Amie Price

Dear Members of the Committee, I am submitting this statement to express my opposition to HB 1697. While I support the principle of state autonomy and the rights of law-abiding gun owners, I do not believe that New Hampshire should enact a law that would exempt certain firearms and firearm accessories manufactured and retained in our state from federal regulation. Federal firearm safety standards and background checks exist to promote public safety and help prevent guns from being obtained by individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others. HB 1697 would create a carve-out that could weaken those protections and introduce confusion into the regulatory framework governing firearms. Creating exemptions from federal oversight for specific firearms or parts could also increase complexity for law enforcement agencies tasked with ensuring compliance with both state and federal law. Unclear or conflicting regulations can make it harder for police to do their jobs effectively and safely, ultimately undermining the public safety goals we all share. Additionally, instead of pursuing broad exemptions from well-established regulatory systems, I believe the legislature should focus on evidence-based policies that reduce gun violence and support responsible gun ownership — such as improving mental health resources, supporting voluntary safety training, and strengthening coordination between state and federal authorities on enforcement and compliance issues. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to oppose HB 1697. Thank you for the opportunity to share my views and for your public service. Sincerely, Amie Price