This bill amends existing laws regarding the possession and sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles by specifically prohibiting individuals under the age of 18 from carrying these items. The new legal language inserted into the law states that any person under 18 who carries such weapons will be guilty of a violation, and those 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 act is set for January 1, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill is estimated to be indeterminable for both state and local governments, as it may influence costs related to the judicial and correctional systems, including prosecution and incarceration. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulation of dangerous weapons among minors, thereby promoting public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 159:17