New Hampshire state legislators are preparing for a high-stakes fight over a “campus carry” bill that would prohibit public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus. The debate comes as Republican lawmakers, citing recent mass shootings, push to expand Second Amendment rights for students and staff on taxpayer-funded campuses.
The legislation, House Bill 1793, would bar any public higher education institution from enforcing gun-free zones and strip authority from university officials to restrict firearms if a person is legally allowed to carry them. Republicans argue this measure restores constitutional rights and empowers students and faculty to defend themselves, especially in light of tragic incidents like the recent Brown University shooting.
Rep. Sam Farrington (R-Rochester), a University of New Hampshire senior and sponsor of the bill, said non-students who can legally possess firearms should not be disarmed by campus policies. Farrington told reporters that institutional restrictions infringing on citizens’ rights represent overreach by tuition-supported bureaucrats and that students deserve the full protection of the Second Amendment.
House Majority Leader Jason Osborne reinforced GOP backing, framing the proposal as a proactive defense strategy that could prevent future tragedies. Republicans have cited self-defense as an inherent right and criticized policies that disallow lawful carry on campuses. Farrington reiterated that campus carry is about equal application of gun rights rather than creating new privileges.
Democrats and opponents have signaled strong resistance. They claim the bill could place undue burdens on universities and community colleges, forcing them to increase security costs and complicate campus safety protocols. Democratic lawmakers argue that more guns on campuses, rather than enhancing safety, could escalate risks and create unforeseen liabilities.
Critics also maintain that expanding firearm access across college grounds may strain relationships between students and law enforcement, potentially increasing confusion during critical incidents and complicating emergency responses. Opponents emphasize that robust safety solutions should focus on preventive measures and mental health support rather than loosening gun restrictions. The debate is expected to intensify as House members prepare for hearings and votes in the upcoming legislative session. With Republicans holding a majority in both chambers of the New Hampshire legislature and strong backing from key GOP leaders, campus carry proponents believe the bill has momentum. Democrats, however, vow to fight the proposal at every stage.
