NH bill makes gun licenses optional :: 05/02/2012

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The Senate is considering making permits optional to carry concealed, loaded guns anyplace where gun possession is legal in New Hampshire.

The Senate is scheduled to vote Wednesday on the House-passed bill that Gov. John Lynch has promised to veto if it reaches him.

Under the bill, gun owners could still get permits so they could travel to states with reciprocal permit agreements. The bill also would increase from four to five years the length of time a permit is valid and make it legal to transport unlicensed guns.

A Senate amendment proposes allowing people to have guns in their homes and place of business even if they are prohibited from carrying them for other reasons, such as being a felon, which may conflict with federal law.