HB1279
House · 2026 sessionRepublicanSigned into lawSelf-defense force in the home
AI-generatedAmends the legal standard for when a person may use force against someone likely to use unlawful force in committing a felony within the actor's dwelling or its curtilage.
(Second New Title) relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person.Official record
Division of testimonyComputed by this site
259 submissionsHatched = form letter ··
Status
Signed into law · July 20, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓Law
Argument digest
AI-generatedfrom 11 of 162 written submissionsHB1279 (Second New Title) would clarify New Hampshire law on the use of physical force in self-defense. Supporters, largely through a widely-submitted form letter, describe it as a clarification that protects law-abiding citizens from wrongful prosecution when defending themselves; opponents argue it effectively lowers the bar for using force, creating vague standards that could increase violence and, in one submission, disparately affect racial minorities under a stand-your-ground-style interpretation.
- Clarifies self-defense law without expanding it, protecting citizensSupport1 of 11 reviewed · 152 via form letter
Supporters argue the bill provides clearer legal guidance on when physical force is justified in self-defense, without expanding the underlying right to use force, and helps ensure victims are not prosecuted for defending themselves.
“Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals”
— form letter, submitted 152 times · #574404 — read full submission →
“It does not expand the use of force, but instead provides clearer guidance about when physical force is justified, particularly for people who are acting to protect themselves or their families from harm.”
— Patrick Leblanc, Whitefield · #576358 — read full submission →
- Effectively expands use of force with vague, dangerous standardsOppose5 of 11 reviewed
Opponents argue the bill loosens rather than merely clarifies the standards for using force, creating vague language that could lead to unintended consequences and more violence.
“This attempts to expand the use of lethal force with no guard rails.”
— Gregory Davis, Salem · #569287 — read full submission →
“I strongly oppose this bill. This is the type of thing that gets people killed.”
— Michelle Moge, Derry · #566351 — read full submission →
“This bill seems too vague and could have dangerous unintended consequences.”
— Catharine Farkas, Sanbornton · #587204 — read full submission →
- Could exacerbate racial disparitiesOppose1 of 11 reviewed
One submission argues that a stand-your-ground-style interpretation of the bill could escalate violence and worsen racial disparities in outcomes.
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 20, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
Form-letter campaigns
152 of 162 written submissions (94%)152 submissions match a shared template; 10 are individually written.
- Support for Self-Defense Law ClarificationAI-generatedSupport152 submissions on this bill
The legislation is supported because it aims to clarify and strengthen self-defense laws, ensuring citizens can legally protect themselves without fear of prosecution.
The letter · submitted 152 times I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Brendan Rainville Plaistow, NH
Detected by text-similarity clustering — that part is arithmetic. The name describing each template is written by a model.
The record · every submission as filed
259 submissions| Expand | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Veronica Joyce for Myself Manchester Don't let people shoot people. | Manchester | Oppose | 31 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Hannah Meiselman for Myself Manchester Could escalate violence and exacerbate racial disparities under “stand-your-ground”-style interpretation. | Manchester | Oppose | 105 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Jim Moffett for Myself Newmarket Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Jim Moffett Newmarket, NH | Newmarket | SupportForm letter | 878 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Catharine Farkas for Myself Sanbornton This bill seems too vague and could have dangerous unintended consequences. | Sanbornton | Oppose | 75 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Maria Fowler for Myself Penacook I oppose any kind of secret policing in my community and country. All officers who work for and with as well as get paid by the public should not be allowed to hide themselves from us. | Penacook | Support | 185 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Edward Saltalamacchia for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Edward Saltalamacchia Hollis, NH | Hollis | SupportForm letter | 885 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Lauren Saltalamacchia for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Lauren Saltalamacchia Hollis, NH | Hollis | SupportForm letter | 885 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Arthur Norton for Myself Gilford Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Arthur Norton Gilford, NH | Gilford | SupportForm letter | 878 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Charlotte Constantian for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Charlotte Constantian Hollis, NH | Hollis | SupportForm letter | 885 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Jerry Giesecke for Myself Merrimack Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Jerry Giesecke Merrimack, NH | Merrimack | SupportForm letter | 881 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Carla Ramirez for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Carla Ramirez | Hollis | SupportForm letter | 866 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Brian Hood for Myself New Ipswich Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Brian Hood New Ipswich, NH | New Ipswich | SupportForm letter | 879 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Tina Hood for Myself New Ipswich Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Tina Hood New Ipswich, NH | New Ipswich | SupportForm letter | 878 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
ed trzcinski for Myself Pittsfield Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, ed trzcinski Pittsfield, NH | Pittsfield | SupportForm letter | 880 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Rene Leclerc for Myself Candia Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Rene Leclerc Candia, NH | Candia | SupportForm letter | 876 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Eric Rothkopf for Myself Nashua Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Eric Rothkopf Nashua, NH | Nashua | SupportForm letter | 877 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
DAVID FRESCHI for Myself HOOKSETT Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, DAVID FRESCHI HOOKSETT, NH | HOOKSETT | SupportForm letter | 879 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Sikt Grote for Myself Nashua Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Sikt Grote Nashua, NH | Nashua | SupportForm letter | 874 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Susan Romito for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Susan Romito Hollis, NH | Hollis | SupportForm letter | 876 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Eric Morin for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Eric Morin Hollis, NH | Hollis | SupportForm letter | 874 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Peter Stauble for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Peter Stauble Hollis, NH | Hollis | SupportForm letter | 877 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Debra Blake for Myself Hooksett Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Debra Blake Hooksett, NH | Hooksett | SupportForm letter | 877 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Virgina Grady for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Virgina Grady Hollis, NH | Hollis | SupportForm letter | 877 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
janine byron for Myself hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, janine byron hollis, NH | hollis | SupportForm letter | 876 | Jan 29, 2026 | |
Cheryl Hinckley for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1279, which clarifies and strengthens New Hampshire's self-defense laws. This important legislation will: • Protect law-abiding citizens who are forced to defend themselves or their families • Provide clear legal guidelines for the use of physical force in self-defense situations • Ensure that victims are not prosecuted for protecting themselves from violent criminals • Uphold New Hampshire's tradition of supporting individual rights and personal responsibility New Hampshire citizens deserve the right to protect themselves without fear of legal persecution. HB 1279 provides necessary clarification that will help both citizens and law enforcement understand when defensive force is justified. I urge you to support HB 1279 and vote Ought to Pass. Respectfully, Cheryl Hinckley Hollis, NH | Hollis | SupportForm letter | 879 | Jan 29, 2026 |