Senate Passes Suicide Prevention Legislation, Passes Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the Senate passed HB 687, establishing a procedure for issuing extreme risk protection orders to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. The measure passed 14-10 and will next go to Governor Sununu’s desk for his action.
After the vote, bill co-sponsor Senate Judiciary Chair Martha Hennessey (D-Hanover) issued the following statement:
“For over 20 years, New Hampshire has been fighting a public health emergency. According to a report published by the CDC our suicide rates have gone up 48.3% between 1999-2016. As elected officials, we must take action to address this crisis.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) laws are a public health and safety measure. In recent polling, 81% percent of Granite State residents support ERPO legislation and 81% percent of Granite State gun owners support ERPO legislation. This is not, as some may argue, a way to take away guns from their lawful owners. This bill creates due process that gives concerned family members and law enforcement the tools to request assistance from our courts in protecting someone who may be a danger to themselves and others. Today’s vote is a victory for New Hampshire and a significant step towards preventing further loss of life by suicide.”
###