North Carolina: Update on permitless-carry legislation

Editor's note: Many Ohioans frequently visit the Carolinas, so this particular bill is relevant to those traveling there. It is important to know the gun laws of all 50 states before traveling. For more information, check out Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States.

Last week, the North Carolina General Assembly briefly returned from recess and re-referred Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, to the House Rules Committee. The House then withdrew S50 from committee and placed it on the House calendar for a veto override vote Oct. 20.

The Senate successfully overrode the governor’s veto of S50 back in July, and the House needs to approve the override by the required three-fifths majority of those present and voting for S50 to become law.

Here in Ohio: House bill would let certain officials carry concealed firearms in government facilities

S50 would recognize your right to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense without seeking government permission by eliminating the requirement that law-abiding gun owners obtain a permit to carry. The NRA strongly supports constitutional/permitless carry; however, S50 still has pitfalls that could entrap well intentioned gun owners despite NRA efforts to amend it.

S50, as written, creates scenarios in which a person could lawfully purchase and possess a firearm but would still be prohibited from carrying that firearm for self-defense purposes. While S50 is a step toward North Carolina becoming the 30th constitutional carry state, the NRA stands firm in its belief that if an individual is lawfully allowed to purchase and possess a firearm, that person should be allowed to carry that firearm for self-defense without a permit under a true constitutional carry bill.

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