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New Hampshire Gun Laws: Can Towns and Cities Make Local Rules?

By    |   Wednesday, 01 April 2015 01:54 PM EDT

When it comes to bearing arms, New Hampshire gun laws are some of the most liberal in the United States. New Hampshire is also a preemptive state, meaning that cities and towns have limited power and anything they do must have a basis in state law. That makes gun control something of a hot potato.

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In New Hampshire, guns may be purchased without permits, and gun owners are not required to register firearms or to license them. It's also permissible to openly carry firearms, although handguns must be carried on one's person and not in a vehicle; having loaded guns in a vehicle is illegal. When it comes to concealed carry, gun owners must have a permit only for handguns.

Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, wants to loosen the state's laws more. He recently proposed legislation SB-116, which would repeal "the license requirement for carrying a concealed pistol or revolver." In February 2015, the pro-gun bill advanced in a floor vote of the New Hampshire Senate. Other states considering similar moves are Kansas, Mississippi, and Montana. They would join Vermont, Arizona, Alaska, and Wyoming in the concealed carry practice.

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Although cities and towns in New Hampshire are bound by state law, municipalities that are also employers must follow both the state and federal laws that regulate government action. This raises many questions when it comes to weapons in the workplace: are they allowed or prohibited? The municipality is the employer, but it's preempted by the state. The issue still has not been resolved.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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When it comes to bearing arms, New Hampshire gun laws are some of the most liberal in the United States. New Hampshire is also a preemptive state, meaning that cities and towns have limited power and anything they do must have a basis in state law. That makes gun control something of a hot potato.
new hampshire, gun, laws, local, rules
330
2015-54-01
Wednesday, 01 April 2015 01:54 PM
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