Amie Price

Dear Members of the Committee, I am writing to express my support for HB 1642. This bill would create a legal process for issuing extreme risk protection orders that allow a court to temporarily restrict a person’s access to firearms if they are found to pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. Such laws are an important tool for preventing tragedies before they occur, especially in situations where someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis, has made clear threats of violence, or is otherwise clearly at risk of causing harm. Extreme risk protection orders provide a due-process-focused approach: a judicial finding is required before enforcement, and the orders are temporary, with provisions for review and renewal only if continued risk is demonstrated. This balances public safety with individual rights. Because these orders are initiated through the courts, they include procedural safeguards rather than placing decisions solely in the hands of law enforcement or family members. Having a legal mechanism like this can help prevent suicides and acts of violence without broadly restricting the rights of responsible firearm owners. Many families and communities support such measures because they offer an avenue to intervene when someone clearly needs help and poses a danger — something current law does not adequately provide. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to support HB 1642. Thank you for allowing me to share my views and for your service to the people of New Hampshire. Sincerely, Amie Price