NH House Leaders Respond to Senate Override Vote on SB 88

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) and House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt (R-Salem) today offered the following statements after the State Senate voted (17-7) to override Governor Lynch’s veto on Senate Bill 88, which would ensure lawful gun owners in New Hampshire have an asserted right defend themselves when threatened.

House Speaker William O’Brien

“We are one step closer to becoming the 32nd state to have a Castle Doctrine or ‘Stand your Ground’ law. We applaud the Senate for overturning the Governor’s veto and standing with the people of New Hampshire and will work in the House to do the same. This is a common sense measure that ensures Granite Staters right to protect themselves.”

House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt

“Taking away the right of armed self-defense from law abiding citizens does nothing to reduce crime. SB 88 was passed by both chambers of New Hampshire’s legislature to confirm the existence of an unalienable right and House Republicans will work to join the Senate in overturning the Governor’s assault on that right.”