HB1203 Relative to the return of firearms following a not guilty verdict or dismissal of the proceeding.
Relative to the return of firearms following a not guilty verdict or dismissal of the proceeding.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Mixed
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Taxpayers fund an estimated $45,000 annual state cost plus indeterminate local law enforcement overtime expenses to meet the 24-hour return requirement.
Your Community
The bill creates administrative and staffing demands on law enforcement agencies but does not substantively alter services to communities.
Your Freedom
Acquitted or exonerated individuals regain possession of legally owned firearms within 24 hours rather than facing indefinite delay, protecting property rights and due process.
Status
Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 02/19/2026 House Journal 5 P. 8
Sponsor
Bryan Morse (R)
The Short Version
This bill requires courts to immediately order the return of firearms seized during criminal proceedings when cases end in not guilty verdicts or dismissals, with law enforcement required to return the weapons within 24 hours. It will cost NH roughly $45,000 annually in state police overtime and create indeterminate additional costs for municipal and county law enforcement to meet the 24-hour deadline.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ Individuals acquitted of criminal charges or whose cases are dismissed
- ▲ Individuals whose firearms are seized during bail proceedings but cases are discontinued
- ▲ Gun owners seeking faster return of legally owned property after exoneration
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Taxpayers, who fund $45,000+ annual state overtime expenses
- ▼ Law enforcement agencies (state, county, and municipal), which incur additional overtime and weekend/after-hours staffing costs
- ▼ Evidence custodians required to work evenings and weekends to meet 24-hour deadlines
Bill statuses as of October 7, 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.