Gov. John Lynch and law enforcement officials from around the state have spoken out against a number of Republican-sponsored bills that would dramatically loosen gun laws, including one that would allow guns in classrooms.

Lynch was joined by police chiefs, sheriffs, state police and higher education officials during a press conference at the State House in Concord on Jan. 3 to decry three gun-related bills introduced by Republicans.

Of particular concern is House Bill 334, which would give the Legislature sole authority to regulate guns on public lands or in publicly owned or financed buildings. That means public colleges and universities would not be allowed to ban guns in their classrooms, dorms or anywhere else on their campuses. Guns would also be allowed in state-owned arenas like Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester or state-owned buildings like those at Pease International Tradeport in Portsmouth.

Lynch and law enforcers also spoke against HB 536, which would strip away the permitting process and allow almost anyone to carry a gun without a license, and HB 194, which would overturn a ban on loaded weapons in vehicles.

The New Hampshire House of Representatives could vote on all three bills as soon as Wednesday, Jan. 4.