This bill introduces a criminal penalty for the possession, manufacture, or use of armor-piercing ammunition. Specifically, it amends RSA 159:18 by adding a new paragraph that makes it a class B felony to own, store, purchase, sell, distribute, manufacture, or custom-produce any firearm ammunition designed to penetrate armor plating or ballistic vests. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.

The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates that there is no method to determine the exact number of charges that could be brought as a result of this legislation, and therefore the fiscal impact on expenditures is indeterminable. However, the bill could impact the New Hampshire judicial and correctional systems, with potential costs associated with these penalties provided by the entities involved. These costs include various fees for handling cases at different levels of the judicial process, as well as the average cost of incarcerating an individual and supervising someone on parole or probation. The Department of Corrections notes that any increase in the incarcerated population could impact overtime costs and exacerbate infrastructure challenges, particularly at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 159:18