The "Protecting College Students Act" aims to prevent public colleges and universities in New Hampshire from imposing regulations on the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on their campuses. The bill introduces new legal language stating that no public institution of higher education shall create rules that restrict the possession, carry, storage, or lawful use of these weapons. It also specifies that individuals will not need a state or institutional permit to carry such weapons on campus. Additionally, the bill defines "non-lethal weapons" and clarifies what constitutes a "campus."

The legislation allows individuals who believe their rights have been violated to pursue legal action against public institutions, with remedies including monetary damages starting at $10,000, injunctive relief, and coverage for legal costs. The act emphasizes the constitutional right to bear arms, arguing that current campus regulations are inconsistent with this right and ineffective for public safety. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and includes severability provisions. It also raises concerns about the potential financial impact on the University System of New Hampshire (USNH), which may need to increase tuition or reduce financial aid to cover the anticipated costs of implementing safety measures in response to the new law.