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 The previous law, RSA 159:17, which contained exceptions to the prohibition, is repealed entirely.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and it is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local governments due to potential changes in judicial and correctional costs associated with the enforcement of these new penalties. The estimated revenue and expenditures for the state and counties are projected to be $0 for the fiscal years 2025 through 2028, but the bill may still influence prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 159:17