The "Protecting College Students Act" introduces significant changes to the regulation of non-lethal weapons and firearms on public college campuses in New Hampshire. It prohibits public colleges and universities from enacting rules that restrict the possession, carrying, or lawful use of non-lethal weapons, such as pepper spray and stun guns, as well as firearms by faculty. This new legal language is inserted into RSA 159, effectively invalidating existing policies that prohibit firearms on community college campuses. The bill also establishes a committee to study the feasibility of allowing guns on college campuses, which will report its findings by November 1, 2026. The effective date for the prohibition on faculty carrying firearms is set for July 1, 2027, while the rest of the act takes effect upon passage.

The bill's financial implications are considerable, with the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) estimating initial operating expenses of over $100,000 to $500,000 for implementing security measures, and the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) projecting costs between $500,000 and $1 million in the first year. Both systems express concerns about potential reputational risks that could impact enrollment and retention, leading to further financial strain. The bill also addresses the storage of firearms, requiring institutions to accommodate students who wish to secure their weapons during various activities. Overall, the act aims to balance the rights of individuals to carry weapons on campus with the safety and operational concerns of educational institutions.