Bridget Powers: This reader opposes today’s HB 1793 ‘campus carry’ law

To The Daily Sun,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to New Hampshire House Bill 1793, the proposed “campus carry” law that would permit firearms on college and university campuses. The vast majority of my fellow Granite Staters agree, including 85% of students, parents, communities, law enforcement, and our universities and colleges. Should the bill make its way to Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s desk, I hope she agrees, too.

When introduced, the bill’s backers said it would have no fiscal impact but the opposite is likely. Concerned families will choose other institutions for their children to attend, insurance fees will rise, and workman’s compensation claims could increase. Other costs include those borne by community law enforcement and school administrations.

Proponents of this bill argue that it enhances personal protection. However, research and the experiences of campus leaders across the country suggest otherwise. Adding more firearms into densely populated, high-stress academic settings increases the likelihood of accidents, misjudgments, and escalation during conflicts.

Students face unique pressures — academic stress, mental health challenges, and social transitions. In such an environment, easy access to firearms raises serious concerns about impulsive acts with irreversible consequences. Suicide is the second cause of death among college students. Students in college today grew up with active shooter drills and have experienced too many school shootings. The proposal to put more guns in their college environment is more than insensitive. It is cruel.

We all want safer campuses. But HB 1793 moves us in the wrong direction. True safety comes from investment in mental health resources, conflict resolution programs, and well-trained security — not from expanding the presence of firearms in educational spaces.

I encourage my neighbors to learn how their house representatives voted, hold them accountable, and contact their state senator.

Bridget Powers

Plymouth