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House Bill Would Restrict Public's Access To Gun Permit Records

A bill before the House Judiciary Committee would exempt gun permit records from the state’s right-to-know law.

A public hearing was held on the bill Thursday.

The bill’s supporters cite a New York paper that published the names and addresses of all gun owners as an example of what happens when gun permit records get into the wrong hands.

Prime sponsor Jeff Goley, a Manchester Democrat, says while there’s been no such effort to publish the names of gun owners here in the Granite State, he wants to make sure it doesn’t happen.

“One of the biggest concerns is publishing a list now gives those who want illegal access to firearms addresses to where these firearms are and has the possibility of putting more illegal guns out on the streets.”

Information about gun ownership would still be available to law enforcement and government agencies.

The New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union opposes the bill, arguing such a change would make it impossible to know if the government issues gun permits appropriately.

Should the bill pass, New Hampshire would join Massachusetts and several other states that already restrict the public’s access to information about gun permits.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.
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