"The Chief Bradley Haas Mental Health Firearms Reporting Act," or HB 1711-FN, is a legislative proposal that seeks to integrate mental health data into the background check system for firearm purchases and to establish procedures for the confiscation of firearms following certain mental health-related court proceedings. The bill amends RSA 159-D:1 to include mental health checks and introduces a new chapter, RSA 159-F, known as "Bradley’s Law," which authorizes the New Hampshire judicial branch and the department of safety to report to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) records of individuals disqualified from possessing firearms due to mental health adjudications or commitments. It also outlines the process for firearm ownership inquiries during mental health-related court proceedings, notification of firearm prohibition, and orders for the voluntary relinquishment or confiscation of firearms. The bill ensures that transmitted information to NICS is not public records and is only used for determining firearm eligibility.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new chapter, 159-G, detailing the process for individuals with certain mental health-related issues to petition for the ability to possess or purchase firearms. The court may grant relief if it finds the petitioner is not likely to act dangerously and that granting relief is in the public interest. The bill includes a fiscal note indicating that the state will incur costs for psychiatric evaluations and law enforcement training, with an appropriation of $1 for independent psychiatric evaluations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. It also repeals RSA 126-AA:2, VI, related to the submission of information to NICS. The bill's financial implications include the need for additional staff in the Judicial Branch and potential costs for the Department of Safety and the Department of Health and Human Services, with the latter facing expenses for independent psychiatric evaluations and potential participation in hearings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 159-D:1, 126-AA:2
As Amended by the House: 159-D:1, 126-AA:2