North Carolina House approves revolutionary bill eliminating concealed carry permit requirements, potentially making it the 30th state to embrace constitutional carry despite fierce opposition from safety advocates and some law enforcement officials.
Key Takeaways
- The North Carolina House passed Senate Bill 50, “Freedom to Carry NC,” which would allow constitutional carry without a permit for U.S. citizens aged 18 and older.
- Democratic Governor Josh Stein must now decide whether to sign or veto the bill, with the latter being likely based on his previous statements.
- The bill would make North Carolina the 30th state to approve constitutional carry, strengthening Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens.
- Critics, including some Republicans, law enforcement, and gun safety groups, argue removing permit requirements eliminates crucial training and background check safeguards.
- An Elon University poll indicates 54% of North Carolinians oppose permitless concealed carry.
Constitutional Carry on the Horizon for North Carolina
The North Carolina House recently passed Senate Bill 50, known as “Freedom to Carry NC,” which would eliminate the requirement for law-abiding citizens to obtain a government permit before carrying a concealed firearm. The bill passed largely along party lines with two Republican representatives joining Democrats in opposition. If signed into law, North Carolina would join 29 other states that have already embraced constitutional carry, marking a significant victory for Second Amendment advocates in the state. The legislation specifically allows U.S. citizens aged 18 and older to carry concealed firearms without obtaining permission from the government.
Supporters of the bill emphasize that it doesn’t change who can legally purchase a firearm or the existing conditions for carrying one. All federal and state prohibitions on firearm possession would remain in place, maintaining critical restrictions that prevent criminals from legally carrying weapons. The legislation simply removes what many conservatives view as an unnecessary government hurdle for responsible citizens exercising their constitutional rights. The measure now heads to Democratic Governor Josh Stein’s desk, where it faces a potential veto based on his previous statements opposing the concept.
Strong Conservative Support Despite Bipartisan Concerns
Republican lawmakers who championed the bill argued that law-abiding citizens shouldn’t need government permission to exercise their Second Amendment rights. “It allows people to constitutionally carry a firearm without obtaining a permit from the government to exercise their God-given right to defend themselves,” said Rep. Keith Kidwell, a primary sponsor of the legislation. The passage reflects President Trump’s strong support for Second Amendment rights and aligns with conservative values prioritizing individual liberties over government restrictions.
“It removes the need for that governmental permission slip,” said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina, a gun rights group. “The bottom line is, criminals will carry anyway. All we’re doing, once again, as we have done before, is to allow the law-abiding to remain law-abiding.”
However, the bill didn’t receive unanimous Republican support. Representatives Ted Davis and William Brisson broke with their party to vote against the measure, citing concerns about responsibility and public safety. This reflects the nuanced debate within conservative circles about balancing constitutional rights with practical safety considerations. The House also passed a complementary measure to fund firearm safety courses at community colleges, acknowledging the importance of education while maintaining that government mandates aren’t necessary.
Leftist Opposition and Safety Concerns
Democrats and left-leaning organizations have predictably lined up against the bill, claiming it would endanger public safety by removing training requirements and background checks for concealed carry. These opponents rely heavily on a 2022 Johns Hopkins University study that purportedly found an 18.3% increase in gun assaults in states that relaxed gun laws – though critics note such studies often fail to account for numerous other factors affecting crime rates. Representatives from anti-gun groups like North Carolinians Against Gun Violence and Moms Demand Action are urging Governor Stein to veto the legislation.
“The safeguards we lose if we repeal the requirement for a concealed carry weapons permit are all too dangerous to risk when it comes to public carry of firearms in North Carolina,” said Becky Ceartas, executive director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence.
Interestingly, some opposition comes from unexpected sources within the firearms community. Kenny Abbe, general manager of Calibers Indoor Gun Range, opposes the bill, emphasizing that proper firearms education and training are essential for responsible gun ownership. He argues that even the current eight-hour training course required for permits is insufficient for safe concealed carry, highlighting that concerns about firearms safety transcend typical political divisions. This represents a rare area where some gun enthusiasts align with liberal talking points, though for entirely different reasons.
What Happens Next
With the bill now on Governor Stein’s desk, the future of constitutional carry in North Carolina hangs in the balance. Given the governor’s Democratic affiliation and past statements, a veto seems likely. However, Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of the state legislature, raising the possibility of a veto override. Representative Davis, one of the Republicans who voted against the bill, indicated he remains undecided on whether he would vote to overturn a potential veto, adding another layer of uncertainty to the bill’s ultimate fate.
The National Rifle Association has expressed support for the bill as a step toward constitutional carry but noted it falls short of standards established in other states. This suggests that even if the current legislation fails, the push for stronger Second Amendment protections in North Carolina will continue. Regardless of the outcome, the debate highlights the ongoing tension between individual rights and government regulation that defines so much of America’s political landscape under President Trump’s leadership. Conservatives remain committed to protecting constitutional freedoms while leftist politicians continue their misguided attempts to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens.
