HB 330 came before the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee yesterday. As expected both bills were opposed by law enforcement community and as often is, it’s reasonably predictable what the nature of those objections are.
New Hampshire State Police Capt. John Lalacheur told the committee that changes in the law will make it difficult for police to fight gang and drug violence. Lalacheur also citied issues with the Outlaw 
Motorcycle group and an upcoming Hells Angels World meet slated for this summer. Captain Lalacheur also made another statement to the committee that caught my attention. In speaking of the current laws supposed limitations, he asserted to the committee that only felons are precluded from receiving a license so a person with a history of misdemeanor assaults can legally obtain (and must be issued) a New Hampshire Pistol Revolver License. We all know full well that simply isn’t true.
On March 31, 2006 Dover Police Chief William Fenniman sent a letter to Edward J. Bleiler, notifying him that his New Hampshire Pistol Revolver License was revoked citing that Bleiler was, “not a suitable person at this time.” Bleiler appealed the revocation in District court as prescribed by statute and the District Court upheld the action by the Dover Police Chief. This case was heard in the New Hampshire Supreme Court which upheld the District court’s affirmation of Bleiler’s revocation.
It is important to point out that Bleiler was never charged with a crime. The Dover Police Department revoked his license on the basis that his haughty, raucous behavior was such that he has caused several people to be alarmed by his inappropriate firearms handling, silly statements, and refusal to address them when asked to do so. (It doesn’t matter whether one agrees or disagrees with the court’s holding in this case. All who possess, handle and carry guns know there are things one simply does not say or do when exercising constitutional rights)
