This bill introduces a prohibition on carrying firearms within safe school zones. It amends RSA 159 by adding a new section, 159:19-b, which makes it a class A misdemeanor for any person to knowingly carry a firearm, as defined in RSA 173-B:1, XI, in a safe school zone, as defined in RSA 193-D. The bill specifies that violators of this provision will face legal penalties.
However, the bill also outlines exceptions to this prohibition. It does not apply to individuals who are picking up or dropping off students, as long as the firearm remains in a motor vehicle, is not loaded, and is either in a locked container or a locked firearms rack. Additionally, individuals who have written authorization from the school board or its designee, duly appointed law enforcement officers, properly trained school resource officers, or members of the armed services of the United States or National Guard when on duty are exempt from this restriction. The act is set to take effect upon its passage.