New HampshireNew Hampshire limits handgun license forms starting in January 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, handgun license applicants in New Hampshire cannot be asked for job details or personal references on the state application.
What it does
Starting January 1, 2027, handgun license forms cannot ask for job details or personal references. They also cannot require permission to release records beyond what the state application expressly requires.
Starting September 1, 2027, one of the six dentists on New Hampshire’s Board of Dental Examiners must be a general dentist.
Argument forLimits on job questions and permission to release records could help handgun license applicants keep sensitive personal information private.
Argument againstBarring personal references from applications could leave licensing officials with fewer sources of information when reviewing applicants.
More detail
The law limits handgun license application forms and directs the Department of Safety to develop a matching form through its rulemaking process. These requirements cover applications for licenses to carry a loaded pistol or revolver. The form cannot ask for more information than the March 2017 state application required. The form cannot ask for an applicant’s occupation, employer, employer’s address, or personal references. It cannot require permission to disclose personal, employment, medical, or other records beyond what the state application expressly requires. City and town officials must use the state form. The form limits take effect January 1, 2027. The Department of Safety’s rulemaking duty took effect July 15, 2026, and the paragraph establishing it is repealed January 1, 2027.
The law requires one dentist on New Hampshire’s Board of Dental Examiners to be a general dentist. The requirement applies to one of the six dentist positions on the nine-member board. The governor appoints board members with the council’s approval. The board membership requirement takes effect September 1, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 20Signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte Ayotte 07/15/2026; Chapter 325; eff. I. Secs 1 2 5 eff 01/01/2027 II. Sec 3 eff 09/01/2027 III. Rem eff 07/15/2026Became Law
- Jul 6Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 15To Governor
- Jul 6Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 56
- Jun 23Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2187e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 53
- Jun 23Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2187e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/04/2026); SJ 14Major
- Jun 4Conference Committee Report 2026-2103c: Adopted, VV 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 12
- Jun 4Conference Committee Report # 2026-2103c, Adopted, VV; 06/04/2026; SJ 14
- May 28Conference Committee Report Filed, # 2026-2103c; 06/04/2026
- May 27Conference Committee Meeting: 05/27/2026 12:00 pm GP 234
- May 26Conferee Change; Senator Lang Replaces Senator Rochefort; SJ 14
- May 20Sen. Gannon Accedes to House Request for Committee of Conference, MA, VV; (In recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
- May 20President Appoints: Senators Gannon, Rochefort, Watters; (In Recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
- May 14Speaker Appoints: Reps. Roy, Rhodes, Paquette, S. Smith 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 148
- May 14House Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1947s and 2026-1543s and Requests CofC (Rep. Roy): MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 148
- May 14Ought to Pass with Amendments #2026-1543s and #2026-1947s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/14/2026; SJ 12Passed Senate
- May 14Sen. Rochefort Floor Amendment # 2026-1947s, AA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
- May 14Committee Amendment # 2026-1543s, AA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
- Apr 17Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1543s, 05/14/2026, Vote 3-2; SC 18Minor
- Apr 17Hearing: 03/10/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:15 pm; SC 9
- Feb 9Introduced 02/05/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 4Minor
- Feb 5Ought to Pass: MA VV 02/05/2026 HJ 3 P. 7Passed House
- Jan 28Committee Report: Ought to Pass 01/23/2026 (Vote 10-0; CC) HC 5 P. 3Minor
- Jan 27Executive Session: 01/23/2026 12:00 pm GP 159
- Jan 8Public Hearing: 01/14/2026 11:30 am GP 159
- 2025
- Dec 2Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 17Introduced
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