December 16, 2020 - Today, the House Rules Committee voted 5-4 to reject a motion to preserve the prohibition of deadly weapons in Representatives Hall. For decades until 2010, House Rules prohibited possession of weapons in the House chamber. Republicans have voted to repeal the restriction in recent terms when they have held the majority. During that time, numerous incidents of mishandled firearms have occurred on House grounds. House Speaker Emeritus Steve Shurtleff (D-Penacook) released the following statement:
“Representatives Hall is not an appropriate place for firearms. Over the last decade the Republican Party begun to politicize the longstanding House Rule prohibiting weapons in the House chamber, where 400 members meet in close quarters for heated debate on public policy. In recent terms when firearms have been allowed, there have been numerous incidents of members dropping or otherwise mishandling their guns on House property,” said Speaker Emeritus Steve Shurtleff (D-Penacook). “The New Hampshire House serves as a classroom as well. Every year, thousands of fourth graders come through to learn how government operates. We have an excellent protective services staff who assures that members and the public are safe while the House is in session. There is no reason to permit members to carry firearms in Representatives Hall and I look forward to continuing this debate when the full House meets to adopt Rules in January.”
Background on incidents of dropped guns on House grounds: