Remove discretion from concealed carry?

On Thursday, March 24 the Senate will vote on a bill that would remove any discretion from local police chiefs issuing concealed carry licenses.

Under current law, police chiefs must issue concealed carry permits to any “suitable” applicants.  Senate Bill 336, as amended, would instead require police chiefs to issue a permit so long as the applicant is not prohibited from possessing a firearm by state or federal law.

The New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police oppose the bill because they argue there are gray areas that benefit from police discretion.

For example, Tuftonboro Police Chief Andy Shagoury told the Concord Monitor that under this law, police would have to issue a concealed carry permit to a teenager, so long as the teenager has a note from his or her parent.  

Supporters of SB 336 argue that police chiefs should not be allowed to subjectively discriminate against certain firearm owners.

“There was a lot of concern about the word ‘suitable,’” said Sen. Sharon Carson. “This is a Second Amendment right. Unless you are precluded from federal or state law from getting a license, there’s no reason you shouldn’t.”

The Senate is also considering HB 582, a bill to remove the concealed carry permit altogether.  When we asked our community about that bill, the majority favored ending concealed carry permits.  Click here to learn more about the discussion. 

Do you think police chiefs should have some discretion issuing concealed carry permits?  Share your opinion in the comments.