HB1240

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, HB 1240, as written, is impermissibly vague. Further, it has no penalty provision for someone, who claims - in plain disregard for what is obvious - to have been threatened with a weapon. Many of us carry phones. Most semi-automatic firearms are black: a black phone is especially likely to be mistaken for a weapon, especially in the dark. The results of a misidentification can be catastrophic. The bill, as written, lacks a spatial limit. It needs to set a distance limit, beyond which "threatening" is deemed infeasible. As it is, HB 1240 should be voted "inexpedient to legislate". Thank You, for reviewing this testimony.

Lowers burden of proof and increases risk of wrongful charges; expands prosecutorial discretion.

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Jim Moffett Newmarket, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Michael Raimondi

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Hillary Raimondi

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Lauren Saltalamacchia

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Edward Saltalamacchia

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Arthur Norton Gilford, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Charlotte Constantian Hollis, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Jerry Giesecke Merrimack, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Brian Hood New Ipswich, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Tina Hood New Ipswich, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Carla Ramirez

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, ed trzcinski Pittsfield, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Rene Leclerc Candia, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Eric Rothkopf Nashua, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, DAVID FRESCHI HOOKSETT, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Sikt Grote Nashua, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Susan Romito Hollis, NH

Horrible bill to take a victims word that he THOUGHT an object was a deadly weapon. This has nothing to do with behavior and everything to do with victims THOUGHTS to create a new felony. The victim obviously has animus and is sure to use it in getting even.

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Mark Constantian Hollis, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Eric Morin Hollis, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Peter Stauble Hollis, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Debra Blake Hooksett, NH

Honorable Committee Members, I urge you to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1240. This bill's expansion of criminal threatening laws poses serious concerns for law-abiding gun owners and constitutional rights in New Hampshire. Key concerns with HB 1240: • The broad language regarding "apparent use of a deadly weapon" creates dangerous legal ambiguity that could criminalize lawful self-defense • New Hampshire's constitutional carry laws already provide appropriate protections while maintaining public safety • This legislation could discourage lawful gun owners from exercising their right to defend themselves and their families • The bill provides prosecutors with overly broad discretion that could be misused against law-abiding citizens New Hampshire has always respected both public safety and constitutional rights. HB 1240 tips this balance too far toward restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual criminal behavior. I ask you to preserve New Hampshire's tradition of protecting constitutional rights and vote ITL on HB 1240. Respectfully, Virgina Grady Hollis, NH