The New Hampshire Legislature has introduced Senate Bill 144, known as “Bradley’s Law,” aimed at enhancing mental health reporting for firearm background checks. This legislation, introduced on January 22, 2025, seeks to address critical public safety concerns by ensuring that individuals disqualified from firearm possession due to mental health adjudications are reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The bill honors the memory of retired Police Chief Bradley Haas, who was tragically killed while protecting patients and staff at the New Hampshire Hospital. It establishes a new chapter in the state’s laws, specifically focusing on mental health reporting related to firearms. Under this law, the New Hampshire judicial branch and the Department of Safety will be authorized to report individuals who have been adjudicated as not guilty by reason of insanity, deemed incompetent to stand trial, or involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.

Key provisions of the bill include the requirement for courts to retain records of relevant orders and promptly enter them into the NICS. This process aims to prevent individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others from obtaining firearms. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for notifying individuals about their firearm possession status during court hearings and offers options for voluntary relinquishment of firearms to law enforcement.

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on public safety, it has also sparked debates regarding the balance between mental health rights and gun ownership. Critics express concerns about potential stigmatization of individuals with mental health issues and the implications of increased reporting on their rights. Proponents argue that the legislation is a necessary step to protect communities from gun violence linked to mental health crises.

The implications of Senate Bill 144 extend beyond legal frameworks; it touches on social and political dynamics surrounding gun control and mental health awareness in New Hampshire. Experts suggest that if passed, the law could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues, potentially influencing national discussions on gun safety and mental health policies.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its outcomes will be closely monitored by advocates and opponents alike, with the potential to reshape how mental health and firearm regulations intersect in New Hampshire. The community remains engaged, recognizing that the decisions made in the legislature will have lasting effects on public safety and mental health advocacy in the state.