GUNS DO NOT BELONG IN SCHOOLS!! (except perhaps under VERY LIMITED circumstances)
HB1034
House · 2026 sessionDemocraticDied in HouseBan on guns at schools
AIMakes 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.
Status
Committee recommended Inexpedient to Legislate; died at adjournment · February 27, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Division of testimony
538 submissionsHatched = form letter · 149 of 538 written submissions (28%) came from organized campaigns
Argument digest · AI-generated
from 86 of 234 written submissionsHB1034 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.
- Firearms simply do not belong on school propertySupport42 of 86 reviewed
Supporters argue as a baseline matter that guns have no place in schools and that keeping them off school grounds is a straightforward, common-sense step to protect children.
“Guns do not belong in schools. It seems pretty extreme to be allowing children to possess firearms in schools. My husband and son have been teachers in the school systems and guns have no right to be there!”
— Marie Straiton, Pembroke · #570130 — read full submission →
“There is no place for firearms on school grounds. We have seen far too many school shootings and haven't found a way to substantially reduce or eliminate them. Additional guns do not protect, they just create additional victims.”
— Kaitlyn Stefanski, Somersworth · #575639 — read full submission →
- Presence of guns makes schools less safe, not moreSupport15 of 86 reviewed
Supporters argue that having firearms present, including via armed staff or a 'good guy with a gun,' does not make schools safer and can increase the risk of violence, injury, or accidental harm.
“And forget the fantasy notion that "a good guy" with a gun would stop a deranged school shooter: A handgun is no match for an AR-15, the weapon of choice of most school shooters.”
— Denise Clark, Milford · #575247 — read full submission →
“Any guns on school grounds, other than when there is a active law enforcement in progress will make schools safer, and remind students, teachers and administrators that guns are dangerous and do not belong in a learning environment.”
— Betty Lane, Dover · #563625 — read full submission →
- State law needed to give schools and police clear authoritySupport5 of 86 reviewed
Supporters note that without a state law, local school boards and police departments lack clear authority to establish and enforce gun-free school zones, leaving the matter in an ambiguous legal position.
“Since there is no state law governing the possession of firearms on school property, it is of great importance that local school officials and police departments are able to regulate this for their cities, towns, and districts.”
— Helene Bickford, Hancock · #577985 — read full submission →
“The lack of a state law leaves local school administrators and police departments in murky waters and is putting students, educators, school districts, and police departments at risk.”
— Susan Horrell, Lyme · #578591 — read full submission →
- Armed school guards should require a background checkSupport9 of 86 reviewed
Supporters highlight the bill's provision requiring background checks before hiring armed guards for schools as a sensible safeguard alongside the firearm prohibition.
“I support this bill - it prohibits carrying a firearm on school property and prohibits the hiring of school armed guards without a background check.”
— Melanie Leathers, Bradford · #580909 — read full submission →
“This bill contains two commonsense provisions that will help ensure the safety of our school students: prohibiting guns from our schools, and requiring background checks for any armed guards working in our schools.”
— Jennifer Highland, Bridgewater · #563515 — read full submission →
- Bill burdens law-abiding gun owners without improving safetyOppose4 of 86 reviewed · 149 via form letter
Opponents argue the bill adds legal complications and could criminalize lawful behavior by responsible gun owners without meaningfully improving school safety, noting New Hampshire already has laws addressing the issue.
“This bill creates unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens while failing to address the real issues surrounding school safety.”
— form letter, submitted 149 times · #574400 — read full submission →
“My concern is that this bill does not meaningfully advance that goal, while placing new and unnecessary burdens on law abiding citizens.”
— Patrick Leblanc, Whitefield · #576345 — read full submission →
“The bill imposes confusing legal burdens on law-abiding gun owners who pose no threat to schools, while doing little—if anything—to improve actual security.”
— Jason Rokeach, Bedford · #575077 — read full submission →
- Disarming law-abiding people leaves schools undefendedOppose3 of 86 reviewed
Opponents argue that banning lawful carry removes the possibility of immediate armed defense, creating a 'soft target' where only an attacker would be armed until police arrive, since criminals do not obey gun laws in the first place.
“Banning lawful carry in schools guarantees the absence of immediate armed defense, creating a predictable "soft" target. School gun bans ensure that only attackers are armed until police arrive.”
— Teresa Brooks, Manchester · #573554 — read full submission →
“Criminals do not obey gun laws. If a person wants to do harm to children or others at school, they'll do it regardless. And having nobody on hand who is armed will do only one thing - create a target-rich environment with no armed person to stop them.”
— David Hunt, Merrimack · #573789 — read full submission →
- Right to self-defense should extend to parents at schoolOppose2 of 86 reviewed
Some opponents argue that the right to carry for self-protection should extend to parents and other law-abiding adults on school property, not just police.
- Resources better spent on mental health and real securityOppose1 of 86 reviewed · 149 via form letter
Opponents argue funding and attention would be better directed toward mental health services and concrete security measures rather than new restrictions on lawful gun owners.
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.
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
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
Except in very limited situations, guns do no belong on school properties.
Armed guards on campuses should at a minimum pass a background check!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
As a retired teacher and tutor I want no firearms on school property.
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.
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