On January 7, 2026, the first day of the 2026 legislative session, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted to amend and pass H.B. 609. As originally introduced, the bill would create state preemption and remove the ability of political subdivisions (cities, towns, or counties) to regulate the possession, sale, use, or taxation of firearms and ammunition at the local level. The floor amendment, introduced by Rep. Samuel Farrington, the bill’s prime sponsor, broadened the preemption in two critical ways.
In the amended version that passed the House, H.B. 609 narrows the authority to regulate firearms from the state to the state legislature of New Hampshire, preempting both political subdivisions and state agencies. Under this version, neither political subdivisions nor the executive branch can circumvent the legislature should a future anti-gun administration take control of the governor’s office. In addition, the bill was amended to broaden the category of arms covered by preemption to include firearms, ammunition, and knives, as well as all other “self-defense tools,” including but not limited to stun guns, tasers, and pepper spray.
H.B. 609 now moves to the Senate. Contact your state senator and urge them to pass H.B. 609, as amended, by using the TAKE ACTION button below.
Please stay tuned to the NRA-ILA website and your inbox for updates as this legislative session begins.
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