This bill introduces new legal provisions regarding the possession of firearms on school property, specifically amending RSA 159 by adding sections 159:19-b and 159:19-c. Under section 159:19-b, it is prohibited for any person to knowingly possess a firearm on public school property, which includes buildings, grounds, and school vehicles. Violators of this provision would be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. However, exceptions are made for individuals dropping off or picking up students as long as the firearm remains in a vehicle, those specifically authorized by the school board to possess a firearm, and law enforcement officers. The school board must hold a public hearing before granting any such authorization.

Additionally, section 159:19-c prohibits public schools from hiring armed guards unless the candidate is qualified to work with students and has passed a criminal background check. This means that armed guards cannot be employed solely for the purpose of security unless they meet these criteria. School resource officers assigned through local police contracts are exempt from this definition. The bill is set to take effect upon its passage, and while it does not project any revenue impact, it indicates that there may be indeterminable costs associated with its implementation, potentially affecting the judicial and correctional systems.