Sarah Gentile

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee Members: My name is Sarah Gentile, I am a resident of Rochester, New Hampshire. I am also a gun owner. I am reaching out to express my opposition to HB 1365. This bill weakens New Hampshire’s already limited firearm permitting standards during the height of gun deaths and violence across our country. When the risk of gun deaths and violence increases, our standards should be strengthened, not dismantled. This bill changes the language governing applications for licenses to carry by expressly prohibiting application forms from requiring “personal, employment, medical, psychiatric, or other records.” That language is unfair and unclear. It also guts the remaining guardrails New Hampshire has in the permitting process and takes away the ability to evaluate even basic indicators of risk. How will issuing authorities make licensing decisions with even less information? That does not enhance due process or public safety. It creates weaker or, in practice, no meaningful standards at all. New Hampshire has already repealed its concealed licensing requirement. Licenses now function largely for reciprocity with other states. If the licensing framework is weakened, it not only impacts New Hampshire but every state should a concealed carry mandate put in place. Weakening permitting language does not protect responsible gun owners. At a time when gun violence is on the rise, legislature should focus on clarity, safety, and responsible gun ownership – not policies that further reduce oversight. Please vote in opposition on HB 1365. Thank you for your time, Sarah Gentile