James Gardner

HB 159 is very flawed and should not be passed. If there are "violent" mentally ill people, then why are they being released from a mental health insititute in the first place? Instead, they should be kept there so they can get the help that they really need. This would also keep them safe and and would keep society safe from their "violence". If there is any concern that a "violent" mentally ill person will commit acts of violence against innocent Granite Staters, then why are they being let out of an institute to commit those acts of violence? And on the subject of "violent" mentally ill people, there are many cases of mass criminal acts being committed by these people where they use knives, cars, matches + gasoline, and other various objects; not firearms. Why are there no NH House Bills to confiscate these various objects to help keep society "safe"? And on the subject of firearms, criminals will always be able to acquire & obtain firearms. In fact, a U.S. Department of Justice report from 2016 shows that a majority of criminals actually obtained their firearms illegally. Any form of gun control installed, such as HB 159, will only exist to prevent law-abiding Granite Staters from being able to protect themselves, their family, and their property. HB 159 is repugnant to both the New Hampshire Constitution, as well as the Federal Bill of Rights - you have heard of the 2nd Amendment before, correct?