06/04/2026
HB 609 has been tabled! Thanks to everyone for your quick action on this!
HB 609: Lawmakers broadened HB 609 to include elements of the campus carry bill that was defeated in the Senate last week. After July 1, 2029 it would essentially void any remaining University System of New Hampshire campus firearm restrictions and all other fi****ms regulations enacted by state agencies. From that date onward, any rule or regulation against possessing or carrying fi****ms would terminate unless it was approved by a vote of the Joint Legislative Administrative Rules Committee. If no rules are approved, we would essentially be in the same spot where we would have been if HB 1793 passed. No rules means there would be no restrictions — fi****ms on campus anywhere, at anytime, by anyone.
This amended bill also broadens the current prohibition against political subdivisions from regulating fi****ms, fi****ms components, and ammunition to include stun guns, tasers, pepper spray devices, knives, or anything else that could be considered a "self-defense tool". Any ordinances or rules our schools, towns, and counties may now have on the books that regulate the possession and carrying of these weapons in any way would be voided immediately upon passage of this bill. Any county, town, agency, or official who attempts to enforce restrictions on these weapons will face the threat of injunctions and other legal action, including a $1,000 minimum damage amount.
This bill is also a clear separation of powers issue undermining the autonomy of other branches and agencies, in addition to the significant public safety concerns.
