Bill > HB1203

This bill modifies New Hampshire law regarding the return of firearms seized during criminal proceedings. Specifically, the bill requires that when a criminal case ends with a not guilty verdict or is discontinued by the state, the court must immediately order the return of any firearms or ammunition that were seized, and the law enforcement agency must return these items within 24 hours. The legislation eliminates the need for a background check in such cases, ensuring that individuals who are found not guilty or have charges dropped can quickly regain possession of their firearms. The bill aims to protect the property rights of individuals who have been cleared of criminal charges, preventing prolonged detention of firearms after a legal proceeding has concluded in their favor. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while it is expected to create some additional administrative costs for law enforcement agencies (estimated at $45,000 annually for the state police), these expenses are viewed as necessary to implement the new legal requirement.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1981&inflect=2