[NH] Governor vetoes gun-sales license bill

From the Granite State:

CONCORD – Urged on by police chiefs, Gov. John Lynch vetoed legislation Monday that would have scrapped the ability of cities and towns to license handgun sales, legislation that was sponsored by a leader of Lynch's own Democratic Party.

The veto keeps intact a law that gives cities and towns the option to license sellers of pistols and revolvers.

The sponsor of the legislation called local licensing redundant because the federal government already licenses firearm dealers and regulates firearm sales. State Rep. Daniel Eaton, the House majority floor leader, also said local licensing is not uniformly applied. And he warned that towns could use it punitively or for zoning purposes.

"I think it's a wasted veto, it's a non-issue," said Eaton, of Stoddard. "I don't get it." ...

Read the rest here.

[AZ] Permitless concealed carry, knife preemption laws take effect

Beginning July 29, 2010 Arizona no longer requires a permit to carry a concealed weapon (other than in an establishment that serves alcoholic beverages). Permits are still available for those who wish to carry in restaurants that serve alcohol, and for reciprocity purposes while traveling to other states.

In addition, Arizona's new knife preemption law also takes effect today. This law, similar to the firearms preemption law already in effect, prohibits local governments from regulating knife carry to any extent greater than state law. Any such local regulations and ordinances currently on the books are now null and void.

Read the text of the new Constitutional Carry (permitless concealed carry) law, Ariz. Rev. Stat. 13-3102, here.

From The Arizona Republic:

Today is the day gun-rights advocates have had in their sights for a long time.

Starting today, Arizona residents at least 21 years old can carry a concealed weapon without a permit.

The change is part of a broad weapons law by state Sen. Russell Pearce passed by the state Legislature in April that eases restrictions on concealed carry and stiffens penalties for committing a crime while carrying a concealed weapon.

The law is one of many passed by the state Legislature this past session that go into effect today.

Arizona joins Alaska and Vermont as the only states to allow concealed weapons without a permit. ...

Read the rest here.