North Carolina’s Republican-led House passes landmark permitless concealed carry bill, leaving Democrat Governor Josh Stein with a pivotal Second Amendment decision that will determine if citizens can exercise their constitutional rights without government permission.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina House passed “Freedom to Carry NC” bill allowing constitutional carry without a permit for U.S. citizens aged 18 and older
- If signed by Governor Stein, North Carolina would become the 30th state to approve constitutional carry, strengthening Second Amendment rights
- The bill removes government bureaucracy by eliminating permit requirements while still maintaining existing restrictions on who can legally purchase firearms
- Despite Democrat opposition and a Johns Hopkins study claiming increased gun assaults in states with relaxed gun laws, 29 other states have successfully implemented similar legislation
- Governor Josh Stein is expected to veto the bill, setting up a potential override battle in the legislature
Constitutional Rights vs. Government Permission
The North Carolina House has taken a bold step toward expanding Second Amendment freedoms by passing Senate Bill 50, known as “Freedom to Carry NC.” This legislation would allow law-abiding citizens aged 18 and older to carry concealed firearms without first obtaining government permission through a permit system. The bill passed largely along party lines with Republicans supporting the measure as a protection of constitutional rights, while most Democrats opposed it citing safety concerns.
The bill represents a significant win for gun rights advocates who have long argued that requiring permits for concealed carry creates unnecessary barriers for law-abiding citizens seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The legislation maintains all existing prohibitions on who can legally purchase firearms, focusing instead on removing bureaucratic hurdles for those already legally entitled to gun ownership. If signed into law, North Carolina would join 29 other states that have already embraced constitutional carry provisions.
Republican Support and Democratic Opposition
Republican lawmakers championed the bill as a necessary protection of constitutional freedoms. Representative Keith Kidwell, a primary supporter of the legislation, emphasized the philosophical underpinnings of the bill, stating, “It allows people to constitutionally carry a firearm without obtaining a permit from the government to exercise their God-given right to defend themselves.” This perspective reflects the conservative position that self-defense is an inherent right that should not require government permission.
“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,” said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina
Democratic opposition to the bill has been vocal and predictable. Representative Allen Buansi claimed the legislation would endanger law enforcement officers, arguing, “This bill would make their jobs a whole lot harder and put them at an even greater risk.” This sentiment was echoed by anti-gun groups like North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, which has consistently opposed measures to expand gun rights despite evidence from other states showing no significant increase in officer safety issues following constitutional carry implementation.
Republican Dissent and Industry Perspective
Not all Republicans supported the measure. Representatives Ted Davis and William Brisson broke with their party to vote against the bill, raising concerns about removing mandatory training requirements. This internal dissent highlights the complex perspectives within the Republican party on balancing freedom with responsibility. The narrow passage suggests that any veto override attempt would face significant challenges, requiring near-unanimous Republican support.
Interestingly, some from the firearms industry have expressed reservations about the bill. Kenny Abbe, general manager of Calibers Indoor Gun Range, opposes the legislation despite his position in the gun industry. Abbe expressed concern about removing educational requirements, stating that even the current eight-hour training course for concealed carry permits is insufficient for proper firearms safety. This perspective underscores the industry’s recognition of responsible gun ownership while still supporting Second Amendment rights.
Governor’s Decision and Political Implications
All eyes now turn to Democratic Governor Josh Stein, who has consistently aligned himself with progressive policies that restrict Second Amendment rights. Political observers widely expect Stein to veto the legislation, forcing Republicans to attempt a veto override. The narrowness of the original vote suggests this could be challenging, with every Republican vote potentially critical to securing the necessary supermajority.
“It removes the need for that governmental permission slip,” said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina
The National Rifle Association has expressed support for the bill while noting it falls short of constitutional carry standards in other states. This measured endorsement reflects the organization’s pragmatic approach to expanding gun rights incrementally in states with mixed political leadership. The NRA’s support provides important backing for Republicans facing potential political pressure over their votes, especially those in swing districts where gun rights remain a divisive issue.
Future of Gun Rights in North Carolina
The passage of this bill represents a significant moment in North Carolina’s ongoing debate over gun rights and public safety. Despite Democrat claims about public opposition, the facts show a clear national trend toward constitutional carry, with more than half of U.S. states now embracing the policy. The experience of these states contradicts the dire predictions made by opponents, as millions of law-abiding citizens exercise their constitutional rights without significant increases in gun violence attributable to permit-free carry.
As Governor Stein deliberates his decision, North Carolinians who value their Second Amendment rights will be watching closely. The outcome of this legislative battle will determine whether North Carolina joins the growing number of states that recognize carrying a firearm for self-defense as a constitutional right rather than a government-granted privilege. For conservatives who believe in limited government and constitutional freedoms, this bill represents an important step toward restoring rights that have been gradually eroded through decades of legislative restrictions.
