This bill proposes the repeal of the local licensing requirement for the sale of pistols and revolvers, effective January 1, 2026. It amends several sections of the existing law, specifically removing the licensing provisions under RSA 159:8 and RSA 159:10, which previously mandated that selectmen and police chiefs grant licenses for retail sales of these firearms. The bill introduces new language that emphasizes the requirement for sellers to verify the identity of purchasers, ensuring that no firearm is sold to individuals not personally known to the seller or those who cannot provide clear evidence of their identity. Additionally, it modifies the penalties for violations of firearm sales regulations, allowing courts to impose fines without mandating the suspension of licenses.

The bill also makes changes to the language regarding the sale of firearms to nonresidents, ensuring that such sales comply with the laws of the purchaser's state of residence. It replaces references to "licensees" with "persons" in various sections, reflecting the removal of the licensing requirement. The fiscal impact of this bill is expected to be indeterminable for both state and local governments, as municipalities may experience a decrease in revenue from licensing fees, while there are no anticipated changes to state revenues or expenditures. Overall, the bill aims to simplify the process of selling pistols and revolvers while maintaining certain safeguards regarding the identity of purchasers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 159:6-g
As Amended by the House: 159:6-g, 159:8, 159:8-a, 159:8-b, 159:10