Another attempt at forcing a “universal” (for everyone except criminals) background check bill upon the citizenry has failed, this time in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Â Legislators in the “Live Free or Die” state refused to compromise on liberty:
A closely divided House debated the issue for two hours — at one point voting to study the matter rather than impose the background checks — but later voted 242-118 to kill the bill after supporters tried to postpone final action in a bid to either salvage the checks or change the study’s focus.
The bill would have required most private sellers would to conduct background checks through federally licensed dealers, using a system already in place for dealer sales.
Breaking the law would have been a misdemeanor charge. An exception would have been made for noncommercial private sales between individuals not prohibited by federal law from buying a gun.
Supporters argued it would protect citizens, but opponents said it infringed on gun rights.
Rep. Richard Meaney, R-Goffstown, said the bill would erode New Hampshire gun owners’ Second Amendment rights slowly, likening it to death by a thousand cuts.
“This is attempting to remove a legal and affordable means of obtaining firearms,” he said.
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