The Republican-led state senate was unable to override any of Gov. Maggie Hassan’s vetoes Thursday.
It means the state’s license to carry a concealed gun remains intact. Public schools can continue to survey students without providing parental notification and opt-out options. And residents will not have to seek Executive Council approval before selling their land to the federal government.
Most votes fell along party lines, and all failed to achieve the two-thirds majority needed to override a gubernatorial veto.
The bulk of the debate centered around state gun laws, which require owners get a license from local law enforcement to carry a firearm concealed in a purse or under a coat.
The police must determine whether an applicant is “suitable.” Republicans argue the term is too subjective and they pushed Thursday to revive the bill letting anyone get a licence who is legally allowed to possess a gun. The chamber failed to override the veto in a 13 to 9 vote.
“Despite today’s party line opposition, I will continue to work to repeal the concealed carry license requirement altogether, returning to the true intention of our Constitution,” said Sen. Majority Leader Jeb Bradley in a statement.
Hassan applauded the outcome and said in a statement the conceal carry statute has “worked well for nearly a century.”
(Allie Morris can be reached at 369-3307 or amorris@cmonitor.com.)