Bill > HB1697

This bill, known as the "Firearms Freedom and Federalism Act," creates a new legal framework for firearms and firearm accessories manufactured and retained exclusively within New Hampshire, aimed at exempting these items from federal regulation. The legislation requires that such firearms and accessories be marked "For N.H. Use Only. Export is Criminal" and includes strict provisions to prevent their export or transfer outside the state. Manufacturers must inscribe a unique serial number on each item, consisting of the city of manufacture, date of manufacture, and sequential digits, and must provide a certificate of manufacture that tracks ownership transfers. The bill establishes criminal penalties (class B misdemeanors) for exporting marked firearms or removing their special markings, and explicitly declares that these firearms are exempt from federal regulation under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. By creating this in-state-only manufacturing and possession regime, the bill seeks to challenge federal firearms regulatory authority within New Hampshire's borders. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while it is not expected to generate additional state revenue, it may have indeterminate impacts on the state's judicial and correctional systems due to the new criminal penalties it establishes.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1593&inflect=2