Warning: Bill numbers and names are based on text-to-speech transcript which may have errors due to transcription issues or ad hoc/incomplete language use by committee.
(New Title) modifying the procedures and requirements for school bus driver criminal history records checks and expanding the personnel subject to such checks.
Motion to pass HB1051, seconded, no discussion, passes on consent calendar.
HB1308 1469S
Information Only00:15:12.514 - 1:14:38 PM
Explains amendment 1469S expands scope of video footage use beyond confirming bus driver testimony and allows subpoena by all parties in litigation, not just law enforcement.
HB1308 1469S
Vote00:16:23.772 - 1:15:49 PM
Amendment passes, then ought to pass as amended, no discussion, passes on consent calendar.
HB1206
Support00:16:55.932 - 1:16:21 PM
Introduces HB1206 to ensure due process in family court by clarifying equity jurisdiction, explains relationship between common law, equity, and statutory law. Argues current setup limits rights like innocent until proven guilty and evidence access. Notes family court issues like non-enforcement of evidence rules, perjury, and impact on pro se litigants and children. Bill simplifies language for accessibility.
HB1206
Information Only00:22:18.741 - 1:21:44 PM
Questions difference between struck language 'notwithstanding any law to the contrary' and added 'where no other special provision has been made in the law'.
HB1206
Information Only00:23:22.941 - 1:22:48 PM
Expresses confusion on language change, notes past practice allowing equity for accessibility in family court.
HB1206
Information Only00:24:33.821 - 1:23:59 PM
Notes 'notwithstanding' appears in many RSAs, questions striking it only here, but supports clarifying for family law affecting children and pro se litigants.
HB1206
Support00:27:31.446 - 1:26:57 PM
Supports HB1206 but suggests amendments to strike family division exceptions in RSA 491:7 for Superior Court jurisdiction, allowing jury trials and appeals. Discusses family court abuses, pro se litigant issues, Bar Association influence, and need for accountability under Article 8 and RSA 311:6. Argues for holding government accountable on 250th anniversary of constitution.
HB1206
Support00:33:44.678 - 1:33:10 PM
Rossanne Chester testified in support of HB1206, drawing from her involvement in committees examining family court versus district court systems. She worked with Judge Capastrand from Manchester, police officers, attorneys, and judges. She emphasized that family court lacks the same level of judicial justice as other systems, leading to muddy decisions on severing family relationships, particularly for pro se litigants without clear guidelines. She highlighted the difference in evidentiary standards, such as preponderance of the evidence in family court versus others, and supported the bill to provide clearer, understandable guidelines for regular citizens.
HB1206
Support00:35:20.278 - 1:34:46 PM
Shirley Harianto spoke in support of HB1206 as a single mother with an open family court case. She described the judicial family branch as unfair, severing family relations without evidence, particularly targeting those in poverty like herself, where attempts to terminate parental rights are unjust. She advocated for empowering justice for parents lacking knowledge of guidelines, which have been tampered with and complicated by new court orders. Harianto urged support for families, especially single parents, to prevent severing children from biological parents, warning that delays cause emotional disruption and damage to children's futures, mental, physical, and emotional well-being, ultimately harming the country.
HB1361
Oppose00:40:30.000 - 1:39:56 PM
Penny Dean strongly opposed HB1361 as written, describing it as a bill that provides bad and lazy cops a way to escape accountability for flawed search warrants.
HB1361
Oppose00:41:37.905 - 1:41:03 PM
Attorney Dean opposes changes to search warrant procedures, arguing that altering the applicant to a law enforcement officer allows for errors of omission and the 'inevitable discovery rule' to admit improperly obtained evidence. She emphasizes that search warrants are filed under oath and that multiple officers executing searches may not fully understand limitations, leading to citizen harm and unfair evidence admission. Dean urges maintaining current language to protect defendants.
HB1361
Information Only00:44:47.408 - 1:44:13 PM
Mr. Simkin, a federal firearms licensee from Nashua with over 40 years of experience, provides information on improving inventory procedures for firearms and ammunition during searches. He suggests amending the bill to require detailed inventories using a standard state form, recording specifics like make, model, serial numbers, and ammunition counts to reduce disputes and enhance accuracy. He notes this would align with the bill's purpose without addressing support or opposition directly.
HB1361
Oppose00:47:55.828 - 1:47:21 PM
Robert Tanguay opposes HB1361, deeming it inexpedient to legislate as it eases police work without necessity and enables selective prosecution. He argues the bill ignores constitutional issues like civil protection orders violating Article 15 rights and criticizes it for not addressing broader problems in family courts. Tanguay contends that low crime in New Hampshire results from citizens, not police, and that the bill facilitates misconduct by allowing easier punishment of disliked individuals.
HB1361
Support00:51:26.572 - 1:50:52 PM
Lieutenant Tamara Hester of the state police supports HB1361, clarifying it updates language without altering inventory or witness requirements for physical searches. She explains that the applicant for the warrant may not execute it, especially in major cases or distant locations like blood draws, and inventories are left at residences. For electronic search warrants common in cybercrimes, the bill aligns with modern workflows where providers like Google produce certified records without physical presence or witnesses, as already practiced in other states. Physical searches still require witnesses, and returns are signed under penalty of perjury.
HB1422
Support00:55:52.933 - 1:55:18 PM
Representative Tom Mannion from Hillsborough District 1 (Pelham) sponsors HB1422 to extend the three-year absolute deadline for filing motions for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence, new forensic testing, or scientific understanding. He argues New Hampshire's strict limit, one of only five states, denies wrongfully convicted individuals recourse, citing exoneree Scott Ornoff's case. The bill maintains legal standards, allowing meritorious petitions to proceed without automatic release, emphasizing liberty, fairness, and due process to correct wrongful convictions.
HB1422
Support00:59:00.032 - 1:58:26 PM
Representative Scheer supports HB1422, emphasizing that changes in forensic science often take longer than three years to emerge, preventing timely discovery of wrongful convictions. He teaches a course on forensic science and expert witnesses and has worked on DNA cases. He provides the example of Josiah Sutton, wrongfully convicted of sexual assault in Texas due to a lab error in DNA testing; Sutton served five years before an audit revealed the mistake, leading to his release. Scheer argues that forensic discoveries do not occur in a neat timeline, making the three-year limit inadequate.
HB1422
Support01:03:15.582 - 2:02:41 PM
Jeffrey Scott Hornoff, a former police officer, shares his experience of wrongful conviction for murder in 1996 after a flawed investigation by colleagues who believed he was guilty. He served over six years in prison despite cooperating fully and passing a polygraph. He was exonerated when the real perpetrator confessed with details only the killer would know. Hornoff notes that in New Hampshire, the three-year limit would have kept him imprisoned. He remains pro-law enforcement and argues that innocent people deserve protection, emphasizing that wrongfully convicted individuals and their families are also victims. He urges support for the bill to eliminate the time limit.
HB1422
Support01:06:17.287 - 2:05:43 PM
Representative Bob Wynn supports HB1422, noting alignment with Representative Scheer despite usual differences. He references a previous bill with issues, praising this version for simplification by the Innocence Project and sponsors, including provisions to dismiss non-meritorious cases. Wynn argues that innocence may not surface within three years, denying justice, and thus strongly endorses the bill.
HB1422
Support01:07:08.167 - 2:06:34 PM
The representative supports HB1422, highlighting that New Hampshire's three-year deadline bars wrongfully convicted individuals from proving innocence, with nearly 4,000 such cases nationwide but only three in NH, ranking it 50th among states. The bill creates a narrow exception for newly discovered evidence without altering process or burden of proof. It allows dismissal of non-meritorious petitions via prima facie review. Only 14 claims were filed in 2024, so no flood of litigation is expected. As one of five states with a strict deadline, NH should allow exceptions. The bill ensures systemic access to courts for credible innocence claims, not immediate releases.
HB1422
Oppose01:12:27.241 - 2:11:53 PM
Emily Garraud opposes HB1422 due to potential unintended consequences, particularly the broad 'newly discovered evidence not available at trial' and collateral consequences language, fearing a flood of frivolous pro se motions from inmates, based on past experience with earned time credit changes. Responding to such motions requires extensive review of trial evidence, transcripts, and discovery, consuming significant resources (e.g., 40+ hours per case). She shares an example of a frivolous claim within three years involving fabricated evidence, costing taxpayer resources and retraumatizing victims, like in a sexual assault case. Garraud argues evidence should be limited to scientific advances or withheld exculpatory material (e.g., Brady violations), not broadly defined, to avoid overburdening the system while still allowing meritorious claims. She notes robust public defender investigations and rare post-three-year breakthroughs.
HB1422
Information Only01:23:14.541 - 2:22:40 PM
Thomas Filardi provides technical assistance on HB1422, the third iteration since 2023. He notes NH is an outlier but no evidence shows the three-year limit bars access; prosecutors ethically reopen cases with new evidence, as he did as a former county attorney, dismissing charges without court intervention. Other mechanisms like habeas corpus exist. He critiques the bill's 'new scientific understanding' phrase as unique and vague, suggesting a standard from other states: material evidence undiscoverable with diligence at trial. RSA 651-D already covers DNA retesting. The bill could flood courts with misdemeanor cases, leading to years of litigation over interpretation, without solving a non-existent NH problem.
HB1422
Support01:29:08.414 - 2:28:34 PM
Robert Tanguay supports HB1422, stating it doesn't go far enough but is a good start. He argues the bill allows petitions to proceed ('may') rather than mandating denial ('shall not'), countering flood concerns. Referencing historical injustices like the Salem witch trials, he emphasizes reform over punishment, aligning with NH's constitution. Tanguay highlights systemic judicial underfunding as a broader issue enabling a two-tiered justice system, urging better court resources for truth-finding and reform in criminal cases.
HB1422
Support01:33:21.884 - 2:32:47 PM
Cynthia Musso, former NH public defender and sole full-time innocence practitioner, supports HB1422 as essential for her work; without it, she cannot assist at least 20 waiting clients with post-three-year evidence like non-scientific discoveries (e.g., Hornoff's confession). Habeas corpus requires constitutional violations, not applicable here. Newly discovered evidence is defined in statute but time-barred. Cases involve long sentences (35-50 years), justifying resource investment for careful review to uphold innocence rights.
HB1422
Support01:35:44.404 - 2:35:10 PM
Shirley Arianto, a single mother of a four-year-old, supports HB 1422 based on her personal experience and that of others. She criticizes the judicial and criminal justice system for not thoroughly investigating cases, instead fabricating consequences and burying evidence that could prove innocence. She urges the committee to make good judgments and take direct action on the bill.
HB1793
Support01:38:37.566 - 2:38:03 PM
Representative Farrington strongly supports HB 1793, arguing that gun-free zones on college campuses leave students and faculty defenseless, citing examples like the Old Dominion University shooting where cadets stopped the shooter, Virginia Tech massacre, Covenant School, Buffalo supermarket, and Burnsville school shooting. He references manifestos of shooters targeting gun-free areas and data from the Crime Prevention Research Center showing 36% of active shooter incidents stopped by armed civilians, higher in Second Amendment-friendly areas. He counters opponents' claims that it will lead to chaos, noting no such issues since New Hampshire's constitutional carry law in 2017, and only one documented case nationwide of a good guy mistaken for bad. He emphasizes natural rights under the state and U.S. Constitutions, broad support from students, professors, law enforcement, and organizations like the NRA and NH Firearm Coalition, and urges passage to protect rights on the 250th anniversary of the NH Constitution.
HB1793
Oppose02:14:07.026 - 3:13:33 PM
Chief Buffington opposes HB 1793, highlighting the unique, crowded, and dynamic nature of college campuses with increasing mental health and substance abuse issues. He focuses on risks of firearms in dormitories and athletic events, heightened suicide risks, and complications for police responses to active threats due to multiple armed individuals. As responsible for safety at Plymouth State University, he believes the bill increases preventable tragedies and urges opposition.
HB1793
Oppose02:17:52.104 - 3:17:18 PM
The university leaders oppose HB 1793, stating New Hampshire campuses are already among the safest in the country with no evidence the bill improves safety; instead, studies from other states show it increases fear, lowers safety perceptions, and reduces confidence in campus police. They note negative student and faculty feedback, with many saying they would not attend if passed. The bill removes authority to regulate firearms, including safe storage in dorms, restrictions in sensitive areas with minors (e.g., K-12 camps, childcare), disciplinary actions, and concealed vs. open carry. They cite Idaho's more restrictive policy and concerns over complicating law enforcement responses in crises and mental health issues. They urge finding the bill inexpedient to legislate and suggest further study.
HB1793
Oppose02:27:39.648 - 3:27:05 PM
The Deputy Chief opposes HB 1793, emphasizing it's about campus safety, not rights. He shares statistics: 525 total arrests since school year start, 359 alcohol-related, 285 UNH students arrested. Adding firearms risks increased suicides, accidental shootings, especially with alcohol among young adults living away from home. It complicates law enforcement responses to active shooters, as officers may encounter multiple armed people without knowing who is the threat, requiring new training, policies, and scenarios. He urges rejecting the bill for common sense.
HB1793
Oppose02:34:42.585 - 3:34:08 PM
Sophie, a political science and homeland security double major and on-campus tour guide at UNH Durham, opposes HB 1793. She emphasizes campus safety concerns for prospective students and families, noting that allowing firearms would make it difficult to assure safety. As an active Jewish student in UNH Hillel and Senate of Holocaust Survivors, she fears targeted violence amid rising antisemitism, refusing to live in fear at Hillel events or advise peers to arm themselves. She argues the bill makes vulnerable communities feel less safe and urges the committee to vote against it based on students' lived experiences.
HB1793
Support02:37:30.000 - 3:36:56 PM
Representative Lynn supports HB 1793, drawing parallels to past permitless carry legislation where dire predictions of danger did not materialize. She argues against absolute bans or no restrictions, suggesting balanced measures like secure storage when not carried and prohibitions under alcohol influence. She asserts the Second Amendment as a fundamental right, not disfavored, and challenges law enforcement concerns, stating they prove too much as mass shootings occur everywhere, and self-defense rights should not be sacrificed for police response ease. She agrees restrictions may apply for compelling state interests but opposes blanket prohibitions.
HB1793
Oppose02:45:10.000 - 3:44:36 PM
Wayne Burton, a Vietnam veteran trained at Fort Devens and served with the 9th Infantry Division, opposes the bill by sharing experiences of rapid threat identification leading to civilian deaths in Operation Speedy Express. He warns against creating scenarios where police face both shooters and armed students intervening, complicating responses. He cites James Madison and Thomas Jefferson's 1824 support for a strict no-firearms policy at the University of Virginia, emphasizing that public safety limits even Second Amendment rights, as free speech does not extend to endangering others.
HB1793
Oppose02:47:53.127 - 3:47:19 PM
Laura Vincent, a grandmother with a grandchild applying to UNH, opposes HB 1793 due to its allowance of open carry without limitations in dorms, dining halls, classrooms, and crowded spaces. While supportive of responsible firearm use for recreation and security, she highlights existing UNH procedures for safe storage and access for hunting. She expresses fear for young adults' first independent living experiences involving alcohol and new social dynamics, urging retention of college policies to ensure reasonable safety for all.
HB1793
Oppose02:50:18.270 - 3:49:44 PM
Charlotte Hahn, a UNH Durham junior and resident assistant in Stoke Hall, opposes HB 1793. She describes Stoke Hall as UNH's largest and a party hub near Fraternity Row, with incidents like altercations, disputes, and emergencies where she has faced verbal assaults and injuries. As first responders untrained against guns and instructed not to touch residents without 911 guidance, RAs would fear for their lives if firearms were allowed. As future Assistant Hall Director supervising RAs starting January 2027, she could not assure their safety and urges reconsideration of the bill.
HB1793
Oppose02:53:16.511 - 3:52:42 PM
Gabrielle Veloza, a UNH Durham student, opposes HB 1793, arguing open carry is intimidation, not neutral or safe, as recognized by law enforcement and military. Drawing from the 2013 Boston bombing where non-lethal capture avoided escalation, she notes her boyfriend's military training emphasizes verbal commands before weapon displays as escalation steps. Law enforcement training includes show of force as pre-deadly escalation. In unstructured civilian settings with loose regulation, visible weapons trigger confrontation and fear rather than safety. She urges focusing on de-escalation and reducing tensions instead of ambiguous behaviors heightening them.
HB1793
Oppose02:55:42.191 - 3:55:08 PM
Benjamin Gogan, a UNH student and resident assistant in Durham, strongly opposes HB 1793. He explains that current policies prohibit firearms on campus, allowing events like sports games to proceed without metal detectors or constant police presence. He argues the bill would prevent the university from regulating firearms at events such as lectures, admitted students days, performances, and sporting events, increasing risks. He shares a personal experience de-escalating a tense situation with intoxicated residents at 3:30 AM, noting the added danger if firearms were allowed, as he is untrained for such risks. He urges the committee to vote inexpedient to legislate on the bill.
HB1793
Oppose02:58:57.447 - 3:58:23 PM
David Richmond, who taught at UNH for 34 years, opposes HB 1793. He recounts being near an armed person using violent rhetoric, emphasizing the terror of guns combined with rage. Referencing founding documents on manners, morals, and ethics, he argues that constitutional rights like the Second Amendment, tied to a well-regulated militia, should not permit firearms in university classrooms, where they would inspire terror and impede teaching and learning. He warns the bill would increase chances for injury and death if passed.
HB1793
Support03:01:03.119 - 4:00:29 PM
Rep. Valerie McDonald, co-sponsor from Rockingham 25 in Salem, supports HB 1793, the Protecting College Students Act. She highlights the 250-year recognition of natural rights, including the Second Amendment and NH Constitution Article 2A, and RSA 159:26 granting legislative jurisdiction over firearms, not universities. Noting UNH's opposition similar to their stance on free speech (which passed), she cites recent tragedies like the Brown University shooting and a subsequent incident in Salem, NH, arguing that unconstitutional restrictions leave students defenseless. She urges support to protect students and prevent them from being 'sitting ducks.' In response to Senator Abbas's question on restricting display of firearms in classrooms, she prefers the bill as is but would not oppose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions like those in HB 1305.
HB1793
Oppose03:05:32.707 - 4:04:58 PM
Rep. Timothy Horrigan from Stratford County District 10 in Durham opposes HB 1793, having voted against it in February based on constituent feedback. He asserts universities have natural rights to ensure safety on their property, including restricting weapons. Describing UNH as one of America's safest campuses, open to the public, he argues the bill would not enhance safety and cites the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a campus with carry laws in Utah as evidence that such policies fail. He recommends voting inexpedient to legislate but notes potential amendments codifying current UNH rules might be acceptable, though his preference is to kill the bill. In Q&A, he discusses impacts on Whittemore Arena events like hockey games, concerts, political rallies, and NCAA playoffs, which ban firearms, potentially deterring events and speakers.
HB1793
Oppose03:11:41.103 - 4:11:07 PM
Julian Smith, a former UNH faculty senator from 1969, opposes HB 1793. He recalls protesting the arming of university police with M1 rifles during Vietnam War campus protests, facing opposition from faculty, the president, and trustees. Noting current opposition from UNH experts and Durham police, he describes the bill as an 'invitation to a gunfight at the O.K. Corral,' arguing it endangers the university.
HB1793
Oppose - 4:11:07 PM
Tom Gormley from Litchfield opposes the bill.
HB1793
Oppose03:13:12.643 - 4:12:38 PM
The speaker, a 67-year-old lifelong gun owner and avid shooter, testifies in opposition to the bill. As a volunteer with Sandy Hook Promise for three years, he emphasizes that the right to bear arms is protected but argues that the right to live without fear of gun violence, especially for children, is under threat. He cites gun availability as a greater factor in violence than mental health and highlights Sandy Hook Promise's success in preventing 18 gun violence incidents without arming anyone, advocating for prevention programs instead.
HB1793
Oppose03:17:08.745 - 4:16:34 PM
Andy shares a childhood nightmare about a school shooter at age five, which left him hiding in fear. He describes the ongoing anxiety from lockdown drills and news coverage, relieved only by UNH's weapon-free policy allowing focus on education. He opposes the bill, tired of constant fear.
HB1793
Oppose03:18:23.945 - 4:17:49 PM
Representing Durham, home to UNH, and as a parent of a college freshman who endured a four-hour lockdown due to a false shooter alert, Lauren opposes the bill. She recounts a town hall demonstration showing police inability to distinguish good from bad guys with guns. She argues self-defense guns may be turned against the owner, cites biblical opposition to killing over gun rights, and references a UNH survey where 81.8% of students fully oppose and 3.5% mostly oppose the bill. She details her daughter's terrifying lockdown experience at another university due to a misidentified umbrella as a gun.
HB1793
Oppose03:24:06.880 - 4:23:32 PM
As Durham's administrator responsible for health, safety, and welfare, Todd opposes HB 1793, noting the Town Council's unanimous resolution against it for increasing risks without safety benefits. He argues it overrides UNH's autonomy under RSA 187A and complicates policing in a dense campus environment with mental health and substance issues, where more guns raise suicide and tragedy risks. Durham invests heavily in safety measures, making the bill counterproductive.
HB1793
Oppose03:28:29.863 - 4:27:55 PM
Malcolm opposes the bill, arguing it endangers students with mental health struggles by easing access to guns for self-harm. He believes more guns would confuse responses to mass shootings, hindering perpetrator identification, and reduce community freedom and safety.
HB1793
Oppose03:30:43.453 - 4:30:09 PM
Molly strongly opposes HB 1793, stating it would deter students from attending public universities due to fear of gun violence, conflicting with schools' protective missions. She predicts financial strain possibly leading to tax increases and cites over 80% student disapproval, emphasizing majority rule in democracy. She refutes claims that more guns enhance safety, comparing it to fighting fire with fire.
HB1793
Oppose03:30:43.453 - 4:30:09 PM
Vivian opposes the bill, countering arguments of God-given gun rights by asserting the constitutional right to education without fear. She believes allowing guns on campus undermines safe learning environments.
HB1793
Oppose03:32:05.887 - 4:31:31 PM
The speaker, a dual education major at UNH, expresses deep sadness over the bill, stating that students should focus on exams rather than fearing gun violence from peers. She mentions that several current students would transfer and prospective students would avoid attending if the bill passes, emphasizing UNH's value and the need for safety. She highlights the campus's proximity to elementary and high schools, arguing that gun violence would inhibit younger students' education as well. She urges opposition to the bill, concluding that a student's education should end with graduation, not a bullet.
HB1793
Oppose03:33:00.887 - 4:32:26 PM
Marissa Doonells, a junior at UNH, opposes the bill due to personal experiences with threats related to her disability, stating she would not feel safe if those individuals could carry guns. As a sexual assault survivor, she notes studies showing increased sexual assault risk with guns on campus. She reiterates concerns about the campus's proximity to elementary, middle, and high schools, sharing her childhood experiences with school safety drills and expressing fear for younger children's futures.
HB1793
Oppose03:34:56.322 - 4:34:22 PM
Avery Andrews from Hampton, NH, and a UNH student, describes living on campus as a valuable opportunity that fosters community but involves shared living spaces like dorms and bathrooms. She argues that students should have the right to gun-free homes, especially since freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus, potentially forcing them to live near loaded guns. She requests opposition to the bill.
HB1793
Oppose03:36:19.346 - 4:35:45 PM
Representative David Muse, representing Newcastle, Newington, and Portsmouth, and Deputy Ranking Member of the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, acknowledges the concerns raised and addresses the argument that any regulation infringes on constitutional rights. He cites Article 3 of the state constitution, emphasizing the obligation to balance individual rights with public safety. He points to existing laws restricting felons and firearms in courtrooms as examples of this balance. Muse describes the constitution as a social compact for societal living and argues against the bill, noting the current university system's effectiveness in maintaining safe campuses without mass shootings. He suggests leaving the status quo intact.
HB1793
Oppose03:42:22.664 - 4:41:48 PM
Daniel Robinson, a UNH student, opposes HB 1793 citing recent budget cuts that have reduced hours for essential facilities like dining halls and libraries. He questions the feasibility of implementing the bill given these constraints, referencing the fiscal note estimating $100,000 to $400,000 in costs, and noting other schools have spent over a million on security. He highlights that over 80% of students oppose the bill, yet tuition funds would support its implementation, potentially leading to lost funding from transfers and declined enrollments, worsening UNH's financial situation.
HB1793
Oppose03:44:19.458 - 4:43:45 PM
Bella Cannon, a student at UNH from Canaan, New Hampshire, testified in opposition to House Bill 1793, stating that allowing unrestricted carry of guns on campus makes her feel unsafe and embarrassed to live in the state. She believes it will increase suicide rates, accidental shootings, and overall anxiety among students, creating division rather than unity in the community. As a lifelong New Hampshire resident proud to attend UNH in-state, she said she and her peers, including her brother, would not choose UNH if open carry were allowed, especially amid existing budget cuts and enrollment declines. She argued that campus carry would impose significant financial costs on the university system, leading to fewer scholarships, facilities, and opportunities for students, emphasizing that universities are for learning, not risking lives.
HB1793
Oppose03:46:55.458 - 4:46:21 PM
Caroline Hall, a sophomore at UNH from Connecticut and an admissions tour guide and representative, testified in opposition to House Bill 1793. She expressed pride in attending UNH and highlighted the university's enrollment declines over the past decade, warning that the bill would exacerbate this by deterring prospective students and families concerned about unrestricted firearms on campus. As someone who works with enrollment data, she noted the financial struggles from lower tuition and budget cuts, stating it is unacceptable to inform high school students seeking a safe college environment that they would have no protection from guns. She praised UNH as the second safest college campus in the nation and emphasized the importance of maintaining this to attract students to its excellent educational opportunities.
HB1793
Oppose03:49:08.618 - 4:48:34 PM
Rachel Steiderhart, a junior at UNH and a proud gun owner raised with responsible gun ownership, testified in opposition to House Bill 1793. She criticized the bill for lacking provisions for safe storage, preventing access by at-risk roommates, or prohibiting carrying while intoxicated or in inappropriate campus locations, calling it a fundamental lack of common sense. She noted that the bill prevents the university from regulating safe gun ownership, such as requiring registration with police for hunting or range access, which was previously functional under New Hampshire's flexible gun laws. Steiderhart argued that the bill does not improve safety or gun access but increases danger, hinders responsible ownership education, and exposes the university to lawsuits for providing guidance, ultimately harming students.
HB1793
Oppose03:50:49.618 - 4:50:15 PM
Alex Marshall, a sophomore studying marine biology at UNH from Illinois, testified in opposition to House Bill 1793. He expressed desire to stay in New Hampshire due to its democratic traditions and no sales tax but cited a Student Senate survey showing over 80% of peers opposing the bill, feeling that elected officials ignore constituents. As a prospective student, he would not have chosen UNH if aware of the bill, emphasizing New Hampshire's reliance on internal immigration from young people like him for population growth, workforce contribution, and economic spending as the population ages. Marshall urged the committee to consider long-term costs, listen to constituents, and avoid sending a message of disregard, noting that people can vote with their feet by leaving the state.
HB1793
Oppose03:52:19.870 - 4:51:45 PM
Susan Schilberg, a Sandwich, New Hampshire resident, Plymouth State University graduate, mother of a current UNH student, former state social worker, and ordained minister with experience in gun-owning households and youth mental health, testified in opposition to House Bill 1793. Drawing on her background, including growing up with firearms and her father's licensed dealership, she highlighted scientific research on college-age students' developing frontal lobes leading to impulsive decisions influenced by hormones, amygdala responses, party culture, alcohol, and substance use. She described adding firearms to this environment as a recipe for tragedy, whether accidental or intentional, and shared personal experiences with the dangers of alcohol and guns. Schilberg praised UNH's low crime rate as a parental appeal and urged rejecting political pressures not aligned with student safety, citing data showing armed individuals more likely to harm family, friends, or themselves, especially with youth volatility, rather than reducing crimes statistically.
HB1793
Support03:55:13.584 - 4:54:39 PM
Penny Dean strongly supports HB 1793, emphasizing the underreporting of rapes and sexual assaults on New Hampshire university campuses under the Clery Act. She argues that the bill allows women to defend themselves, criticizing alternatives like pepper spray as insufficient compared to firearms. She addresses concerns about students being drunk or irresponsible, noting that laws still apply on campus and youth should not be discriminated against regarding rights. Dean questions claims that campuses with guns have higher rape incidents, urging the committee to request Clery data from universities to verify such statistics.
HB1793
Oppose03:58:59.801 - 4:58:25 PM
Nancy Brennan opposes HB 1793, sharing a story of a 17-year-old student named Glenn who, after drinking and being insulted, fired a gun in the air and then attempted suicide, highlighting risks of alcohol and guns among young people. She recounts another incident involving a trained gun owner who nearly shot the wrong person during the Gabby Giffords shooting due to confusion. As a UNH graduate whose family are all UNH alumni, she states they would not attend if the bill passes, stressing the need for caution given alcohol's role in university life.
HB1793
Oppose04:01:25.348 - 5:00:51 PM
Hans Hendricks, a residence hall director at the University of New Hampshire overseeing 430 first-year students since 2023, opposes HB 1793 based on his experience responding to incidents like alcohol overconsumption, mental health emergencies, sexual misconduct, and code violations. He cites a campus survey where 81.8% of 2,361 students and 82.2% of New Hampshire residents oppose the bill. As a responsible gun owner, he has no desire to carry on campus, praising the UNH police department's training, de-escalation policies, and collaboration with Durham police.
HB1793
Oppose04:04:44.486 - 5:04:10 PM
Hannah Bowler, a residence hall director and 2022 UNH graduate living in Durham, opposes HB 1793, describing her sense of safety on campus due to protocols, 24/7 escort services, blue light systems, and bans on dangerous weapons. She responds to various incidents including mental health and sexual misconduct, arguing that firearms would not prevent assaults, particularly in the 'red zone' first six to eight weeks when over 50% of assaults occur among acquaintances in residence halls often involving alcohol. Bowler emphasizes prevention through education and intervention over shifting burden to survivors, noting increased risks in crises and answering questions on escort services and personal safety with firearms in her office.
HB1793
Oppose04:10:22.326 - 5:09:48 PM
Sarah Gentile from Rochester opposes HB 1793, highlighting college as a vulnerable time with pressures leading to mental health struggles like suicide, the second leading cause of death among students, where firearms are lethal 90% of the time in attempts. She shares her personal sophomore-year experience with deep depression where lack of firearm access allowed her to seek help, contrasting with peers who died due to easy access. Gentile urges voting the bill inexpedient to legislate, emphasizing prevention to save lives and that increased firearm access in dorms heightens risks for struggling students.
HB1793
Oppose04:13:45.736 - 5:13:11 PM
Rachel Rowley, joined by her vice president and external affairs chairperson, represents the 11,000 undergraduate students at UNH as an apolitical advocacy body. They conducted a survey with 2,361 responses (20% of the student body) via the UNH Survey Center, showing 85.3% opposition to HB 1793 and 85.9% of students less likely to attend UNH if passed. The survey had five response options with most in strong opposition. They presented a resolution urging the committee to declare the bill inexpedient to legislate to protect student welfare. During Q&A, they confirmed no student support for alternative versions, emphasized broad opposition to removing university authority over firearms, and detailed the survey's validity and demographic representation.
HB1793
Oppose04:18:49.472 - 5:18:15 PM
Benny Griffin highlights extraordinary opposition at UNH, including a petition with over 1,200 signatures against the bill. She stresses that introducing firearms on campus compromises student safety, uniting groups across the political spectrum. Students at UNH, Plymouth State, and Keene State oppose it. She urges the committee to listen to student perspectives and declare the bill inexpedient to legislate, fulfilling constitutional duties to protect citizens' welfare and safety.
HB1793
Oppose04:20:58.035 - 5:20:24 PM
Skylar Cook testifies against HB 1793, arguing that unregulated gun use and storage on campus endangers students, especially those in mental health crises. She shares a personal story of her sibling's suicide attempt at age 14, noting how access to a gun could have been fatal. She implores the committee to prevent student deaths by keeping guns off campuses.
HB1793
Oppose04:22:41.894 - 5:22:07 PM
Ellie Smith questions the 'Protecting College Students Act' title of the bill, noting no campus shootings in New Hampshire history, only off-campus incidents linked to house parties and substance use. She argues the bill fails to protect students with mental health issues (over 60% affected), increases tuition via insurance hikes and security costs, endangers on-campus daycares, and drives away faculty, students, and police. Citing studies on higher gun ownership correlating with homicides and suicide as a leading cause of death among college students, she warns of economic impacts like declining property values and lost tuition revenue (half from out-of-state students). On behalf of the Student Senate, she states students, faculty, and neighbors oppose guns on campus and urges rejection of the bill.
HB1793
Oppose04:25:40.714 - 5:25:06 PM
Dr. Hilliard-Campbell, a pediatrician with over 50 years in small towns, shares a true story of an 18-year-old college freshman who killed his roommate with a gun on a state university campus. The shooter, from a good family with no prior issues, was harassed by his Gulf War veteran roommate and borrowed a gun to retaliate, receiving a life sentence. She emphasizes college students' lack of emotional maturity for handling challenges and guns, stating guns do not belong on campuses as they kill people. During Q&A, she rejects compromises, advocating for minimal gun exposure to prevent accidents, suicides, thefts, and deaths, citing data that guns increase family risks.
HB1793
Oppose04:30:28.345 - 5:29:54 PM
Em Cosgrove opposes HB 1793, noting her parents' relief at UNH's safety reputation, which the bill would undermine, causing daily fears for students' lives. She expresses fears of gun violence from classmates, roommates, or intoxicated students, and suicidal access. Peers share these concerns, potentially leading to online-only classes or leaving UNH; she wouldn't have enrolled if guns were allowed. While supporting gun ownership rights, she argues campuses require regulations for safety, as more guns increase risks of wounds or deaths. She urges opposition to protect student lives.
HB1793
Oppose04:32:32.804 - 5:31:58 PM
Brady Crossman, in his first year at UNH, opposes the bill, fearing it would make campus unsafe. He worries about accidental discharges in large lectures (100-200 students), bullets penetrating dorm walls during conflicts, and friends' suicide attempts succeeding with gun access—three in his group this year survived without it. Personally, at low points without help, easy gun access might have led him to end his life. He implores the committee to oppose the bill.
HB1793
Oppose04:34:46.834 - 5:34:12 PM
Rowan Lee, not a college student but planning to attend this fall, opposes HB 1793 for the first time testifying publicly. Their partner, a stressed CA at UNH's Babcock Hall juggling studies and jobs, faces campus violence risks; they've driven there at night for safety. At a recent bar visit, five brawls occurred in two hours in a crowded, dark space—adding guns risks stray bullets killing innocents like children, siblings, or parents. They question what the committee will say to grieving families after inevitable shootings at UNH, Plymouth, or Keene, stating 'no comment' won't suffice and enough is enough.
HB1793
Oppose04:37:24.130 - 5:36:50 PM
Matthew Stern opposes HB 1793, not against responsible gun ownership but viewing it as a financial burden amid UNH's declining enrollment and student deterrence (citing prior poll). It would cut tuition revenue, exacerbating service reductions like the closed campus pharmacy, which cost less than the bill's infrastructure and lost funds. He met UNH administration post-closure to discuss pharmaceutical access, denied due to costs far below the bill's impact. He anticipates tuition hikes and reduced aid, unaffordable for many, plus unknown costs.
HB1793
Support04:38:41.770 - 5:38:07 PM
Shirley Harianto, a single mom, advocates for stronger protections of individual rights, public safety, and accountability in communities, schools, and public institutions. She urges protection of the right to record audio and video during public interactions as evidence for victims. She supports the bills with conditions, including preventing carrying under the influence of alcohol, using technology for safe storage, and addressing racism and discrimination affecting non-native English speakers and diverse backgrounds. She emphasizes dignity, fairness, respect, and harsher punishments for those under alcohol influence, believing collaboration can solve problems.
HB1793
Oppose04:42:06.944 - 5:41:32 PM
Millie Chayka, a criminal justice major at Plymouth State University, opposes House Bill 1793, arguing it undermines college autonomy in regulating safety and removes power from local law enforcement and administrators. The bill prohibits reasonable safety measures like proper firearm storage in dorms and fails to balance rights with public safety. It would force investments in security, diverting educational funding, and disregard student, faculty, and staff well-being. New Hampshire colleges already accommodate Second Amendment rights, and policing should be left to law enforcement. She suggests reasonable restrictions like regulating firearms in residential halls and academic buildings, highlighting concerns for retention rates, especially out-of-state students, and reiterates that protecting individual rights should not compromise public safety.
HB1793
Information Only04:46:54.745 - 5:46:20 PM
The psychology PhD student at UNH, interested in school shooting prevention, references the United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center and Dr. David Riedman's K-12 school shooting database. She notes that 98% of school shootings involve perpetrators with easy access to guns from family or friends, and many occur in low social control areas like parking lots or athletic events, even with minimal casualties. She highlights the youth mental health crisis per the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey, including increased suicide risk, depression, and anxiety since 2021, and the underdeveloped prefrontal cortex in youth affecting decision-making and executive functioning.
HB1793
Support04:49:47.111 - 5:49:13 PM
Brent Tweed strongly supports the bill, arguing it aligns campus rules with private homes, Walmart, and other public spaces. He counters opponents' safety fears with empirical evidence: 29 states with permitless carry laws show no increase in violence, with many having lower violent crime rates post-enactment. From 2000-2023, permitless carry states saw a 10% lower violent crime rate than the national average. About a dozen states allow campus carry with no reported violence increases. Studies, including one referenced by opponents, show no proof that campus carry causes more crime. He urges passing the bill without amendments for equal constitutional rights and self-defense.
HB1793
Support04:53:45.671 - 5:53:11 PM
Justin Benatti, a UNH freshman from Connecticut with a permit to possess a long gun obtained under restrictive laws costing nearly $400, treats campus as his home and believes he should defend himself there as in Connecticut. New Hampshire law reserves firearm regulation to the state, not universities, and supports constitutional carry. He asks the committee to pass House Bill 1793.
HB1793
Oppose04:55:53.246 - 5:55:19 PM
Jonathan Melanson opposes the bill, highlighting concerns in emergency situations with large crowds in compact areas involving multiple police departments or jurisdictions, complicating threat identification. He notes the increase in swatting incidents in New Hampshire, such as recent bomb threats to schools and threats to Dover, Portsmouth, and Concord in 2024, which led to rapid SWAT dispatches across the state.
HB1793
Oppose04:57:04.606 - 5:56:30 PM
As a representative from districts neighboring Durham and UNH, Weinstein opposes the bill by highlighting the extensive list of prohibited items in UNH on-campus housing for safety reasons, including appliances and hazardous materials. He argues that firearms should also be included on this prohibited list to maintain campus safety standards.
HB1793
Support04:59:01.084 - 5:58:27 PM
Boone, a commuter student and National Guard member, supports the bill, feeling treated as a second-class citizen on tax-funded public campus property where he cannot defend himself despite his service. He shares experiences of receiving threats due to his advocacy and notes gathering over 400 signatures via a petition on self-defense rights. He emphasizes the bill upholds principles of safety, personal responsibility, and the right to self-defense, urging support for HB 1793.
HB1793
Support05:04:28.530 - 6:03:54 PM
Thiebaud, as a co-sponsor and student, supports the bill to protect constitutional rights on campus. He notes limited testimony from non-UNH institutions like PSU, NHTI, community colleges, and private universities, advocating for their representation. He discusses student safety concerns, including fears from peers about walking at night and restrictions on non-lethal tools like pepper spray. He cites shootings at Brown and Old Dominion as examples where gun-free zones leave students vulnerable, arguing HB 1793 gives them a fighting chance. During Q&A, he defers to the prime sponsor on amendments but suggests addressing alcohol issues instead and supports lockboxes in dorms if needed. He opposes creating classes of citizens via restrictions like red flag laws or mental health commitments beyond current laws.
HB1793
Support05:13:08.941 - 6:12:34 PM
Hobart supports HB 1793, noting New Hampshire's constitutional carry outside campuses but gun-free zones on tax-funded properties that disarm law-abiding individuals. He argues these zones attract criminals, citing tragedies like Brown University and Uvalde's delayed response. The bill restores rights without mandating carry and includes non-lethal tools like pepper spray. He urges passage to prevent disarming the innocent.
HB1793
Oppose05:15:53.647 - 6:15:19 PM
Stark opposes HB 1793 on behalf of 19 public and private colleges, arguing it removes campuses' ability to manage safety with professionals. Campus and municipal police unanimously oppose it, citing complications in emergency response, increased risks, and undermined protocols. He highlights vague 'public funds' language potentially affecting private nonprofits and the private right of action leading to lawsuits amid financial strains. Urges finding the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB1793
Oppose05:17:56.527 - 6:17:22 PM
Rubenstein opposes the bill, acknowledging its complexity and ideological divides. He notes variations in other states' campus carry laws, such as enhanced permits or training, and provides correspondence on opposition from public safety representatives. He raises concerns about liability, securing weapons in instructional settings like welding labs, impacts on early learning programs and high schools on campuses, and federal K-12 gun bans. Recommends additional study and finding inexpedient to legislate as drafted.
HB1793
Oppose05:21:45.279 - 6:21:11 PM
Olivia Fonseca, a third-year residence hall director, testified in strong opposition to House Bill 1793. She described residence halls as dense communities where students face stress, conflicts, and personal challenges, including mental health crises. She explained that her role involves responding to incidents and notifying parents, and she could not imagine informing parents about gun-related injuries. Fonseca warned that the bill would undermine clear policies and quick responses, leading to staff turnover and difficulties in filling essential safety positions. During questioning, she compared residence halls to courthouses where guns are prohibited and emphasized the risks to student staff as the first line of defense.
HB1793
Oppose05:25:08.688 - 6:24:34 PM
Zach Terrell, a gun owner and hunter from Plymouth, testified in opposition to HB 1793, clarifying he supports Second Amendment rights but highlighted the bill's negative impacts on his town. He noted Plymouth State University's dissolution of its campus police in favor of a life safety service agreement with the town, making campus safety a direct concern for local taxpayers and officers. Terrell referenced opposition from the police chief and deputy chief, the bill's fiscal note estimating $100,000 to $500,000 in costs without funding, and the private right of action allowing lawsuits against institutions for $10,000 minimum damages. He urged local decision-making based on expert testimony and recommended finding the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB1793
Support05:28:12.508 - 6:27:38 PM
Representative Michael Granger, a co-sponsor of HB 1793, testified in support, expressing confidence that concerns could be addressed through amendments to facilitate passage in the Senate. He deferred details but offered to discuss potential accommodations, emphasizing his role as a team player who would align with prime sponsor Sam Farrington. During questioning, Granger shared his personal view favoring positive accountability for firearms and openness to restrictions on open carry in classrooms while supporting concealed carry, but he would not advocate without Farrington's approval.
HB1793
Oppose05:31:53.969 - 6:31:19 PM
Sloane Smith, a UNH sophomore, opposed HB 1793, citing an interaction with sponsor Sam Farrington where he reportedly said students do not deserve to feel safe on campus. She noted 85% student opposition and questioned the bill as a preventative measure, highlighting risks of accidental misfirings, police confusion with multiple armed individuals, and the experimental nature of allowing guns without safe storage like in other states. Smith criticized Farrington for creating the bill in his final college year, leaving students as 'guinea pigs,' and called out his hypocrisy in labeling opponents as cowards.
HB1793
Oppose05:33:26.329 - 6:32:52 PM
Holly Stevens from NAMI New Hampshire opposed HB 1793, emphasizing that mental illnesses like depression and schizophrenia often emerge in late adolescence and early adulthood, coinciding with college stressors. She expressed concern that open access to firearms could lead to preventable suicides, noting firearms' high lethality and that 90% of attempters survive other methods but not guns. Stevens cited YRBS data showing 21.3% of NH youth seriously considered suicide and 16.9% planned it, and highlighted impacts on first responders with high PTSD rates responding to campus incidents.
HB1793
Oppose05:37:15.910 - 6:36:41 PM
Dr. John Bunker, former UNH associate dean and NAMI board member, strongly opposed HB 1793, citing four peer-reviewed studies. A Johns Hopkins review found only 13% of mass shootings in gun-free zones, with most driven by grievances, not opportunity. A 2025 Injury Epidemiology paper showed no reduction in crime from campus carry in Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas; instead, weapon violence increased in Texas and fear of crime rose in Georgia. He criticized John Lott's work as unreplicable and contradicted by studies linking right-to-carry laws to increased violent crime. Bunker urged rejection based on scientific evidence.
HB1793
Oppose05:42:03.935 - 6:41:29 PM
Tim Hoenader, representing UNH Graduate Student Senate, UNHGEU-UAW, and as UNH Student Trustee and Chair of the USNH Student Board, opposed HB 1793. He cited unanimous resolutions against the bill and 85% undergraduate opposition, predicting decreased enrollment in USNH institutions as the only New England state with such a policy, affecting transfers, out-of-state, international, and graduate students. Hoenader noted civil penalties could equal half a graduate employee's annual income and deter students from enrolling or working due to fear of guns in classrooms, offices, and labs.
HB1793
Support05:46:06.975 - 6:45:32 PM
Christopher Wade from Keene supported HB 1793, arguing it aligns with New Hampshire's pro-freedom ethos as the 'Live Free or Die' state. He acknowledged potential impacts on students opposed to guns but noted private universities unaffected, potentially attracting pro-gun out-of-state students. Wade suggested enrollment might not be negatively impacted overall, given the 50-50 national split on gun policies, and viewed the bill as continuing NH's unique trend.
HB1793
Support05:47:47.928 - 6:47:13 PM
Ryan Hebert testified in support of HB 1793, emphasizing the New Hampshire Constitution's guarantee of the right to keep and bear arms for all persons, including college students aged 18 and older. He argued that equal rights should not stop at campus boundaries and that young adults deserve the same self-defense rights as others. He highlighted the independent nature of college life, where students manage their own safety without constant police presence, and urged the committee to preserve equal dignity and rights without paternalistic restrictions.
HB1793
Oppose05:54:37.879 - 6:54:03 PM
Elizabeth Fontaine, a student at the University of New Hampshire, testified in opposition to HB 1793. She described college as a place for knowledge pursuit, open debate, and emotional growth, arguing that allowing weapons on campus would undermine safety and inclusivity, making students feel less safe. She noted current options for storing weapons with university police and expressed concerns about heightened tension in armed classrooms, declining mental health due to hypervigilance, and increased fear, division, and potential injuries if the bill passes.
HB1793
Oppose05:56:53.191 - 6:56:19 PM
Kathleen Slover testified in opposition to HB 1793, sharing her involvement with Gun Sense New Hampshire Coalition after feeling saddened by House hearing testimony. She described conducting town halls and discussions with students, community members, law enforcement, and officials over four months, resulting in expanded talking points. Key takeaways included trusting law enforcement for public safety over individual Second Amendment rights and listening to students who grew up with gun culture and lockdowns but still oppose the bill, emphasizing community collaboration and law enforcement's role in safety.
HB1793
Oppose06:00:03.551 - 6:59:29 PM
Dr. Heather Barber, a retired faculty member from the University of New Hampshire after 28 years, testified in opposition to HB 1793. She expressed fears of increased bloodshed on campus due to student pressures like grades, finances, and relationships exacerbating depression, isolation, anger, and suicide risks. She highlighted her experiences referring students to counseling and conducting active shooter drills, arguing that easy firearm access could prevent interventions and heighten violence potential in emotionally charged interactions. She trusted university police, who stated the bill complicates their jobs, and urged opposition to protect students and the university community.
HB1793
Oppose06:03:06.249 - 7:02:32 PM
Eli Orn, a freshman psychology student at UNH, opposes HB1793-FN, arguing that it would increase suicide risks among college students aged 18-24, a vulnerable period for mental health issues like bipolar and schizophrenia. He shares personal struggles and notes that over five close friends attempted suicide using less lethal methods, none planning to try again. He emphasizes gratitude for not having firearm access during his hardest times, citing that firearm suicides are 90% lethal and survivors often face disfiguring injuries or permanent intellectual disabilities. Orn also points out that guns can currently be legally owned on campus if registered with police, and the bill would hinder safe regulation, exposing roommates, friends, and others to risks if storage isn't mandated.
HB1793
Oppose06:06:37.583 - 7:06:03 PM
Jackson Conway, a 22-year-old political science student, opposes the bill despite supporting the Second Amendment in theory, citing recent events like government overreach, violence, and AI surveillance that erode trust in leaders. However, he argues that college-aged adults lack the emotional intelligence and maturity to handle guns responsibly. He highlights broader societal issues, including partisan bickering and inadequate mental health care, which must be addressed before allowing campus carry. Conway warns that regardless of the vote, harm will occur—accidents, crimes, or missed self-defense opportunities—and urges awareness of consequences without claiming moral superiority.
HB1793
Support06:08:32.483 - 7:07:58 PM
Steve Zemanek from Manchester Ward 11, a Keene State College graduate, supports HB1793-FN. He describes how only half of students lived on campus during his time, with housing limited to freshmen via lottery, forcing many like him to live two miles away with poor parking and late classes ending at 8 p.m. Even on-campus residents often have off-campus jobs or social events, necessitating travel. Zemanek argues that restricting self-defense on campus extends responsibility to safe travel to and from it, which is impossible to guarantee. He notes that community colleges like Manchester have nearly half students over 25, and dorm arrangements could be voluntary for those avoiding roommates with guns.
HB1793
Oppose06:10:53.723 - 7:10:19 PM
Kevin Rondo, a congressional candidate, supports the Second Amendment unconditionally but opposes HB1793-FN after unsuccessful attempts to discuss concerns with sponsor Representative Farrington, who prioritized other activities. Rondo echoes others on high suicide rates among first-year college students, the second leading cause of death, attributing it to transitional pressures, failures, and mental illness rather than fear-mongering over gun rights. He argues educators should identify unfit students, fear isn't a valid reason to restrict rights, lawmakers aren't liable for crimes, and post-crime punishment deters better than preemptive restrictions on the innocent. Rondo praises Farrington for introducing the bill but urges listening to testimony, and raises concerns about death threats against the sponsor, calling for legislative action against intimidation.
HB1793
Oppose06:15:12.279 - 7:14:38 PM
Mackenzie Nicholson expresses concerns as a mother about school shootings and gun violence, noting 32 school shootings in K-12 by March 31, 2026, resulting in 15 deaths, and gun violence as a leading cause of death for children and teens. She emphasizes that campuses include dorms, libraries, childcare centers in places like Plymouth, Keene, Nashua, and Durham, which have strict firearm rules to protect children and could risk federal funding under this bill. She highlights fiscal concerns like higher insurance and tuition costs, urging the committee not to pass HB 1793 to ensure safe learning environments without guns on campuses.
HB1793
Support06:17:39.408 - 7:17:05 PM
Kimberly Morin discusses the League's training of college-aged women, instructors, and faculty in safe firearm use and situational awareness, emphasizing that women are their own first line of defense. She argues that self-defense rights do not end on campus, citing the example of Amanda Collins Johnson, who was raped at gunpoint on campus because she couldn't carry her permitted firearm, leading to her being 'legislated into being a victim.' She supports passing HB 1793 and is open to compromises like locking up firearms in dorms or restrictions at events, but favors university policies over legal mandates.
HB1793
Support06:22:42.988 - 7:22:08 PM
Nate Dwyer supports the bill by addressing mass shootings, citing the Crime Prevention Research Center's analysis of FBI data from 2014-2022, which found that 43% of mass shootings in 2022 were stopped by armed civilians, a figure rising to over 60% outside gun-free zones—a 20% increase. He argues this shows the benefit of allowing carry on campuses, responding to concerns about multiple armed students creating hazards by noting low likelihood of many carriers in small spaces and comparing to church scenarios where dispersed armed individuals respond effectively.
HB1793
Support06:27:15.137 - 7:26:41 PM
Awen Osborne, as a young female student, argues that firearms equalize physical disadvantages in potential altercations with males, as training or pepper spray may not suffice. She shares personal experiences of being followed home off-campus in poorly lit areas, where escalation could have been deadly without means to defend herself. She urges voting Ought to Pass on the bill to prevent leaving young women defenseless in emergencies.
HB1793
Oppose06:28:51.166 - 7:28:17 PM
Lucas Coriatti criticizes HB 1793 as unwanted, unnecessary, and ill-conceived, noting 85% student opposition, high depression rates among college students (35% per Mayo Health Clinic), and ongoing school shooting concerns. He highlights opposition from students, professors, and police, and suggests alternatives like funding behavioral threat assessments and interdisciplinary mental health support for troubled students, emphasizing the bill disregards the UNH community's will.
HB1793
Oppose06:30:17.446 - 7:29:43 PM
Isaac Rysdam argues against the bill using a parable about gold losing value if everyone has it, paralleling how guns would lose effectiveness as self-defense if everyone carries them on campus. He notes that supporters imagine only vulnerable people arming themselves, but in reality, everyone including potential perpetrators would. He cites a 2019 Bureau of Justice report showing 29-36% of felony prisoners owned firearms at the time of offense, compared to 21% of general adults, indicating criminals would be more likely to arm themselves.
HB1793
Support06:33:25.206 - 7:32:51 PM
Milo Myrite supports the bill, stating that banning guns on campus does not solve suicide, referencing a 2017 incident at Georgia Tech where a student committed suicide with a knife despite bans. He argues that while laws cannot prevent all suicides, there are better non-governmental solutions, and the status quo of gun bans is ineffective against such issues.
HB1793
Oppose06:35:20.495 - 7:34:46 PM
Annie Ragland opposes HB 1793, explaining she chose UNH for its culture, people, and education. She recalls witnessing a fight on campus last semester that UNH handled well by separating the individuals, but fears how guns, possibly under the influence at night, would complicate such situations. As a woman, she worries about safety when going out at night or focusing on schoolwork and exams with open-carried guns nearby. She states she would not have chosen UNH if the bill were in effect.
HB1793
Oppose06:37:32.643 - 7:36:58 PM
John McKenna opposes the bill as the most far-reaching and reckless campus carry legislation in the U.S. He quotes Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia from the Heller decision affirming the right to bear arms but not absolutely, upholding prohibitions in sensitive places like schools. He references Jefferson and Madison, founders of UVA, who banned weapons on campus. He lists actual incidents in states like Colorado, Florida, and Georgia with less permissive laws, including guns left at bus stops and threats in dorms, contrasting hypothetical benefits with real everyday risks, urging to maintain the working status quo.
HB1793
Oppose06:40:42.923 - 7:40:08 PM
Phyllis Mackey, who earned her master's at UNH and counseled on campus, opposes HB 1793, stating she would not have attended if guns were allowed and would not send her children to such a school. She discusses the underdeveloped prefrontal cortex in young adults (maturing around 25-30s), leading to impulsivity driven by the amygdala, worsened by alcohol and substances, impairing decision-making and risk assessment. New Hampshire's suicide rate is 35% above the national average, with firearms the most common method and second leading cause of death for ages 10-44. She argues the bill, motivated by vigilante fantasies, increases risks of accidents, suicides, abuse, assaults, and endangers law enforcement; civilians in shootings are dangerous per experts. She shares that carrying a gun while walking at night would not make her feel safer and could be turned against her. She criticizes NH's poor mental health resources compared to neighboring states and submits her husband's opposing testimony, a hunter with lifetime NRA membership.
HB1793
Oppose06:45:53.637 - 7:45:19 PM
Simonita Thurber opposes the bill, noting that college students face new relationships, academic demands, and independence while their brains undergo changes, with frontal lobes for impulse control and emotion regulation maturing in the mid-20s. This contributes to higher risks of anxiety disorders, major depression, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia.
HB1793
Oppose06:46:30.957 - 7:45:56 PM
The speaker discusses the emergence of mental health issues like eating disorders and substance abuse between ages 17-23, coinciding with high risks of firearm homicide, shootings, and suicides among college students, where firearms are a common method. They argue against bringing guns to dorms, classes, exams, events, or parties, especially with alcohol involved. Students can already legally possess and store firearms securely off-campus, and secure storage reduces risks of unintentional shootings, suicides, and theft. The speaker shares personal experience raising children and bringing a therapy dog to UNH during finals, highlighting student stress, and urges trusting colleges to manage safety while allowing learning.
HB1793
Support06:48:31.849 - 7:47:57 PM
As a college professor, Kimberly Queenen expresses fears for her safety and job due to campus vulnerabilities. She describes preferring offices with windows for escape, keeping doors open during office hours, and lacking defense mechanisms like concealed carry or vehicle storage. She recounts three campus alerts in one year: a dorm incident, one ignored while working from home, and a high-speed chase by an armed, shoeless intruder entering her building, forcing her to shelter in place without protection. She loves teaching adult students including veterans but feels unprotected against threats from students, professors, or outsiders. Queenen supports her right to self-defense to return home to family, notes colleagues' similar fears, and is open to compromise like secure storage options. In Q&A, she affirms professors' safety concerns for themselves and students, suggesting controlled carry methods but opposing unrestricted roaming with firearms.