Opinion ID: 1923503
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: In addition to the foregoing, five days for each month of meritorious service, which may be granted in the discretion of the warden for exemplary conduct.

Text: It is obvious that an apparent conflict exists between RSA 159:2 (Supp. 1975) and RSA 651:2. The decisive question is: What did the legislature really intend to accomplish by this legislation? Kinchla v. Baumner, 114 N.H. 818, 330 A.2d 112 (1974); Chagnon v. Union-Leader Co., 104 N.H. 472, 190 A.2d 721 (1963). RSA 651:2 so far as applicable here was enacted June 28, 1973, effective November 1, 1973. In accordance with article 44, part II of the New Hampshire constitution it became law without signature of the Governor. Laws 1973, 370:2. RSA 651:55-b I, II was simultaneously enacted on June 28, 1973, effective November 1, 1973. Laws 1973, 370:41. We take notice of the fact that while legislators in 1973 might have differed as to methods to be employed, their abhorrence of the use of handguns in the commission of crime was universal. No reasonable doubt exists that the legislature was determined to deal severely with persons who committed crimes while armed with such weapons. On July 2, 1973, this intent was plainly and forcibly expressed in Laws 1973, 528:82, now RSA 159:2 (Supp. 1975). It is firmly established that the legislature will not be presumed to have done a futile and useless act or one leading to an absurd result. State v. Woodman, 114 N.H. 497, 500, 323 A.2d 921, 923 (1974); Peterborough Savings Bank v. King, 103 N.H. 206, 209, 168 A.2d 116, 118 (1961); Trustees &c. Academy v. Exeter, 92 N.H. 473, 482, 33 A.2d 665, 671 (1943). That the legislative body would amend an important separate chapter entitled Pistols and Revolvers, containing seventeen sections, of which section 2 is perhaps the most significant, four days after it had amended what is now RSA 651:2 and which the defendant claims in effect nullifies RSA 159:2 (Supp. 1975), credits it with an act beyond the realm of sober contemplation. The involved history of RSA ch. 651 indicates that the maximum and minimum term requirements of section 2 II relate to parole under section 37 and following sections and have no application to RSA 159:2 (Supp. 1975). See N.H.S. Jour. 1633-34 (June 23, 1971). However, we prefer to rely more upon the palpable absurdity of the assumption that RSA 159:2 (Supp. 1975), enacted four days after RSA ch. 651, was intended to be a nullity. We therefore hold the intent of the legislature was that RSA 159:2 (Supp. 1975) is controlling in the situation before us. Since it appears this is so, it follows that neither RSA 651:2 II nor RSA 651:55-b is applicable. The sentences and the denial of the defendant's motions to correct them were proper. The order is Exceptions overruled.