NC Senate Committee Approves Permitless Concealed Carry for Residents 18 and Older
RALEIGH, NC – A North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced a controversial bill that would allow permitless concealed carry of handguns for U.S. citizens 18 and older, sending the proposal to another panel for further review.
Senate Bill 50: ‘Freedom to Carry NC’
The legislation, known as Senate Bill 50, eliminates the requirement for gun owners to obtain a concealed carry permit from their local sheriff’s office. Currently, state law mandates a minimum of eight hours of training for permit holders. If passed, North Carolina would become the 30th state to allow what proponents call “constitutional carry.”
The bill is sponsored by Sens. Danny Britt (R-Hoke, Robeson, Scotland), Warren Daniel (R-Buncombe, Burke, McDowell), and Eddie Settle (R-Alexander, Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin), with Senate leader Phil Berger backing the measure.
“We believe that our constitution is clear that law-abiding citizens should be allowed to constitutionally carry,” Britt stated. “They shouldn’t have to jump through hoops for a concealed carry permit.”
While permitless carry would become law in the state, the bill would still allow concealed carry permits to be issued for reciprocity when traveling to other states.
Public Debate & Safety Concerns
The bill sparked heated debate, with testimony from law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups.
- Dr. Beverly Falls, a retired physician and surgeon, called gun violence a “public health epidemic”, emphasizing that lax gun laws put both civilians and first responders at risk.
- Officer Hattie Gawande, Raleigh Police Department, warned that concealed carry permits help prevent violent crime, allowing officers to detain individuals unlawfully carrying weapons.
- Becky Ceartas, Executive Director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (NCGV), highlighted research linking the removal of permit requirements to a 29% increase in firearm-related violent crime.
“If Senate Bill 50 passes, people as young as 18, with no training and no background check, could carry a hidden loaded weapon in public,” Ceartas stated. “Make no mistake, this will cost North Carolinian lives.”
What’s Next?
Senate Bill 50‘s next stop is the Senate Rules Committee, where further discussions and potential amendments could take place.
This bill follows the 2023 General Assembly decision to remove the pistol purchase permit system, allowing residents to buy handguns without a sheriff’s approval.
As the debate intensifies, supporters argue that the bill protects Second Amendment rights, while critics warn of increased risks to public safety. What do you think about this proposed legislation? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation.
I’m a former cop and I don’t have anyway to proof that I should be able to carry any way I want. 2 amendment rights my oath never expires to me if someone was hurting an officer and many are alone at least someone would come to the rescue