As we come to the end of another year of legislation from the New Hampshire General Court, they have made little significant and meaningful change to the state’s gun regulations.
This fall marks one year since the shooting at New Hampshire Hospital (NHH), the state-run psychiatric hospital in Concord, which ended with the death of security guard Bradley Haas, according to a New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) article. Advocates are looking to push for this legislation in the upcoming session in 2025. We at The Equinox feel this is unacceptable.
The general court has unfortunately not treated the issue with the seriousness and respect it deserves, and it is a pity this subject does not get enough attention. We understand the topic of gun control or reform is a tricky subject, especially in rural areas such as those surrounding Keene, where gun culture can be strong. People may be reluctant or unsettled by the idea of gun reforms; however, it is an important subject that needs redress.
As we continue with the current legislative landscape, it is relatively easy for those who have had previous mental health struggles or other issues to acquire a firearm legally. Fixing the legislation to encompass people with severe mental diagnoses is important but should be done so with the utmost care. Otherwise, these situations can cause many issues, including the scapegoating of those who are mentally ill.
We understand that legislation is not a perfect solution to the problem that is public shootings. However, with a nuanced approach to legislation on both sides of the aisle, progress could be made. Yet, with continued inaction, it shows a lack of desire for work to be done on the problem of public shootings. As the legislature continues to stymie progress it shows its indifference to the problem.
Hopefully going forward in this new legislative session of 2025, common sense progress can be made to help this issue. There are ways to move rural communities forward with reforms. According to the NHPR article, N.H. State Representative Terry Roy of Deerfield, a Republican and gun-rights supporter, co-sponsored a bill adding criteria for mental illness to background checks. If representatives such as Roy can come to support a reform bill, the legislature should be able to whip support to make some real policy changes.
