Blackjacks, slung shots, brass knuckles would become legal under bill passed by NH House
Eight Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the weapons bill, while seven Republicans voted against it. (Photo by Dana Wormald/New Hampshire Bulletin)
The House approved legislation Thursday that would allow adults to have several weapons that are currently prohibited under state law.
House Bill 207 would repeal the ban on blackjacks, a type of weighted baton; slung shots, a weapon with a heavy ball or knot on the end of a rope; and metallic knuckles. The ban would still be in place for those under 18, and people would be prohibited under the bill from selling or otherwise giving these weapons to minors.
It passed the House, 207-162, and still needs approval from the Senate. Eight Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill, while seven Republicans voted against it. A similar measure was referred to interim study last year. Another bill that would have completely repealed the ban failed to pass in 2023.
The House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety had recommended, 8-7, that the bill pass.
In the committee report, Rep. Jennifer Rhodes, a Winchester Republican, argued that the majority of the panel felt the current ban was an unconstitutional violation of the Second Amendment right to bear arms. She also said the weapons could be useful for self-defense, and should not be banned when more lethal weapons are legal.
Meanwhile, Rep. Linda Harriott-Gathright, a Nashua Democrat, argued that 'these weapons continue to be used by aggressors to intimidate, terrorize, and brutally assault their victims,' and that, unlike a hammer or other tool, 'are specifically designed to be used to assault other human beings.'
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