NH House Testimony

HB1279

House · 2026 sessionRepublicanSigned into law

Self-defense force in the home

AI

Amends the legal standard for when a person may use force against someone likely to use unlawful force in committing a felony within the actor's dwelling or its curtilage.

(Second New Title) relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person.

Crimes, Crim.Proc. & Corr.Courts and Procedure

Status

Signed into law · July 20, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

259 submissions
Support 168(152 form letter)Oppose 91Neutral 0

Hatched = form letter · 152 of 259 written submissions (59%) came from organized campaigns

Argument digest · AI-generated

from 11 of 162 written submissions

HB1279 (Second New Title) would clarify New Hampshire law on the use of physical force in self-defense. Supporters, largely through a widely-submitted form letter, describe it as a clarification that protects law-abiding citizens from wrongful prosecution when defending themselves; opponents argue it effectively lowers the bar for using force, creating vague standards that could increase violence and, in one submission, disparately affect racial minorities under a stand-your-ground-style interpretation.

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

152 of 162 written submissions (94%)

152 submissions match a shared template; 10 are individually written.

  • Support for Self-Defense Law ClarificationSupport152 submissions on this bill

    The legislation is supported because it aims to clarify and strengthen self-defense laws, ensuring citizens can legally protect themselves without fear of prosecution.

    The letter · submitted 152 times

    I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Brendan Rainville Plaistow, NH

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

Veronica JoyceOpposeManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Don't let people shoot people.

Hannah MeiselmanOpposeManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Could escalate violence and exacerbate racial disparities under “stand-your-ground”-style interpretation.

Jim MoffettSupportForm letterNewmarket, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Jim Moffett Newmarket, NH

Catharine FarkasOpposeSanbornton, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

This bill seems too vague and could have dangerous unintended consequences.

Maria FowlerSupportPenacook, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

I oppose any kind of secret policing in my community and country. All officers who work for and with as well as get paid by the public should not be allowed to hide themselves from us.

Edward SaltalamacchiaSupportForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Edward Saltalamacchia Hollis, NH

Lauren SaltalamacchiaSupportForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Lauren Saltalamacchia Hollis, NH

Arthur NortonSupportForm letterGilford, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Arthur Norton Gilford, NH

Charlotte ConstantianSupportForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Charlotte Constantian Hollis, NH

Jerry GieseckeSupportForm letterMerrimack, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Jerry Giesecke Merrimack, NH

Carla RamirezSupportForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Carla Ramirez

Brian HoodSupportForm letterNew Ipswich, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Brian Hood New Ipswich, NH

Tina HoodSupportForm letterNew Ipswich, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Tina Hood New Ipswich, NH

ed trzcinskiSupportForm letterPittsfield, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, ed trzcinski Pittsfield, NH

Rene LeclercSupportForm letterCandia, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Rene Leclerc Candia, NH

Eric RothkopfSupportForm letterNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Eric Rothkopf Nashua, NH

DAVID FRESCHISupportForm letterHOOKSETT, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, DAVID FRESCHI HOOKSETT, NH

Sikt GroteSupportForm letterNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Sikt Grote Nashua, NH

Susan RomitoSupportForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Susan Romito Hollis, NH

Eric MorinSupportForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Eric Morin Hollis, NH

Peter StaubleSupportForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Peter Stauble Hollis, NH

Debra BlakeSupportForm letterHooksett, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Debra Blake Hooksett, NH

Virgina GradySupportForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Virgina Grady Hollis, NH

janine byronSupportForm letterhollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, janine byron hollis, NH

Cheryl HinckleySupportForm letterHollis, NHfor MyselfJan 29, 2026

Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Cheryl Hinckley Hollis, NH