The New Hampshire House has rejected House Bill 56, which aimed to introduce universal background checks for private firearm sales and enforce a 72-hour waiting period. The proposal garnered significant Democratic support but ultimately failed with a vote of 216 to 154, highlighting a substantial divide as Republicans argued that it infringed on personal freedom and noted the state’s low crime rates.
Supporters of the bill emphasized its importance for suicide prevention and public safety, with Democratic Rep. David Meuse arguing that the measures would help limit access to firearms for those legally prohibited from owning them. However, the Republican majority countered with claims of New Hampshire’s status as one of the safest states in the country, suggesting that existing practices are sufficient to prevent mass shootings.
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