The "Protecting College Students Act" aims to prohibit public colleges and universities in New Hampshire from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on their campuses. The bill introduces new legal language that states that no public institution of higher education shall enact rules or policies restricting the possession, carry, storage, or lawful use of firearms or non-lethal weapons on campus. It also specifies that no state or institutional permit or license shall be required for carrying these weapons. Additionally, the bill allows individuals who feel aggrieved by violations of this prohibition to take legal action against public institutions, with a minimum damages award of $10,000, and includes a severability clause to ensure the remaining provisions remain enforceable if any part is deemed invalid.

The proposed legislation would invalidate existing policies prohibiting firearms and other weapons on community college campuses, raising compliance concerns for the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), particularly regarding state regulations related to licensed childcare facilities. The financial implications are significant, with CCSNH estimating initial implementation costs between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and ongoing annual expenses of $100,000 to $500,000. These costs would arise from necessary security changes, such as hiring trained officers and installing gun safes, potentially leading to higher tuition rates or reduced financial aid. The impact on insurance premiums and overall campus safety is uncertain, with concerns that the legislation could affect enrollment and employment dynamics on campuses.