[Posted Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at 1:10 p.m.] Tomorrow, January 26, at 1:00 p.m., the NH House Criminal Justice and Public Safety will conduct a public hearing on HB1220 in Room 204 of the Legislative Office Building (LOB), behind the State House. HB1220 removes the NH State Police “Gun Line,” which exists only as an enforcement tool of the “Brady Bill.”
In New Hampshire, when you buy a rifle or shotgun from a dealer, the dealer makes a telephone call to the FEDERAL National Instant Criminal Background Check System (Brady Bill NICS). When you buy a handgun, however, the call is made to the NH State Police “Gun Line,” which in turn goes to the FEDERAL NICS.
HB1220 calls for the removal of the state Gun Line, so that all dealer checks are made directly through NICS. There are two reasons this is a good idea: First, eliminating the Gun Line saves taxpayer money. Why should we pay for something we can get for free? Why should we pay to enforce a FEDERAL Law, no less the anti-gun “Brady Bill”? Second, calling directly to the Federal NICS system saves time when you buy a pistol or revolver. The Federal NICS system is truly “instant,” while the NH Gun Line often causes long delays that not only frustrate both the buyer and the dealer, but can result in lost sales, especially at gun shows. Dealers have consistently complained about these unnecessary delays that often cost them business. In fact, the Gun Line recently held up its operations for hours because the State Police were involved in a serious crime, and nobody was available to do the checks!
Another organization opposes HB1220 and wants the State to enforce the “Brady Bill” with the spurious argument that the bill would result in “forcing EVERY SALE to be checked exclusively by the Feds. Yes, the same Feds that run the TSA. The same Feds that created Operation Fast And Furious. The creators of a no-fly list with babies and 3 year olds on it. Those Feds.”
This is ridiculous, because (1) the FBI’s NICS check has nothing to do with the TSA or Operation Fast and Furious, and (2) the NH State Police Gun Line goes through Federal NICS anyway! Further, this other organization falsely claims that the NH state Gun Line can serve to appeal denials and delays, but they cannot. In fact, all appeals must go to the Feds. Finally, it is disturbing to see this other organization wanting the State of New Hampshire to ENFORCE FEDERAL GUN LAW, particularly the “The Brady Bill.”
Let’s eliminate this extra level of bureaucracy, save money, and especially, avoid unnecessary delays. Support HB1220.
To find your state rep and his or her contact information, go to http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/wml.aspx .