Bill > SB144

This bill, named the "Chief Bradley Haas Mental Health Firearms Reporting Act", authorizes the state of New Hampshire to report certain mental health-related information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for firearm background check purposes. The bill establishes a process for reporting individuals who have been adjudicated as not guilty by reason of insanity, found incompetent to stand trial and deemed dangerous, or involuntarily committed to a mental health facility. When such a determination is made, the court or department of safety will report limited identifying information to NICS, which could prohibit these individuals from purchasing or possessing firearms. The bill also provides a mechanism for individuals to petition for relief from these firearms disabilities after a specified waiting period, which involves an independent psychiatric examination and a court hearing. During mental health-related court proceedings, judges are required to inquire about the person's firearm ownership and can issue orders for voluntary relinquishment or law enforcement confiscation of firearms. The bill includes protections for privacy, ensuring that only specific, necessary information is reported and that voluntary mental health treatment records are not disclosed. The implementation of these provisions is contingent upon approval from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the bill includes a $1 appropriation for psychiatric evaluations related to the relief from disabilities process.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=1116&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB144