Bill > HB56

This bill requires all firearm transfers between private individuals in New Hampshire (except in specific circumstances) to be processed through a licensed firearms dealer, who must conduct a criminal background check and impose a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before the transfer can be completed. The bill defines key terms like "firearm," "transfer," and "prohibited person," and establishes that the transfer cannot proceed if the background check reveals that the proposed recipient is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, such as felons, domestic abusers, or those adjudicated as mentally ill. Exceptions to these requirements include temporary transfers during hunting or to prevent imminent harm, transfers between immediate family members, transfers involving law enforcement or military personnel, and transfers by licensed firearms manufacturers, importers, dealers, or collectors. Violations of the law would be considered a misdemeanor, with penalties increasing for subsequent offenses. The bill explicitly states that it does not require the creation of a firearms registry and is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, applying only to firearm sales after that date.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=20&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB56