HB207: relative to repealing the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors.

HB 207-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2025 SESSION

25-0068

09/02

HOUSE BILL 207-FN

AN ACT relative to repealing the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors.

SPONSORS: Rep. Spillane, Rock. 2; Rep. Aures, Merr. 13; Rep. Cole, Hills. 26; Rep. Edwards, Rock. 31; Rep. Osborne, Rock. 2; Rep. Roy, Rock. 31; Rep. Ulery, Hills. 13; Rep. D. Mannion, Rock. 25; Rep. Ammon, Hills. 42; Sen. Murphy, Dist 16; Sen. Pearl, Dist 17

COMMITTEE: Criminal Justice and Public Safety

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ANALYSIS

This bill amends the prohibition against carrying or selling a blackjack, slung shot, or metallic knuckles to prohibit sale to or possession of the said items by those under 18 years of age.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

25-0068

09/02

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five

AN ACT relative to repealing the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Carrying or Selling Weapons. RSA 159:16 is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:

159:16 Carrying or Selling Weapons. 

I. Any person under the age of 18 who carries on his or her person any blackjack, slung shot, or metallic knuckles shall be guilty of a violation; and such weapon or articles so carried by such a person shall be forfeited to the state.

II. Any person who sells, delivers, or otherwise transfers any blackjack, slung shot, or metallic knuckles to a person under the age of 18 shall be guilty of a violation.

2 Repeal. RSA 159:17, relative to exceptions to the prohibition against carrying or selling weapons, is repealed.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.

LBA

25-0068

10/16/24

HB 207-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS INTRODUCED

AN ACT relative to repealing the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors.

FISCAL IMPACT: 









Estimated State Impact





FY 2025

FY 2026

FY 2027

FY 2028





Revenue

$0

$0 

$0 

$0 





Revenue Fund

None





Expenditures*

Indeterminable





Funding Source

General Fund





Appropriations*

$0 

$0 

$0 

$0 





Funding Source

None





*Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill









Estimated Political Subdivision Impact





FY 2025

FY 2026

FY 2027

FY 2028





County Revenue

$0 

$0 

$0 

$0 





County Expenditures

Indeterminable





Local Revenue

$0 

$0 

$0 

$0 





Local Expenditures

Indeterminable




METHODOLOGY:

This bill adds, deletes, or modifies a criminal penalty, or changes statute to which there is a penalty for violation. Therefore, this bill may have an impact on the judicial and correctional systems, which could affect prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole costs, for the state, as well as county and local governments. A summary of such costs can be found at: https://gencourt.state.nh.us/lba/Budget/Fiscal_Notes/JudicialCorrectionalCosts.pdf

AGENCIES CONTACTED:

Judicial Branch, Judicial Council, Department of Justice, Department of Corrections, New Hampshire Association of Counties, and New Hampshire Municipal Association