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"House lawmakers approved a domestic violence bill Wednesday named after a 9-year-old boy killed by his father during a supervised visit.Click to watch News 9's coverage.Joshua's Law would make domestic violence a specific crime in New Hampshire, distinguishing it from other assaults.The bill was named after Joshua Savyon, who was shot and killed by his father, who then killed himself. Joshua's mother, Becky Ranes, pushed for the bill and was at the Statehouse for the vote.\"She has really been the person who has led this effort to help other families like hers that have suffered at the hands of domestic violence,\" said Sen. Donna Soucy, D-Manchester.\"One of the things that has been so extraordinary about Becky's advocacy is that she stepped into this leadership role so soon after the tragedy that she experienced,\" said victim advocate Lynn Scholett.The bill passed 325-3. The bill doesn't change the substance of the crimes, but supporters said it will help officials track domestic violence and help get aid to victims.\"It identifies it so law enforcement and courts can respond more effectively, but it's also important for victims to put a name and face so they know what is happening to them and they know that help is available,\" Scholett said.Those voting against it said they weren't against the idea behind the bill, but rather had concerns about the language and possible unintended side effects related to the Second Amendment.\"The definition section is so broad that a guy going on one date could potentially lose his firearm if someone says, 'Yeah, I'm in a relationship with him,'\" said Rep. J.R. Hoell, R-Dunbarton.Gov. Maggie Hassan is expected to sign the bill into law quickly and praised Ranes' efforts in getting the bill passed.\"Nothing we can do will relieve her pain, but this is a wonderful way to honor her son, and she showed great, great courage in pushing this bill forward, and she really inspired a lot of us,\" Hassan said.A special signing ceremony is expected to take place at the Statehouse after the bill arrives on the governor's desk."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.wmur.com/article/nh-house-passes-bill-establishing-domestic-violence-as-crime/5190019>