We wanted to remind New Hampshire employers that the Parking Lot Law (HB 1336) will take effect on January 1, 2025.

This law pertains to storing firearms and ammunition in employee vehicles while on employer property. Under this legislation, public or private employers that receive public funds will no longer be permitted to prohibit employees from storing firearms in their vehicles parked on the employer’s property, provided certain conditions are met.

Key points include:

• Employee Rights: Employees who legally possess firearms can store them in locked vehicles while on employer property, provided the firearms are not visible.

• Employer Restrictions:
  • Employers cannot prohibit employees from storing firearms or ammunition in their vehicles.
  • Employers cannot take adverse action against employees for storing firearms or ammunition in accordance with the law.
  • Employers cannot require employees to disclose if they store firearms or ammunition in their vehicles.
  • Employers cannot search employees’ vehicles for firearms or ammunition, except by law enforcement with a warrant or recognized exception.

• Civil Immunity: Employers are not liable for any economic loss, injury, or death resulting from storing firearms or ammunition in employees’ vehicles unless the employer intentionally solicited or procured the injurious actions.

• Applicability: The law applies to state and municipal employers when employees’ vehicles are on state or municipal property.

• Limitations: The law does not authorize employees to carry firearms in places where it is prohibited by law.

Employers should revise employee handbooks and policies to reflect the new law, conduct training for management and HR, and clearly communicate changes to all employees, emphasizing firearm storage conditions and protections.

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