New Hampshire: Two Self-Defense Measures to be Heard on Friday

On Friday, February 5^th, the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety will consider self-defense legislation, House Bill 81 and House Bill 197.  Please contact committee members and ask them to SUPPORT House Bill 81 and House Bill 197.

House Bill 81 is a common-sense clarification in the laws relating to the statute governing physical force in defense of a person. The bill proposes to clarify that an individual is justified in using physical force in defense of another individual, such as a family member, when a felony is being committed within the individual’s dwelling or curtilage. This is a common-sense clarification in the law, which ensures victims of crime can use force in defense of themselves or loved ones, without the worry of being prosecuted.

House Bill 197 is a similar common-sense measure that extends the justified physical force in defense of a person, when it is believed that another person is likely to use unlawful force against the individual in a vehicle, dwelling, or curtilage. This ensures that an individual maintains their right to defend themselves and their loved ones in the event of an unlawful attacker.

Again, please contact members of the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety and ask them to SUPPORT House Bill 81 and House Bill 197.  Those wishing to submit testimony or register their opinions through the state website can do so by clicking here.

Those wishing to watch the hearing can do so on Youtube at the below times:

• House Bill 81 – 12:15pm
• House Bill 197 – 1:30pm​