Last week, Senate Bill 12 passed its final vote by the House of Representatives and is currently waiting to be sent to Governor Sununu’s desk for his consideration. 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 from four years to five years.
Unfortunately, this legislation is under attack by some gun control groups in New Hampshire who oppose the bill and have been spreading misinformation about the bill’s intent. It is imperative that you contact Governor Sununu to urge him to sign SB 12 into law, and also to set the record straight on constitutional/permitless carry.
SB 12 will NOT allow violent criminals, drug dealers and convicted felons to lawfully carry concealed weapons in New Hampshire.
The provisions of SB 12 only apply to an individual who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. If a convicted violent criminal or drug dealer possesses a concealed deadly weapon in New Hampshire, they are committing a felony. SB 12 only protects the rights of law-abiding individuals.
Statistics indicate that SB 12 will NOT lead to an increase in firearm accidents and misuse.
Many opponents to SB 12 claim that the lack of government-mandated firearm training prior to exercising your Right to Keep and Bear Arms will lead to an increase in firearm accidents and misuse. This claim is simply unsupported by the facts. Ten states already allow law-abiding individuals to possess a concealed firearm for self-defense without a permit. An additional nine states do not mandate firearm training prior to obtaining a concealed weapon license, including Pennsylvania. An analysis of widely available data shows no measurable increase in misuse or firearm-accidents in states that do not mandate training. Indeed, neighboring Vermont has never had a concealed carry permit or training requirement in its entire history, yet is consistently one the safest states in the Nation. This will come as no surprise to responsible, law-abiding gun owners.
SB 12 will NOT eliminate New Hampshire’s current concealed carry licensing system, nor will it jeopardize the benefits of obtaining a concealed carry license; in fact, SB 12 will INCREASE the length of time a permit is valid.
Many opponents of SB 12 state that a significant majority of individuals support the current concealed carry licensing system and the benefits associated with obtaining a concealed carry license. The NRA doesn’t disagree that New Hampshire’s current licensing system benefits the individuals who have the time and money to obtain a concealed carry license. That is why the current licensing process is left fully intact and SB 12 increases the length of time for which a license to carry a pistol or revolver is valid. If an individual wishes to obtain a license in order to avail themselves of reciprocity with other states, then they may still do so.
Once again, please click the “Take Action” button to urge Governor Sununu to sign SB 12 into law and to set the record straight on this important self-defense legislation.
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