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In First Day of Session, N.H. House Votes To Nix Concealed-Carry Gun License

Allegra Boverman for NHPR

It was a long first day for the New Hampshire House, as lawmakers debated dozens of bills to begin the 2016 session.

The House passed a proposal, 206 to 146, to allow people to carry a concealed firearm without a license. A similar measure passed the House and Senate but was vetoed by Governor Hassan last year.

Rep. John Burt of Goffstown pointed to the neighboring states of Vermont and Maine when asked whether so-called concealed-carry laws work. 

“Matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, in all of the states that has passed constitutional carry, they are doing just fine,” Burt said on the House floor.

Although those in favor of the legislation argued the bill would not be a safety hazard, Rep. Wayne Burton of Durham told his colleagues it was too risky. 

“I think a few inconvenient people is far less important that 12 dead kids," Burton said Wednesday.

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama issued executive actions to tighten gun regulations federally.

The New Hampshire House also passed a bill Wednesday that seeks to remove several minimum sentencing requirements and a bill that would have state police wear body cameras when interacting with the public. Both were sent to the House Finance Committee.

On Thursday lawmakers will debate bills dealing with drones and establishing Keno in the state.

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