Free State Observer

All of America observed the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans and the surrounding area.  We had no choice; CNN aired coverage of it, and nothing else, 24 hours a day.  One of the many examples of government mishandling of this highly predictable natural disaster is the manner in which FEMA agents went door to door, confiscating the firearms of law-abiding New Orleans citizens, on the grounds that the guns presented a threat to public safety in the temporarily lawless environment.  This left good people unarmed and helpless while armed gangs of looters roamed the streets, robbing and raping at will.

One Free State Project member and early mover, Dave Ridley, vowed to never allow such an incident to take place in New Hampshire.  Last summer he wrote a short petition and began circulating it amongst his acquaintances.  That petition, picked up by activists in the New Hampshire Libertarian Party, has since been signed by thousands of New Hampshire residents.  State Rep. Paul Hopfgarten (R), Derry, is now sponsoring House Bill 1639-FN, inspired by the petition.  The bill would prohibit the confiscation of lawfully owned and lawfully carried firearms during a state of emergency, making a felon of any law enforcement officer who attempted to seize such a firearm during a disaster.  A public hearing took place on Jan. 24, at which approximately 18 New Hampshire residents signed in favor of the bill.  No members of the public attended to speak against it. It’s scheduled for floor debate on March 7.

Bill text:  http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2006/hb1639.html