Gun Laws

New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the country (ranked #1 in 2009 CQ Press survey on state crime), yet the state has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the United States.

Here's a summary (courtesy of the Hollis Police web site):

Transporting in Motor Vehicle: It is illegal, under New Hampshire law, to carry a loaded pistol or revolver in any vehicle without a license . . . (N.H. R.S.A. 159:4)

Carrying Without a License: It is illegal, under New Hampshire law, to carry a pistol or revolver concealed upon your person, except in your dwelling or house, or place of business, without a license; whoever violates this section shall, for the first offense, be guilty of a MISDEMEANOR. For the second or subsequent violation of this section, such person shall be guilty of a CLASS B FELONY. (N.H. R.S.A. 159:4)

License to Carry: N.H. R.S.A. 159:6

According to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, New Hampshire ranked low in an annual survey of state gun laws:

"New Hampshire has weak gun laws that help feed the illegal gun market and allow the sale of guns without background checks, according to the Brady Campaign. In the organization’s 2009 state scorecards released for all 50 states, New Hampshire earns just 9 points out of a total of 100."

In 2009, the Legislative Facilities Committee banned guns in the State House.

The House upheld the committee's decision by voting down (191-167) HB 1693 on March 24, 2010. The bill prohibited the committee from putting a ban in effect and repeals the existing one.

Three bills loosening regulations on firearms in New Hampshire were passed by the New Hampshire House at the opening of the 2012 legislative session.  HB 334 was passed by the House on Jan. 4, 2012.  The bill allows citizens to carry firearms onto any public grounds, including colleges and universities.  HB 334 started to receive attention from the press when two men planned to protest the campus firearms ban by carrying loaded rifles through Plymouth State University.  PSU obtained a restraining order preventing the protest.  Law enforcement officials from the State Police and state universities have testified against the bill.

HB 194 was passed by the House on Jan. 5.  The bill allows gun owners to carry loaded rifles and/or shotguns in motor vehicles. 

Finally, HB 536 was also passed by the House on Jan. 5.  HB 536 creates the right to carry a concealed firearm without a license and removes ban on firearms in court.  The Senate Judiciary Committee sent all three bills to interim study. 

Several other bills related to the regulation of firearms are pending in the 2012 session. 

Does New Hampshire need stricter gun laws?