CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, the House of Representatives voted 206-144 to pass House Bill 197, a bill aimed at unnecessarily expanding the existing “stand your ground” statute. Following the vote Representative David Meuse (D-Portsmouth), released the following statement:
“Allowing more gun violence in our communities will only harm public safety. We have already seen criminals use New Hampshire’s “stand your ground” law as a shield against prosecution for violence in our streets. This dangerous expansion of the “stand your ground” law will only allow more criminals to avoid prosecution. Our collective goal should be to reduce gun violence in New Hampshire, not exacerbate it. Too many people have lost their lives to reckless gun violence in New Hampshire, we cannot rightfully pass legislation that would endanger more of our constituents.”