The New Hampshire state Senate voted concurrence on “Constitutional/Permitless Carry” reform legislation, Senate Bill 116. We need your help now more than ever to contact Governor Maggie Hassan and urge her to sign SB116 into law.
As previously reported, SB 116 (R-Bradley), would allow all New Hampshire residents who are not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm the right to carry concealed without obtaining a concealed firearm license.
This bill would also leave the current carry permitting system intact for those who wish to participate in reciprocal concealed carry permit agreements when traveling to other states. State Police would be required to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states to recognize their licenses.
In New Hampshire, existing state law recognizes the right of any citizen who can legally own/possess a firearm to carry it openly, either loaded or unloaded, anywhere in the state not prohibited by law. Since law-abiding citizens can carry a firearm openly without a permit, they should not become criminals just because they put on a jacket or place their firearm in their purse or briefcase. Law-abiding citizens do not suddenly turn into violent criminals just because they choose to conceal their firearm.
In your neighboring state of Maine, Governor LePage is expected to sign similar legislation next week. We hope that Governor Hassan will follow the example that Maine has set and will listen to the people she governs. Please contact the Governor TODAY at (603) 271-2121 and ask her to reconsider her position on SB 116.