Students urge N.H. Senate to allow gun-free school zones; proposal dies

The New Hampshire Senate voted down a proposal to allow for gun-free school zones in the state Wednesday, ending a last-minute attempt by Democrats to change the Granite State’s gun laws after a recent wave of mass shootings.

In a 14-9 vote along party lines, the chamber rejected a proposal by Sen. Martha Hennessey, D-Hanover, to give individual school boards the power to impose firearms bans in lieu of a broader state law. Hennesey’s proposal, added as an amendment to an existing bill, was presented as a means for local school boards to make decisions on weapons policy.

But Republican senators said the bill was an inappropriate transfer of power to localities, which could create discrepancies between towns and erode public safety.

“The designation of a gun-free school zone hasn’t been particularly effective,” said Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro. “I wish it were. If I thought it was, I’d join my colleague from Hanover.”

Read more: http://www.concordmonitor.com/Concord-High-students-press-New-Hampshire-Senate-on-gun-free-zones-16351656