Bill > HB551

This bill repeals the local licensing requirement for selling pistols and revolvers in New Hampshire, eliminating the need for sellers to obtain a license from local authorities to sell these firearms. The bill also introduces new provisions that limit liability for firearm manufacturers and federal firearms licensees (FFLs) in product liability cases. Specifically, manufacturers and FFLs cannot be held liable for tort claims related to the presence or absence of certain safety features like magazine disconnect mechanisms, loaded chamber indicators, authorized user recognition technology, or external mechanical safeties. The bill maintains that manufacturers can still be held liable for actual manufacturing defects or failures to meet express warranties. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to remove references to licensing, adjusting language around firearm sales to focus on verifying the identity of purchasers and ensuring they are legally permitted to buy firearms. The changes include removing previous requirements about displaying licenses and selling only in designated locations, while maintaining provisions that prevent selling firearms to felons or nonresidents without proper authorization. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage and applies to any legal actions filed on or after its effective date.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0201&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB551