NH: Senators Must Deliver on Campus Carry TOMORROW
Gun Owners of America blasted unnamed gun rights organizations for preparing to give A+ endorsements to New Hampshire lawmakers who refuse to support campus carry legislation. The state Senate votes tomorrow on a bill allowing concealed carry permit holders to carry firearms on college and university campuses. GOA says politicians must earn endorsements through actual votes, not empty campaign promises. The campus carry bill passed the House earlier this session but faces resistance in the Senate from Republicans who claim to support gun rights.
Background and Context
New Hampshire allows constitutional carry for residents over 18 and recognizes permits from other states. The state permits concealed carry in most public places but current law prohibits firearms on college campuses, even for licensed adults. Twenty-one states currently allow some form of campus carry, including neighboring Vermont. The New Hampshire bill would allow anyone with a valid carry permit to bring firearms onto state college property. Private colleges could still ban firearms on their campuses. Gun control groups oppose the measure, claiming it would make campuses less safe despite evidence from other states showing no increase in violence.
What This Means for Gun Owners
Campus carry represents a crucial test for Second Amendment supporters in New Hampshire. Many permit holders work on college campuses as staff, faculty, or graduate students and currently must disarm before entering their workplace. Students over 21 with permits also face prosecution for carrying defensive firearms. The bill would eliminate this patchwork of gun-free zones that leave lawful carriers vulnerable. GOA's criticism highlights growing frustration with gun rights groups that rate politicians based on surveys rather than voting records. New Hampshire gun owners want legislators who will cast difficult votes, not just those who talk tough during election season.
Industry Impact
Campus carry expansion could boost concealed carry permit applications as more college students seek licensing. Training companies report increased interest in courses when states pass campus carry laws. Holster manufacturers and concealed carry gear companies also see sales increases in states with expanded carry rights. The bill could pressure private colleges to reconsider their firearms policies as students choose schools based on carry rights. Security companies that provide unarmed campus security might face reduced contracts if colleges rely more on armed staff and students for protection.
What to Watch Next
Tomorrow's Senate vote will determine whether New Hampshire joins the majority of states allowing campus carry. Governor Chris Sununu has previously signed pro-gun legislation and would likely sign this bill. If the measure fails, gun rights activists plan to make it a major issue in the 2024 elections. GOA and other groups are compiling lists of senators who vote against campus carry for future endorsement decisions. The vote also sets precedent for other gun rights measures pending in the legislature, including further restrictions on gun-free zones and enhanced permit reciprocity agreements.
DownRange Bottom Line: New Hampshire senators need to stop hiding behind poll-tested talking points and cast real votes for gun rights. Campus carry is common sense policy that works in 21 other states without problems.
