Yesterday, a New Hampshire “Constitutional Carry” bill took another step forward, clearing an important House committee with an “ought to pass” recommendation. If passed into law, it would make it legal for people in New Hampshire to carry a concealed firearm without a license, and foster an environment hostile to federal gun control.
A coalition of 19 sponsors introduced Senate Bill 12 (SB12) on Jan. 5. The legislation would allow any person “not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire” to carry a concealed firearm.
The availability of a license to carry a loaded pistol or revolver under this section or under any other provision of law shall not be construed to impose a prohibition on the unlicensed transport or carry of a firearm in a vehicle, or on or about one’s person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, by a resident, nonresident, or alien if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by statute from possessing a firearm in the state of New Hampshire.
SB12 would leave the current conceal carry licensing process in place in New Hampshire, but would extend the length of time a license remains valid from 4 to 5 years. This would allow residents who want to carry a concealed firearm in other states that have reciprocity agreements with New Hampshire to obtain a license.
On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee recommended SB12 “ought to pass” by a 12-8 vote.
“Constitutional carry is a big step toward being able to exercise a natural right that has been infringed at all levels for far too long,” ShallNot.org policy lead Scott Landreth said.
While constitutional carry bills do not directly affect federal gun control, widespread passage of permitless conceal carry laws in states subtly undermines federal efforts to regulate guns. As we’ve seen with marijuana and industrial hemp, a federal regulation becomes ineffective when states ignore it and pass laws encouraging the prohibited activity anyway. The federal government lacks the enforcement power necessary to maintain its ban, and people will willingly take on the small risk of federal sanctions if they know the state will not interfere. This increases when the state actively encourages “the market.”
Less restrictive state gun laws will likely have a similar impact on federal gun laws. It will make it that much more difficult for the feds to enforce any future federal gun control, and increase the likelihood that states with few limits will simply refuse to cooperate with federal enforcement efforts.
State actions like passage of SB12 would lower barriers for those wanting to the option of defending themselves with firearms and encourages a “gun-friendly” environment that would make federal efforts to limit firearms that much more difficult.
UP NEXT
SB12 now moves to the full House for consideration.
Michael Maharrey [send him email] is the Communications Director for the Tenth Amendment Center, where this article first appeared. He proudly resides in the original home of the Principles of ’98 – Kentucky. See his blog archive here and his article archive here. He is the author of the book, Our Last Hope: Rediscovering the Lost Path to Liberty. You can visit his personal website at MichaelMaharrey.com and like him on Facebook HERE
Good way to start and hope the rest of the states, will follow.
KUDOS to New Hampshire.
No one should have to get a ‘permit’ to pack.
An armed society is a poltie society.