New Hampshire 2026 Second Amendment Bills and Firearm News

The 2026 legislative session has featured several high-profile bills addressing preemption, campus carry, state sovereignty over firearms manufacturing, and intersections with other policies like medical cannabis. 

This article examines key developments, major bills, stakeholder perspectives, and broader context in New Hampshire’s firearm landscape as of early June 2026.

Background: New Hampshire’s Pro-Second Amendment Tradition

New Hampshire’s Constitution explicitly affirms the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense, family, property, and the state. The state has no permit-to-purchase requirement, no firearm registration, and no general licensing for ownership or carry (beyond federal prohibitions). Private sales between individuals do not require background checks, though licensed dealers must comply with federal NICS procedures for handguns via the state Department of Safety. 

Constitutional carry, enacted in 2017, eliminated the need for a license for concealed carry, aligning New Hampshire with a growing number of states embracing permitless carry. Pistol/revolver licenses are still issued voluntarily, primarily for reciprocity with other states. This permissive framework reflects a cultural emphasis on individual liberty, outdoor heritage (including hunting seasons for deer, turkey, and more), and skepticism of restrictive gun control measures. 

In 2026, Republican majorities in the legislature have pushed proactive bills to strengthen these rights against potential future encroachments by local governments, state agencies, or federal overreach.

HB 609: Expanded Firearms Preemption

One of the session’s most significant bills is HB 609, which seeks to broaden state preemption over firearm regulations. Existing law already limits municipalities from enacting their own restrictions on firearms. HB 609 extends this to state agencies and expands coverage to include not just firearms and ammunition but also knives, stun guns, tasers, pepper spray, and other self-defense tools. 

The bill aims to ensure uniform statewide policy, preventing a patchwork of local rules that could undermine constitutional rights. Proponents, including many Republican lawmakers and groups like the NRA-ILA and Gun Owners of America, argue it represents one of the strongest pro-Second Amendment actions since constitutional carry. A joint committee of conference reached agreement in late May 2026, with votes scheduled for June 4. 

However, the bill has faced notable opposition. Republican Attorney General John Formella urged rejection in a letter to lawmakers, warning that it could create a “regulatory cliff,” legal uncertainty for law enforcement, and unintended risks to Second Amendment rights and public safety. Critics, including some police associations, expressed concerns about enforcement challenges and overreach. 

As of the latest reports, the outcome of the June 4 votes remains pivotal. Passage would mark a major victory for gun rights advocates by centralizing authority with the General Court (state legislature).

Campus Carry Debates: HB 1793

HB 1793, often called the “Protecting College Students Act,” has been a focal point of contention. The original House version sought to prohibit public colleges and universities from restricting the possession, carry, storage, or lawful use of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus. Sponsored by Rep. Sam Farrington (R-Rochester), a University of New Hampshire student, it emphasized that “gun-free zones” do not enhance safety and that law-abiding citizens should not be disarmed on campus. 

The House passed an expansive version earlier in the session (188-165), but the Senate took a more cautious approach. The Senate version allowed faculty to carry firearms while limiting or studying broader student access, and included provisions for non-lethal defensive tools. Disagreements led to a refusal to accede to conference in some proceedings, and the bill ultimately did not become law in its stronger forms. 

Opponents, including university administrators (e.g., at UNH), law enforcement, and Democrats, raised safety concerns, arguing that more guns on campus could increase risks, accidents, or escalations. Supporters countered with data from other states and the principle that rights do not end at campus boundaries. While full campus carry stalled, the debate highlighted divisions even within pro-gun circles and underscored ongoing tensions between rights and institutional policies. 

Other Notable 2026 Firearm-Related Bills

Several additional bills advanced or gained attention:

•  HB 1697 (Made in NH Protection): This bill seeks to exempt firearms, ammunition, and accessories manufactured and retained entirely within New Hampshire from federal regulations, reinforcing state sovereignty and supporting local industry. 

•  HB 1446: Protects the firearm rights of individuals participating in New Hampshire’s therapeutic cannabis program. It prevents disqualification from purchasing, owning, or possessing firearms based solely on lawful medical cannabis use, addressing conflicts between state medical programs and federal prohibitions. The bill includes provisions for attorney general intervention in related cases. 

•  Anti-gun proposals, such as HB 1642 (establishing extreme risk protection orders, or “red flag” laws) and HB 1387 (repealing liability protections for manufacturers), faced strong opposition and were largely stalled or rejected in committee. Efforts to mandate firearm restrictions in school zones or curricula also drew debate but reflected minority positions. 

These bills illustrate a proactive legislative strategy to close perceived loopholes and defend against incremental restrictions.

Broader Firearm News and Context

Beyond legislation, New Hampshire’s firearm culture thrives through hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. Seasonal hunting regulations continue to support traditional outdoor activities, with deer firearms seasons and turkey hunts drawing participants statewide. 

Recent years have seen expansions like “guns at work” provisions (e.g., HB 1336 effective 2025), allowing storage in vehicles on certain employer properties. New Hampshire has also joined multistate efforts, such as challenging restrictive gun laws in neighboring Massachusetts before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Public opinion in the state generally supports strong Second Amendment protections, though urban-rural divides and concerns over school safety persist. Crime rates involving firearms remain relatively low compared to national averages, bolstering arguments for rights-focused policies.

Challenges include potential federal interactions, enforcement nuances, and balancing rights with public safety perceptions. The 2026 session’s outcomes will influence the trajectory for years to come.

Implications and Outlook

The 2026 efforts reinforce New Hampshire’s reputation as a Second Amendment stronghold. Successful passage of measures like enhanced preemption would limit future regulatory creep, while stalled campus carry highlights the need for continued advocacy and compromise. Bills addressing cannabis compatibility and in-state manufacturing demonstrate a holistic approach to protecting related liberties. 

For gun owners, advocates, and policymakers, vigilance remains key. As the legislative session concludes (with potential veto considerations later), the focus will shift to implementation, legal challenges, and preparation for future sessions. New Hampshire’s model—emphasizing personal responsibility, minimal bureaucracy, and constitutional fidelity—offers lessons for other states navigating similar debates.

In summary, 2026 has been a year of ambitious pro-Second Amendment activity in the Granite State. While not every bill achieved full success, the momentum underscores a commitment to preserving core freedoms amid evolving national discussions on firearms. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through official legislative trackers and engage with their representatives.