NH House Testimony

HB1034

House · 2026 sessionDemocraticDied in House

Ban on guns at schools

AI

Makes knowingly possessing a firearm on public school property a class A misdemeanor, with exceptions for vehicle drop-off, law enforcement officers, and persons specifically authorized in writing by the school board, and bars schools from hiring armed guards without a criminal background check.

relative to possession of firearms on school property.

Education - GeneralCrimes, Crim.Proc. & Corr.Children

Status

Committee recommended Inexpedient to Legislate; died at adjournment · February 27, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

538 submissions
Support 348Oppose 190(149 form letter)Neutral 0

Hatched = form letter · 149 of 538 written submissions (28%) came from organized campaigns

Argument digest · AI-generated

from 86 of 234 written submissions

HB1034 would prohibit possession of firearms on school property, with exceptions such as law enforcement, and would require background checks for any hired armed school guards. Supporters, who make up the large majority of individually written testimony, argue guns simply do not belong in schools and that a state law is needed to give schools and police clear authority to enforce gun-free zones, while a smaller but heavily campaign-driven opposition argues the bill burdens law-abiding gun owners without improving safety and removes the ability of responsible adults to defend themselves.

Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 20, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.

Form-letter campaigns

149 of 234 written submissions (64%)

149 submissions match a shared template; 85 are individually written.

  • Oppose School Safety RestrictionsOppose149 submissions on this bill

    The template argues that the bill imposes unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens without providing meaningful safety benefits and suggests focusing on mental health services instead.

    The letter · submitted 149 times

    I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Brendan Rainville Plaistow, NH

Detected by text-similarity clustering; campaign names are AI-generated.

Catharine FarkasSupportSanbornton, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

GUNS DO NOT BELONG IN SCHOOLS!! (except perhaps under VERY LIMITED circumstances)

Arthur NortonOpposeForm letterGilford, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Arthur Norton Gilford, NH

Charlotte ConstantianOpposeForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Charlotte Constantian Hollis, NH

Susan VaillancourtSupportMANCHESTER, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Except in very limited situations, guns do no belong on school properties.

Robert DrysdaleSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Armed guards on campuses should at a minimum pass a background check!

Jerry GieseckeOpposeForm letterMerrimack, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Jerry Giesecke Merrimack, NH

Carla RamirezOpposeForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Carla Ramirez

Brian HoodOpposeForm letterNew Ipswich, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Brian Hood New Ipswich, NH

Tina HoodOpposeForm letterNew Ipswich, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Tina Hood New Ipswich, NH

Rene LeclercOpposeForm letterCandia, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Rene Leclerc Candia, NH

DAVID FRESCHIOpposeForm letterHOOKSETT, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, DAVID FRESCHI HOOKSETT, NH

Joanna AndrosSupportWalpole, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

It is important for schools to be safe places. In our Walpole middle school a few years ago, there was a devastating case of a student using a gun and harming himself. Results were devastating for him and those who witnessed the event. Schools should be places where the focus is on learning.

Sikt GroteOpposeForm letterNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Sikt Grote Nashua, NH

Susan RomitoOpposeForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Susan Romito Hollis, NH

Mark ConstantianOpposeForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Mark Constantian Hollis, NH

Edward SaltalamacchiaOpposeForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Edward Saltalamacchia Hollis, NH

Lauren SaltalamacchiaOpposeForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Lauren Saltalamacchia Hollis, NH

Eric MorinOpposeForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Eric Morin Hollis, NH

Peter StaubleOpposeForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Peter Stauble Hollis, NH

Debra BlakeOpposeForm letterHooksett, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Debra Blake Hooksett, NH

Virgina GradyOpposeForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Virgina Grady Hollis, NH

janine byronOpposeForm letterhollis, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, janine byron hollis, NH

Kathryn SchongarSupportPeterborough, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

As a retired teacher and tutor I want no firearms on school property.

Veronica HobsonSupportcenter sandwich, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

It is common sense, with instances of school violence continuing to rise, that no firearms should be permitted on school grounds other than those legally carried by hired safety officers. If you legally allow good guys with guns to enter a school, you are also allowing bad guys with guns to do the same.

Don DignanOpposeForm letterNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 1034 and urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety. My key concerns include: • The bill adds legal complications without meaningful safety benefits • It potentially criminalizes lawful behavior by responsible gun owners • New Hampshire already has effective laws addressing school safety • This legislation could create unintended consequences for parents, staff, and visitors • Resources would be better spent on mental health services and actual security measures New Hampshire has a strong tradition of respecting Second Amendment rights while maintaining safe schools. HB 1034 threatens this balance by imposing burdensome restrictions that won't make our children safer. I urge you to vote ITL on HB 1034 and instead focus on evidence-based approaches to school safety that don't infringe on our constitutional rights. Respectfully, Don Dignan Nashua, NH