Video & Transcript Research : 'concealed weapons'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/26

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:04:26.799> types, loss uh between those two weapon types, loss uh between those two weapon
  • existing seasons for far easier and more advantageous weapon categories.
  • <01:20:13.440> weapon is not an archery season. weapon is not an archery season. weapon allowance
  • <01:20:22.000> A more advantageous weapon categories.
  • A more advantageous weapon categories.
Bills: HF624
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Every Marine fires an automatic weapon and qualifies not just from 100 yards, from 500 yards, five football
  • standards, so things such as we're in your full combat arms. combat heavy equipment with your service weapon
  • Taking a Mark 19, very heavy weapon grenade launcher weapon system, putting that over your head.
  • understand that the responsibility, you know, you win with people and, you know, obviously we got weapons
Summary: The committee meeting focused on pressing issues related to the U.S. military's recruitment and personnel strategies, especially in light of the upcoming NDAA for fiscal year 2026. Chairperson expressed appreciation for the service of witnesses including senior military leaders from different branches, emphasizing the importance of personnel as the backbone of national defense. Discussions revealed concerns regarding the recent lowering of recruitment standards across military branches, which could potentially affect the quality of service members and long-term military readiness. Witnesses were asked to address the implications of these changes on military health and efficiency.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/16/2026 - Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have overseen a live weapon on campus where we have had first responders on campus with law enforcement
  • I’m passionate about that because I did not have a system like that when we dealt with a real weapon
  • lot of terminology in historical days right I have overseen a real lockdown I have overseen a live weapon
  • on campus where we have had first first one I have overseen a live weapon on campus where we have had
  • me I'm passionate about that because I did not have a system like that when we dealt with a real weapon
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard a presentation from Senator Kevin Payne on Arizona’s school safety interoperability communication systems, which he said were inspired by the Parkland and Uvalde shootings and designed to bypass overwhelmed 911 systems through panic-button alerts, live camera access, and direct communication with law enforcement. Committee members broadly praised the concept as a school safety tool, while also noting it should complement, not replace, school resource officers. Senator Payne said the audit had not fully captured the systems’ value and emphasized what he saw in Yavapai County as a successful example. Auditor General Lindsay Perry then summarized the second special audit in the JLAC school safety series, explaining that it reviewed whether fund expenditures were authorized, whether purchased systems met statutory requirements, and whether procurement followed applicable standards. She noted that 12 of 14 law enforcement agencies had provided follow-up information, while Pinal and La Paz counties had not, and that the committee had requested additional details on participating and non-participating schools. Members pressed Perry about Pinal County’s refusal to respond and about delays in payment to Mutualink, and several members defended the committee’s oversight role. The committee then heard from the vendors. Mutualink’s CEO said the system is intended to connect schools, dispatch, law enforcement, fire, and EMS through live video, floor plans, and group communications, and argued that implementation problems often stem from training, infrastructure, and coordination rather than the technology itself. Motorola Solutions described its work in Maricopa, Yuma, and Tucson, including panic alarms, radio and dispatch integration, and school participation challenges; it said Tucson canceled its contract after schools declined to join. Navigate 360 described its Cochise County project as a success story, saying 60 of 69 schools were implemented, with ongoing training and support, but acknowledged it did not yet meet all statutory criteria and that two charter schools had opted out. Members repeatedly raised concerns about procurement, inconsistent implementation, rural infrastructure, training, and whether the systems met all statutory requirements, and vendors said they would follow up on those issues.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • Masked men with assault weapons refusing to leave patient rooms when a physician needs to do a physical
  • :02.479> Masked<00:07:02.880> men<00:07:03.199> with Masked men with assault weapons
  • We don't walk around as doctors with assault weapons.
  • We don't walk around as doctors with assault weapons.
  • around as doctors with assault weapons. around as doctors with assault weapons.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
Summary: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and several DFL senators held a press conference after a floor session to announce a package of bills responding to recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Murphy said the proposals are meant to restore and protect Minnesotans’ rights after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Prey, arguing that authorities should render aid when they injure someone. She said one bill, to be heard the next day in Sen. Ron Latz’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, would create a civil remedy for victims of constitutional violations by federal agents and their leaders. Another bill would give the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension independent investigative authority in cases where federal agents kill Minnesota residents, after the BCA was reportedly shut out of recent investigations. Sen. Lindsey Port described a bill to bar federal law enforcement from hiding their identities while on duty, citing masked ICE agents, alleged use of fake license plates and impersonation tactics, and a recent incident in which a health care worker was allegedly boxed in by masked men. Sen. Elise Mann said the package would designate hospitals, schools, daycares, colleges, and courthouses as protected spaces and require a judicial warrant for ICE entry, arguing that federal agents have been entering hospitals and schools and detaining people at vulnerable moments. The senators framed the effort as a response to unconstitutional enforcement tactics rather than immigration policy, and said they hoped for bipartisan support, though they acknowledged the legal issues may be challenged under federal supremacy and could reach the courts. In response to questions, the senators said the civil-rights bill is intended to create a state-court cause of action against federal officials acting under color of law, because current remedies are limited. They said people in schools or hospitals should not put themselves in danger if confronted by armed agents, and that the law would provide later accountability. Latz said the Judiciary Committee would take up the bills and that Minnesota must have a seat at the table in seeking justice for affected residents. Asked about funding for related community burdens, Murphy said it was not a budget year but the state has a rainy day fund and balance available from last session.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 3/23/2026 #2

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • hunting and you have the correct ammo in your firearm, um, but you have uh what would be otherwise concealed
  • :51:38.240> would<00:51:38.440> be<00:51:38.640> otherwise<00:51:39.120> concealed
  • uh what would be otherwise concealed uh what would be otherwise concealed considered<00:51:40.800
Summary: The House convened with 129 members present, read the prior journal, and then took up a series of third-reading bills. Early action included unanimous passage of HB 159 (mail theft), HB 412 (child support and driver’s license suspension), HB 912 (trap-neuter-return policies for community cats), HB 914 (Worcester County Board of License Commissioners membership), HB 558 (Prince George’s County wine festival licenses), HB 1400 (shellfish aquaculture penalties), and HB 1463 (Anne Arundel County Board of Education constituent services liaison). HB 582, dealing with Prince George’s County alcoholic beverages licenses and voter registration requirements, drew brief debate over whether it removed or retained a voter registration condition; it ultimately passed 119-12. HB 846, a property tax exemption for the Hagerstown multi-use sports and events facility, passed 126-7 after a system delay interrupted proceedings. Several bills prompted more substantive discussion. HB 1218, the Safe and Healthy Homes for All Act, drew opposing explanations over a proposed public registry of properties with housing violations; supporters said it would help identify serious housing problems and improve compliance, while opponents objected to publicly naming private properties based on administrative findings. It passed 99-36. HB 525, the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, passed 135-1 after questions about enforcement, with supporters comparing it to ordinary classroom discipline. HB 1483, allowing out-of-state clinical professional counseling and social work providers to use telehealth for continuity of care, passed 135-0 after clarification that it applies to people moving into Maryland and allows a six-month continuity period. HB 1504, the Pedestrian Safety Act, passed unanimously. Later, HB 664 (Cecil County alcoholic beverages license quota) passed 134-1, and HB 837 (cardiovascular pre-screening for student athletic activities) passed 133-2 after the sponsor explained that reporting requirements were removed for cost reasons and the bill now mainly requires screening questions. HB 925, regulating PFAS in sewage sludge applied to farmland, generated the most extended debate: one delegate argued the bill’s limits were too weak and lacked liability for industry actors, while supporters said it establishes the first limits, requires wastewater treatment plants to reduce PFAS, and leaves room for future tightening; it passed 130-7. HB 1370, authorizing a pilot stop-sign monitoring program in Rising Sun, passed 109-26. HB 649, expanding Maryland Commission on Civil Rights enforcement to higher education discrimination claims, passed 100-35 after supporters said current protections are stronger for K-12 than for colleges. The House also passed HB 512 on compensation for Anne Arundel County license commissioners and inspectors, and the session continued into HB 661 on commemorative months.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Education Funding (02/03/2026)

Education Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • And institutions that knowingly conceal large foreign funding streams would be able to fully expect consequences
  • And institutions that knowingly conceal<00:13:14.000> large<00:13:14.240> foreign<00:13
  • :14.639> funding<00:13:14.959> streams conceal large foreign funding streams conceal large
Keywords: 1189, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC DEFER, JDC Public Hearings 04-15-2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • unethical attorneys like Elizabeth Cuchia on the island of Maui who lie under penalty of perjury and weaponize
  • lie under the penalty of<00:05:24.400> perjury<00:05:24.880> and<00:05:25.120> weaponize
  • <00:05:25.680> the<00:05:25.840> legal of perjury and weaponize the legal of perjury
  • and weaponize the legal system<00:05:26.479> to<00:05:26.720> silence<00:05:27.120>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in a room change and first considered two judicial confirmations. It recommended consent for Governor’s Message 767, confirming Kanoi A.D. Jackson as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) for a 10-year term, and the motion was adopted with members voting aye and some members excused. The committee then recommended consent for Judicial Communication 28, confirming Sonia H. Toma as district family court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County) for a 6-year term. The chair noted prior concerns about the nominee, but said staff reviewed court records and found nothing problematic; the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously among those present. After a brief recess, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 55, which asks the judiciary to convene a working group to study the effectiveness of existing laws on domestic violence, temporary restraining orders, protective orders, and harassment by stalking in preventing continued abuse and harassment. Testimony was generally supportive. The Office of the Public Defender asked to be included on the working group and requested representation from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as well. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence also supported including public defenders and said the effort needs funding to be effective. Other testimony emphasized survivor experiences, privacy concerns, and the need for broader research and protections for injured parties. The chair recommended passing HCR 55 with amendments to include the public defender and a representative from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, to allow the judiciary authority to add other participants, and to make additional text changes including removing redundant language. The committee voted to adopt the amended recommendation, and the resolution passed with members voting aye and some excused.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Purchasing assault weapons is such a simple request.
  • We could raise the age to purchase an assault weapon. We could pass red flag laws. We could...
  • legislation like better background checks, like raising the age to be able to buy an assault-style weapon
Summary: The committee meeting was dominated by discussions surrounding gun violence legislation and the implications of proposed bills aimed at easing access to firearms. Numerous advocates and survivors of gun violence shared their emotional testimonies, expressing concerns about the safety of children and communities in the aftermath of tragic incidents. Notable speakers included representatives and community leaders who condemned the proposals that would allow younger individuals to obtain handguns and reduce restrictions on firearm carry in schools. The meeting concluded with a rallying call for lawmakers to prioritize public safety over the interests of gun lobbying groups.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session May 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This will provide parts for maintaining honor guard weapons.
  • And also, as it relates to Dory Miller and someone who served in the Navy and actually used the weapon
  • that would be considered a relic now, that his history, the human being that actually used the weapon
  • Obviously, I believe that human beings are extremely important and more valuable than weapons, but this
  • particular bill just Deals with preserving weapons so they can be used to continue the honor guard and
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • York State already has a statute on the books to prudently regulate manufacture of assault-style weapons
  • Just in 2024, there were 486 verbal assaults, 33... 486 verbal assaults, 33 assaults with weapons, 72
  • Some involve punches, thrown bottles, spitting, and threats with weapons.
  • You know, I don't have, I don't carry weapons. I carry a radio. I carry a punch.
  • include gestures, harmful words, threats, and physical altercations that include spitting and even weapons
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders. The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 17th, 2026

Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the last thing I want to mention is the anti-weaponization fund.
  • president, one of the more recent and egregious examples of this was the creation of this anti-weaponization
  • that California be prepared to impose a 100% tax on payments that would be made from this anti-weaponization
  • and those of all Americans by saying that we would have a 100% tax on payments from that anti-weaponization
  • Americans by saying that we would have a 100% tax on payments from that anti-weaponization fund.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • We all have to agree to give up universal injunctions as a weapon against policies we disagree with.
  • The only fair way to do this is to knock out the weapon of the universal injunction for everyone.
  • find it just rich with irony after we've sat here for four years and watched President Biden's DOJ weaponized
  • And we've got a real debate on both sides of the aisle about who is weaponizing the court.
  • And I think everyone's going to have their own views on who. has weaponized what against whom, I think
Summary: During this meeting, the committee focused on the implications of universal injunctions, which have become a significant concern in recent years. The discussion centered around various legislative proposals aimed at addressing the perceived overreach of district judges who issue nationwide injunctions that affect policies across the entire country. Several members expressed the belief that such injunctions undermine judicial authority and disrupt the balance of power between the judiciary and executive branches. Expert witnesses testified about the historical context of universal injunctions and the necessity for reforms that would limit the power of courts to grant remedies benefitting non-parties.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • incentive if for every smart gun, every personalized handgun that is sold, there is a turning in of other weapons
  • technology, and given some concerns I have about the financial impact on a very few manufacturers of these weapons
  • They could say it was a similar weapon, but they couldn't conclusively say it.
  • view of crime, obviously criminals don't want this stamping to occur because it will identify if a weapon
  • Thank you. ...occur because it will identify if a weapon has been used in an illegal manner.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology met to review its work on intentional microstamping and personalized firearms and to discuss draft recommendations for a final report. The co-chairs summarized testimony received from manufacturers, advocates, law enforcement, and officials from New Jersey, New York, and California. For microstamping, the discussion focused on how the technology could help trace spent casings, its limits in forensic use, and concerns about wear, tampering, implementation costs, and whether it would burden lawful gun owners. For personalized firearms, members reviewed testimony about biometric smart guns, their current commercial availability, higher cost, and potential benefits for preventing accidental shootings and unauthorized use, especially involving children and suicide prevention. Commissioners expressed a range of views. Several supported microstamping as a crime-solving tool and endorsed a recommendation that the legislature direct a feasibility and viability study, set standards and training, fund implementation, and create penalties for tampering. Others opposed microstamping, arguing it has not worked in other states, may not reduce crime, and could impose costs on manufacturers and owners. On personalized firearms, most commissioners supported encouraging the technology, but there was disagreement over whether to create a temporary sales tax exemption; some favored an incentive to promote adoption, while others opposed any tax subsidy for firearms or questioned whether the data justified it. The co-chairs said they would draft a report reflecting the majority consensus and circulate it for review before a final vote at a later meeting, likely in July. The commission also discussed which executive branch agency should conduct the microstamping feasibility study, with the Attorney General’s office and EOPSS mentioned as possibilities. The meeting ended with agreement to reconvene for final votes on the report and recommendations.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • A lot of these reports get weaponized— —in campaigns and back home, but badly.
  • I don't want things getting weaponized.
  • The intent here is not for any of this to be weaponized because a lot of these people are acting in good
  • So I just don't want these things to be weaponized.
  • So I just don't want these things to be weaponized.
Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to consider several audit requests and enforcement items related to local government accountability. The committee heard requests for operational audits of the City of Miami Beach, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Daytona Beach. In each case, the requesting member cited concerns about transparency, financial management, or compliance with state law. Representatives from Delray Beach DDA testified that an internal audit had already been completed, that findings were limited, and that they were working to cure issues such as procurement, credit card, and disbursement policies; the DDA chair also said the organization was willing to cooperate and was considering transitioning out of operating Old School Square. For Daytona Beach, the sponsor pointed to excess building permit revenues, vehicle purchases, and reported P-card irregularities as reasons for a broader audit. The committee approved all three audit requests, directing the Auditor General to finalize the scope while considering the stated concerns. The committee also received a presentation on the statewide performance reviews of 21 neighborhood improvement districts. The reviewers reported that 15 districts were active and six inactive, with common issues including outdated or missing performance plans, weak web presence, inadequate meeting notices, and limited management mechanisms. They said staffing levels often correlated with the ability to meet statutory requirements, and recommended that several districts be reviewed to determine whether they were still needed. Members asked about staffing, inactivity criteria, and how the districts were administered, and staff explained that city or county liaisons often supplement district staffing. Later, staff reviewed enforcement actions for local governments that failed to file required financial reports or omitted required information from submitted audits. The committee discussed a list of noncompliant counties, municipalities, and special districts, including the town of Rayford, which staff said had long-standing reporting problems, no apparent municipal services, and no response to repeated outreach. The committee voted to send a letter to the Union County legislative delegation encouraging a local bill to dissolve Rayford. It also approved staff recommendations to proceed against entities still missing required filings or missing audit information, with authority for the chair and vice chair to delay action if additional information is later provided in good faith.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 05/21/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Attempted assault in the second degree, menacing in the second degree with a weapon, criminal possession
  • of a weapon.
  • ATTEMPTED ASSAULT 2, MENACING SECOND WITH A WEAPON, CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A WEAPON.
  • Why the firearm seller instead of the person that modified the weapon?
  • And I think the district attorneys could certainly benefit from this, but I don't want to weaponize this
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care. The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies. The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26

Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • will use things like this to weaponize will use things like this to weaponize action<01:00:54.880
  • this bill and how to prevent weaponize this bill and how to prevent that?
  • Deepfakes weaponize our very likeness and rob us of reality.
  • The software is the predator that weaponizes impulsivity.
  • In other words, we can disable the weapon without stopping the artist.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Committee, February 27, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • and prohibit their ownership of or possession of a weapon?
  • <00:26:47.279> crime<00:26:47.520> with<00:26:47.679> a<00:26:47.840> weapon
  • haven't committed a crime with a weapon haven't committed a crime with a weapon and<00:26:49.039
  • of a weapon or possession of a weapon? of a weapon or possession of a weapon?
  • two times at officers and um but weapon two times at officers and um but for<00:27:28.400> the
Bills: SF0101
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • that cars are weapons. that cars are weapons.
  • ,<00:35:47.280> they're person, but if they're weapons, they're person, but if they're weapons
  • can be used as a weapon such as their<00:36:10.079> cars.
  • So, um individual could use as a weapon.
  • prosecutor, make sure he gets his weapon prosecutor, make sure he gets his weapon back.<00:52:00.079
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach. The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information. Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.