Jonah Patel
On February 22, 2017, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed a Constitutional Carry bill into law, making it legal to carry a concealed firearm in the state without a permit. This bill, known as Senate Bill 12, allows any person not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire to carry a concealed weapon without a license. Governor Sununu, a Republican, touted the bill as common-sense legislation that would ensure the safety of New Hampshire citizens and align with the state's live free or die spirit. The signing of this bill marked a victory for the GOP, as previous attempts to pass similar legislation had been vetoed by Democratic governors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Governor's Name | Chris Sununu |
| Date Signed | February 22, 2017 |
| Bill Number | SB12 |
| Sponsors | 19 |
| Previous Attempts | Yes, vetoed by former governor Maggie Hassan |
| Party of Governor | Republican |
| Party Victory | Yes |
| Effect on Federal Gun Control | Subtle Undermining |
| Duty-to-Inform Provision | No |
| Age Restrictions | No |
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What You'll Learn
- Governor Chris Sununu signed the bill into law in 2017
- New Hampshire is the 12th state to implement Constitutional Carry
- The bill removes the need for a permit to carry a concealed firearm
- The bill does not include a duty-to-inform provision or age restrictions
- The bill's supporters say it's about safety and personal freedom
Governor Chris Sununu signed the bill into law in 2017
Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire signed the "constitutional carry" bill into law in 2017. This was the first bill he signed into law since taking office. The bill, known as SB 12, allows any person "not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire" to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.
The bill was introduced by a coalition of 19 sponsors and went into immediate effect after being signed by Governor Sununu. It eliminates the requirement for a concealed carry license in the state, aligning New Hampshire with neighboring states like Vermont and Maine that have similar laws.
Governor Sununu stated that the bill was about "safety" and "making sure that the laws on our books are keeping people safe while remaining true to the Live Free or Die spirit" of New Hampshire. He was joined by sponsors of the legislation during the bill signing and delivered a statement emphasizing the right to carry a firearm in self-defense as guaranteed by Article 2a of the state constitution.
The signing of the "constitutional carry" bill marked a victory for Republicans, who had sought to repeal the licensing requirement for concealed carry in previous years. However, it was met with criticism from Democrats, who argued that it would make it harder for law enforcement to track guns and potentially weaken public safety.
Governor Sununu has since signed numerous other bills into law, covering various topics such as criminal background checks, political advertising, and professional licensure. He has also vetoed some bills, including those related to collective bargaining and safety programs for off-highway recreational vehicles.
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New Hampshire is the 12th state to implement Constitutional Carry
New Hampshire has become the 12th state to implement Constitutional Carry, allowing its residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Governor Chris Sununu signed Senate Bill 12 into law, making it legal for any person "not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire" to carry a concealed weapon. This bill aligns New Hampshire with its neighbouring states of Vermont and Maine, which have already implemented similar legislation.
The signing of this bill was a significant moment for Governor Sununu, who called it "common-sense legislation". He emphasised that it was about safety and ensuring that the laws in the state kept people safe while also upholding the "Live Free or Die" spirit that New Hampshire embodies. The legislation was also a victory for the GOP, as Republicans in the state legislature had been trying to repeal the licensing requirement for years.
However, the bill has faced criticism from Democrats, who argue that it weakens public safety and makes it harder for law enforcement to keep track of guns. Chairman Ray Buckley, the head of the state Democratic Party, stated that the governor's priority should be on more pressing issues in the state rather than further relaxing gun laws.
New Hampshire's law does not include a duty-to-inform provision, meaning residents are not required to inform police they have a concealed weapon if pulled over. Additionally, the law does not specify any age restrictions, although federal law prohibits minors from possessing handguns. The state's licensing process will remain in place for those who wish to carry concealed weapons outside of New Hampshire, as other states may have different requirements.
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The bill removes the need for a permit to carry a concealed firearm
On February 22, 2017, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed a "Constitutional Carry" bill into law, allowing individuals to carry a concealed firearm in the state without a permit. This marked a significant shift in the state's gun legislation, removing the previous requirement for a license to carry a concealed weapon.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 12 (SB12), was introduced by a coalition of 19 sponsors and states that any person "not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire" is permitted to carry a concealed firearm. This legislation aligns New Hampshire with other constitutional carry states, where individuals are allowed to carry a concealed firearm without meeting certain qualifications or obtaining a permit.
Prior to the bill's passage, New Hampshire required individuals to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm. The licensing process typically involves undergoing a background check, completing a firearms safety training course, and meeting specific eligibility criteria, such as being of legal age and having no criminal record or history of mental illness. However, with the new law in place, these requirements are no longer necessary for residents wishing to carry a concealed firearm within the state.
It is important to note that while New Hampshire has eliminated the permit requirement for carrying a concealed firearm, it does not include a "duty-to-inform" provision, which is present in some other constitutional carry states. This means that individuals carrying a concealed weapon in New Hampshire are not obligated to disclose the presence of their firearm to law enforcement officers during routine interactions, such as traffic stops. Additionally, the bill does not impose any specific age restrictions on carrying a concealed firearm, although federal law prohibits minors from possessing handguns.
The passage of the Constitutional Carry bill in New Hampshire reflects the state's commitment to upholding the Second Amendment rights of its citizens. Supporters of the bill, including Governor Sununu, have hailed it as "common-sense legislation" that strikes a balance between ensuring public safety and preserving the freedom and rights of law-abiding citizens. However, critics have expressed concerns about the potential impact on gun control and public safety, arguing that the bill may hinder law enforcement efforts to track and regulate firearms.
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The bill does not include a duty-to-inform provision or age restrictions
On February 22, 2023, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed a constitutional carry bill into law, allowing residents to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The bill, House Bill 584 (HB 584), was You may want to see also Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire signed the Senate Bill 12, also known as the "constitutional carry" legislation, into law in 2017. The bill guarantees New Hampshire citizens the right to carry a firearm for self-defence and the defence of their families, as outlined in Article 2a of the state constitution. Supporters of the bill, including Governor Sununu, have emphasised that it is about safety and personal freedom. They argue that the legislation ensures that the state's laws align with those of neighbouring states like Vermont and Maine, promoting public safety and personal protection. Governor Sununu stated that the bill is about "making sure that the laws on our books are keeping people safe while remaining true to the Live Free or Die spirit that makes New Hampshire the great state that it is." The bill's supporters also celebrate the expansion of Second Amendment rights and the concept of "constitutional carry," which allows lawful gun owners to carry concealed weapons without a license. They view the bill as a victory for freedom and liberty, stripping local law enforcement of the power to decide who can obtain a concealed weapons permit. Additionally, supporters argue that the bill promotes safety by deterring potential criminals. They believe that when individuals are allowed to carry firearms, it creates uncertainty for those with harmful intentions, assuming that potential victims may be armed and able to defend themselves. This, they argue, enhances safety in "gun-free" zones, such as campuses, schools, businesses, and government buildings. While critics have expressed concerns about the potential impact on public safety and law enforcement's ability to track guns, supporters of the bill maintain that it is a step forward for personal freedom and safety in New Hampshire. You may want to see also Yes, Governor Chris Sununu signed the constitutional carry bill into law on 22 February 2017. The constitutional carry bill, also known as Senate Bill 12, is a law that allows individuals to carry a concealed firearm without a permit in the state of New Hampshire. The signing of the bill was met with cheers from supporters and was hailed as a GOP victory. However, it also faced criticism from the head of the state Democratic Party, Chairman Ray Buckley, who argued that it would make it harder for law enforcement officials to track guns. The law allows any person "not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire" to carry a concealed firearm. Federal law bars minors from possessing handguns, but not long guns. While the constitutional carry bill does not directly affect federal gun control regulations, it subtly undermines federal efforts to regulate guns. The widespread passage of permitless carry laws in states makes it difficult for the federal government to enforce any future federal gun control measures.Indiana Senate Passes Constitutional Carry: What's Next?
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