New Hampshire Legislature passes law allowing firearms in employees’ vehicles

Although the debate between those wanting to protect the right to possess firearms and those who advocate for stricter gun control is often thought of as a federal issue, gun laws are often a function of state and local laws. We draw your attention to this important issue because the New Hampshire House and Senate passed a bill at the close of the most recent state legislative session that will limit the ability of certain employers to restrict the presence of firearms and ammunition on their properties and marks a significant expansion of Second Amendment protections for legal gun owners in New Hampshire.

While New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the nation, sadly, there have been instances of workplace violence in the state. Most employers have a workplace violence or weapons policy, but a policy is only as good as those who comply with it. With this new law set to take effect on January 1, 2025, employers should review their current policies and procedures now.

Which employers will be affected by HB 1336?

Governor Chris Sununu signed House Bill (HB) 1336 into law on July 12. The law applies to the storage of firearms and ammunition in employee vehicles while on employer property. Certain portions of HB 1336 apply generally to all employers in New Hampshire. Other portions apply only to employers that receive public funds, but this includes any public or private employer that receives any public funds from the federal or state government (or any subdivision of the federal or state government).