On Thursday, Senate Bill 12-FN passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives with a margin of 200 in favor to 97 opposed. Now, the bill heads to Republican Gov. Chris Sununu’s desk for a final signature.
Sununu has already made it clear that he will sign it, unlike his counterpart Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan, who has vetoed it each time it was presented. The bill repeals the license requirement to carry a concealed firearm and makes New Hampshire a constitutional carry state.
New Hampshire is eager to join their bordering states, Maine and Vermont, both which have constitutional carry. This would legally allow people to exercise their Second Amendment rights. From the border of Massachusetts and New York all the way to the northern tip of Maine, people will be able to carry their firearms with no need for a permit. Having to get a gun permit in New Hampshire was passed a century ago, but many are finding that it wasn’t beneficial and infringes on Second Amendment rights.
All ten states that have moved to constitutional carry have gone to a “shall issue” carry permit before moving to permit less carry. The “shall issue” systems require a license or permit to carry a concealed handgun. Applicants must meet certain criteria, but the state removes all arbitrary bias and discretion, compelling the issuing authority to award the permit. Criteria includes proof of residency within the state, a minimum age, fingerprints for a background check, no record of mental illness or adjudication of mental defect by a court, and proof or certification from an acceptable handgun safety class.
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