N.H. governor vetoes concealed carry bill

CONCORD, N.H. — Gov. Maggie Hassan stood firm Monday against Republican-led efforts to roll back the state law regulating who can carry hidden guns.

In her veto message, Hassan said a bill to remove the licensing requirement for carrying concealed firearms would undo the state’s “common sense” gun laws.

“New Hampshire’s current concealed carry permitting law has worked well for nearly a century – safeguarding the Second Amendment rights of our citizens while helping to keep the Granite State one of the safest states in the nation,” the Democrat said in a statement. “Our concealed weapons permitting system gives an important oversight role to local law enforcement, while allowing for appeals through appropriate channels.”

Existing state law allows anyone who can legally own a gun to carry it openly. But to carry it out of sight, such as in a purse or under a jacket, a person must get a license from local law enforcement or town officials.

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