Director of Gunsense New Hampshire Oppose01:17:52.280 - 10:16:28 AM; Ander Hawkins, representing Gunsense New Hampshire, opposed Senate Bill 54's amendment, arguing it is a jobs bill for the gun lobby and arms dealers. Hawkins criticized the lack of gun safety requirements for adults and highlighted studies showing that gun safety programs for children are ineffective. They also mentioned the high rate of gun assaults among children and teens, and criticized the bill for being an unfunded mandate that could detract from essential education time. Hawkins questioned the lack of public input on the amendment and its potential legal overreach under current educational standards.
SB54 2024-1453h: Dennis Green, former committee member Support01:22:06.320 - 10:20:42 AM; Dennis Green, a former committee member, supported the bill by sharing personal anecdotes about his experiences with firearms, including using them for safety against rattlesnakes and a burglar. He emphasized the importance of early gun safety education, suggesting it contributes to responsible gun use and could deter potential threats, citing historical examples. Green believes that teaching children about firearms can prepare them for roles in law enforcement and the military.
SB54 2025-1756h: Chairman Information Only02:30:20.080 - 11:28:56 AM; The Chairman opened the executive session on SB54 and moved amendment number 2025-1756h. The amendment modifies the underlying bill by incentivizing compliance with breathalyzer tests for OUI offenses, offering reduced license suspension periods for those who comply and undergo alcohol rehabilitation. It also addresses the non-germane amendment related to firearms training in schools, emphasizing the need for a counter-message to the gun glorification culture among youth.
SB54 2025-1756h: Representative Newell Information Only02:37:18.800 - 11:35:54 AM; Representative Newell supported the amendment's changes to the OUI penalties but opposed the firearm training mandate for schools. They hoped the amendment would not pass, allowing them to support the OUI portion aimed at reducing alcohol-related driving deaths.
SB54 2025-1756h: Representative Sher Information Only02:38:13.760 - 11:36:49 AM; Representative Sher appreciated the amendment's approach to OUI penalties, seeing it as a step towards addressing alcohol abuse. However, they opposed the mandatory firearms training in schools, suggesting it should be an opt-in program and not taught by advocacy groups. They expressed interest in a potential floor amendment to include education on domestic violence.
SB54 2025-1756h: Representative Murphy Information Only02:43:39.840 - 11:42:15 AM; Representative Murphy initially supported the bill but opposed it due to the non-germane amendment concerning firearms training. They highlighted the lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of the proposed gun safety program and raised concerns about its impact on public education funding and curriculum. They also noted strong public opposition to the amendment.
SB54 2025-1756h: Representative Muse Oppose02:41:20.319 - 11:39:56 AM; Representative Muse opposed the bill, arguing that it shifts responsibility for gun safety onto children rather than adults. They criticized the mandate on schools and cited studies questioning the effectiveness of the Eddie Eagle program. They also raised concerns about the strict liability clause in the related SB15, suggesting it could lead to unjust sentencing.
SB54 2025-1756h: Representative Lynn Information Only03:01:04.319 - 11:59:40 AM; Representative Lynn discussed a technical issue in the amendment regarding the criteria for avoiding mandatory minimums, pointing out an inconsistency in the language that needed correction. They also expressed support for the inclusion of psilocybin in the amendment, citing potential medical benefits.
SB54 2025-1756h: Representative Sher Information Only03:06:19.760 - 12:04:55 PM; Representative Sher expressed concerns about the strict liability clause in the related SB15, using a hypothetical scenario to illustrate potential injustices. They suggested that 'knowingly' should replace 'strict liability' to avoid unfair sentencing. They also supported the idea of more time to work through the amendment's implications.
SB54 2025-1756h: Chairman Information Only03:08:38.840 - 12:07:14 PM; The Chairman acknowledged grammatical errors in the amendment and decided to recess the session to the following Friday to address these issues. They emphasized that some form of minimum mandatory would remain in the bill but were open to discussions on the safety valve provisions.
SB300 1719h: Representative Murphy Information Only03:10:39.800 - 12:09:15 PM; Representative Murphy moved amendment number 1719h for SB300, which aims to protect children from sexual exploitation. The amendment removes a paragraph that could potentially allow parents or guardians to consent to illegal material and adds language to prohibit the use of images for sexual gratification or arousal. The amendment was intended to clarify the bill's intent and prevent the victimization of children.

Roy, Terry(Chairman)(R)[B]2024	Murray, Alissandra(Clerk)(D)[D-]2024	Rhodes, Jennifer(V Chairman)(R)[B]2024
Harriott-Gathright, Linda(D)[CT]2024	Proulx, Mark(R)[B]2024	Lascelles, Richard(R)[B+]2024
Morency, Pete(R)	Paquette, Kathleen(R)	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2024
Newman, Ray(D)[CT]2024	Meuse, David(D)[CT]2024	Devoid, Ricky(R)
Newell, Jodi(D)[D-]2024	Scherr, Buzz(D)	Valerino, Brian(R)
Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)