Two New Hampshire lawmakers have proposed a bill that would give more jail time to those caught stealing a firearm. The proposed change could lead to 20-year prison sentences, according to one of the bill’s sponsors.

If passed, HB 1635 would make stealing a firearm during a burglary a class A felony, which would allow for stiffer sentencing.

The legislation is sponsored by Republican Al Baldasaro of Londonderry and Democrat Katherine Rogers of Concord, two politicians with contrasting records on gun access and gun violence. Baldasaro has been a vocal supporter of gun rights, speaking to Gun Rights Across America New Hampshire in 2014, according to that organization’s Facebook page. This year, Rep. Rogers has also introduced a bill that would require gun buyers and sellers to purchase qualified liability insurance.


The firearm theft bill will be heard by the House Criminal Justice Committee on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.