Senators debate higher-education scope and reject further campus-carry study after wide opposition

Senators spent significant time on amendments clarifying whether the higher-education bill would cover public universities, community colleges and private institutions that receive state funding. Committee members discussed whether to rely on a definition (RSA 59:28) that would limit coverage to public institutions, or to include private colleges that accept state funds.

Senator Rearden and other members urged using a clear statutory definition, and the committee agreed to substitute references to "public institutions of higher education" in key amendment lines. Senator Rearden noted that private colleges vary widely and that public institutions are the core focus; other members said private colleges that accept state funding could still testify if they wished.

The campus-carry thread drew forceful opposition in committee remarks. Senator Alchiller said the testimony and written submissions were overwhelmingly against campus carry and questioned what a further study would produce. Committee staff (Brendan) reported remote sign-in counts of 44 people in support and 1,732 in opposition, figures senators cited as evidence that additional study would not alter the record. Senator Rearen added that some parents told the committee they would choose different colleges if campus-carry laws changed, citing potential enrollment and financial impacts.

The committee approved the amendment language clarifying the bill’s scope and passed House Bill 1793 as amended on a voice vote; the transcript records the amendment walkthrough and the voice vote but does not provide a roll-call tally.