Bill > HB1244

This bill modifies New Hampshire's criminal threatening statute by expanding the legal exceptions for self-defense in situations involving criminal trespass. Specifically, the bill allows individuals to display a firearm or use other means of self-defense when they reasonably believe a person criminally trespassing might cause property damage, serious bodily injury, or death, without being charged with a criminal act. The existing law already permitted self-defense responses to threats, but this amendment explicitly adds property damage as a potential trigger and specifically mentions criminal trespass (defined under RSA 635:2) as a context for such defensive actions. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2027, and while it may have some indeterminable fiscal impact on judicial and correctional systems, it does not require direct state expenditures. The legislation aims to provide clearer legal protections for individuals responding to potential threats during criminal trespass situations, potentially giving property owners more latitude in defending themselves and their property.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2362&inflect=2