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Bill Would Force N.H. To Report Mental Health Findings to Background Check Index

The bill aims to make it harder for New Hampshire residents with mental problems to acquire guns, and its dividing gun rights groups.

The proposal sponsored by Dover democratic Senator David Watters doesn’t tighten any gun laws.

Instead, it forces the state to share information regarding people who have been deemed incompetent by a court with the federal government.

N.H. is currently one of more than a dozen states that doesn’t share such mental health information with the National Instant Criminal Background Check index. 

Watters say he crafted his bill with input from the NRA and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, as well as Pro-Gun NH.

The bill is being opposed, however, by the N.H. Firearms Coalition, which has dubbed it “see a shrink, lose your guns.”

As drafted the bill only contemplates new gun purchases and not guns already owned,

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I cover campaigns, elections, and government for NHPR. Stories that attract me often explore New Hampshire’s highly participatory political culture. I am interested in how ideologies – doctrinal and applied – shape our politics. I like to learn how voters make their decisions and explore how candidates and campaigns work to persuade them.
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