relative to exceptions to the charge of criminal threatening.

HB 1244 adds a new exception to New Hampshire's criminal threatening law, protecting individuals who display a firearm or other self-defense means to warn away someone committing criminal trespass (violating RSA 635:2) if the trespasser's actions reasonably threaten property damage, serious bodily injury, or death. It directly affects property owners or occupants responding to trespassers who pose an immediate threat. The key provision clarifies that such defensive actions - intended to deter the trespasser - will not constitute criminal threatening under RSA 631:4. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated state or local fiscal impact.