HB1279

Relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person.

Complete·7/20/26

New Hampshire HB1279 amends the law to allow the use of physical force in defense of a person.

New Hampshire HB1279 modifies the law to permit the use of physical force in defense of a person. Specifically, it amends RSA 627:4, II(d) to clarify that an individual is justified in using physical force if the person they are defending is likely to use unlawful force in the commission of a felony within the actor's dwelling or its curtilage. This change aims to provide clearer guidelines for self-defense in certain situations.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Sponsors

0
10
RRRRRRRRRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Adopt CofC Report

208 Yea

RRRRRRRRDRRRRRRDRRRRRRDRRRRDDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDRRRRRRRRRRDRRRRRRDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDRRRDRRRRRRRRDRRRRRRRDRRDRRDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDRRRRRRRRRRR

140 Nay

IDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

22 Not Voting

RDDDRRDDDRDDDDRRRDRRRD

21 Absent

DDDDRRDDRDRRDRRRRRRDD

Calendar

Apr 9

1:00 PM

Judiciary Hearing

Feb 13

3:30 PM

Criminal Justice and Public Safety Executive Session

History

Jul 20

House

Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/15/2026; Chapter 323; eff.01/01/2027

Jul 6

House

Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 House Journal 15

Jul 6

Senate

Enrolled Adopted, Voice Vote, (In recess 06/04/2026); Senate Journal 15