This bill amends existing laws regarding the possession and sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles by prohibiting individuals under the age of 18 from carrying these items. The new legal language specifies that any person under 18 found in possession of such weapons will be guilty of a violation, and the items will be forfeited to the state. Additionally, it establishes that selling or transferring these weapons to minors is also a violation. The bill repeals the previous statute RSA 159:17, which contained exceptions to the prohibition against carrying or selling these weapons.

The effective date for this legislation is set for January 1, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it may affect the judicial and correctional systems, potentially influencing costs related to prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole for the state and local governments. However, no specific revenue or expenditure changes are projected for the upcoming fiscal years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 159:17