Gov. Sununu Vetoes HB 687 ‘Red Flag’ Law Bill in New Hampshire

Gov Chris Sununu defended the Second Amendment from yet another attempt by Democrats to infringe on people’s rights. The incumbent vetoed House Bill 687 that would allow the confiscation of people’s firearms based on mere allegations and without a due process. Gov. Sununu said the bill “goes too far and would weaken the constitutional rights of law-abiding New Hampshire citizens.”

“I will continue to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health as there is much work yet to be done in New Hampshire, but that work cannot come at the expense of the constitutional rights of our citizens,” Sununu said in a statement.

Debra Altschiller (D-Rockingham 19), backed by ten democratic representatives, sponsored the bill. HB 687 would allow family members and law enforcement to confiscate people’s firearm on mere accusations of being a danger to themselves and others.

People whose firearms were unduly repossessed had to go to court to regain possession of their property. This process would impose an immense financial burden on the accused person. However, individuals who file confiscation orders based on false claims would face misdemeanor charges, making the law a potential candidate for misuse.

The law also allowed people who were no longer involved in the lives of the subject to file confiscation orders. For example, HB 687 listed ex-spouses and people who cohabited with the subject within the past 24 months, but no longer living together with the subject, as eligible for filing confiscation orders. Such people are probably estranged and likely to use the law for revenge.

Democrats argued that the bill would not take firearms from law-abiding citizens but would give family members and law enforcement the necessary tools to require assistance from the courts.

However, the bill is just a ploy for democrats to weaken the Second Amendment by giving the state more tools to frustrate and persecute law-abiding gun owners. It also lacks the necessary constitutional guarantees to ensure the rights of the accused are protected.

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Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing universal background checks in our state, and if left unchecked, it will not be long until we see bills like this getting traction in Austin. Texas is embarrassingly ranked 29th for gun rights, and with the help of the political elites in Austin, we will surely rank among New York, California, and Illinois if left to their own devices. Please join our fight today, and help us restore Texas' place as the standard for the U.S.

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