The Second Amendment gives all Americans the right to keep and bear arms, yet gun owners still face a confusing patchwork of contradictory laws and regulations at the state level. When lined up alongside the Second Amendment, none of these state laws make less sense than those governing concealed carry.

In New Hampshire, we believe deeply in the values of local control and state autonomy, but the rights outlined in the Constitution, particularly those found in the Bill of Rights, should be universal among all citizens regardless of where they live.

New Hampshire is a “constitutional carry” state. Residents and non-residents alike may carry a concealed weapon without a permit. 

Despite New Hampshire offering concealed carry permits, some states, like neighboring Massachusetts, refuse to recognize our permits. That arbitrary act abridges the individual’s rights and is why I support the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025.

It’s common sense.

Concealed carry permits should be treated the same way as driver’s licenses. Imagine if driving into Massachusetts with only a New Hampshire driver’s license was illegal in the Bay State. That would make no sense.

And while the right to drive an automobile is naturally no where to be found in the Constitution, the right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment. That’s why the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act would also allow residents of the 29 states with constitutional carry to also do so in states like Massachusetts.

To be clear, under the Act, gun owners would still be required to carry valid photo identification and abide by the host state’s other laws regarding carrying firearms in specific locations.

The proposed law simply guarantees the right for law-abiding citizens to carry arms. It is wrong that New Hampshire gun owners risk a felony conviction of at least 18 months and up to 5 years in jail for crossing the state line while lawfully in possession of a firearm. 

Make no mistake, Massachusetts law is extreme. You can be convicted of a felony for carrying an unloaded, hunting rifle in a case in the trunk of your car.

That’s just plain wrong. Let’s make it right by passing the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025.

John Sununu is a former member of Congress and United States Senator.  He is currently a candidate for Senate in New Hampshire.