The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee will hear arguments Thursday on a bill that would expand background checks for gun sales in the state.
The bill, sponsored by five Democratic representatives and one Republican senator, would require all commercial sales or transfers use a licensed firearms dealer. Licensed dealers are required to vet buyers through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS. But sales at gun shows or through personal ads are currently possible without background checks.
The House killed a similar bill last year. In New Hampshire, all background checks are administered by the State Police. Felons, fugitives and people deemed mentally ill by a judge or involuntarily committed to a mental hospital are disqualified to own guns under federal law.