Today, Senate Bill 12, legislation eliminating the requirement to obtain a permit in order to lawfully carry, passed the Senate without amendment, by a 13-10 vote. SB 12 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration. Please begin contacting your state Representative and politely urge them to support SB 12! Please click the “Take Action” button below to contact your state Representative!

Sponsored by Senator Jeb Bradley (R-3), SB 12 would repeal the license requirement to carry a concealed pistol or revolver, unless a person is otherwise prohibited. For those who choose to obtain licenses, SB 12 would also increase the length of time in which a license is valid.

In New Hampshire, existing state law recognizes the right of any citizen who can legally own and possess a firearm to carry it openly, either loaded or unloaded, anywhere in the state not prohibited by law. However, if a firearm becomes covered by a coat or if a woman prefers to carry a firearm for protection in her purse, he or she would need a concealed carry handgun license. The proposed legislation would extend permitless open carry to permitless concealed carry, allowing law-abiding gun owners to protect themselves and their loved ones in the manner that best suits their needs.

Last year was the second year in a row that former Governor Maggie Hassan vetoed similar legislation after it passed the New Hampshire General Court. This year, with your active involvement, law-abiding gun owners would be able to carry their firearms without a required permit in the state of New Hampshire. Once again, please click the “Take Action” button to contact your state Representative and urge them to support Senate Bill 12!

​Also, please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates on this important legislation as it progresses through the General Court of New Hampshire.