Kudos to Rep. Jeanine Notter for her stand supporting the right of folks to carry firearms in our state capital buildings. While it is acknowledged that armed guards are on the premises and do a fine job, it must also be acknowledged that numerous events, meetings, and hearings with hundreds, if not thousands, of people can be in any of the buildings on any given day. The guards cannot be everywhere at every minute and it is essential that folks have the ability to defend themselves should the unthinkable happen.

New Hampshire has a proud heritage of defending the second amendment allowing for concealed carry with and without a permit and open carry without a permit. The second amendment to the U.S. Constitution states, in part, “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” By rejecting the latest rule change regarding the legal carrying of firearms in our state capital, Rep. Notter has shown courage and resolve. I completely support her in this effort.