NC faces GOP resistance on permitless concealed carry

In a recent development, the North Carolina legislature has advanced a bill that would allow adults to carry concealed handguns without a permit. While this marks a significant move towards joining the majority of U.S. states with similar legislation, the bill’s future is still uncertain.
Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, is expected to veto the GOP-backed bill, which is also facing resistance within the Republican ranks, with some House Republicans casting votes against it. House Speaker Destin Hall admitted there are concerns following the vote, acknowledging the challenge in passing this particular bill compared to others.
If enacted, North Carolina would become the 30th state to permit concealed carry without a permit, joining other states that have adopted this legislation. The bill allows those who are 18 and older with valid identification to carry a concealed handgun, aligning with states that set the carrying age between 18 and 21.
Currently, individuals in North Carolina must be at least 21 to secure a concealed handgun permit, which involves completing a firearms safety course and demonstrating the ability to safely handle a handgun. This shift towards permitless carry has been a long-standing ambition of gun-rights supporters in the state, with the elimination of character evaluations and background checks by sheriffs last year marking a significant advancement.
Proponents argue that the bill is a reinforcement of Second Amendment rights. Republican Rep. Brian Echevarria articulated that the permit removal would favor “law-abiding citizens” rather than criminals. He asserted that rights to firearm ownership and carrying are inseparable.
The bill’s approval implies it could become one of the first measures to face a veto from Stein if he holds the stance of the Democratic lawmakers. Governor Stein wields a more powerful veto tool than his predecessor, Roy Cooper, since Republicans lost their House supermajority, requiring Democratic support to override any veto.
The possibility of gathering bipartisan support for an override seems challenging given the unanimous opposition from Democrats and two Republican dissenters. While the governor’s office did not comment on the bill, House Deputy Democratic Leader Cynthia Ball mentioned Stein’s opposition to the measure.
Critics, primarily Democrats, argue that the legislation could compromise community safety by allowing concealed carry without proper training. Additional concerns arise with the age limit, potentially placing firearms in the possession of individuals who may lack maturity.
Democratic Rep. Tracy Clark, reflecting on personal experiences of losing friends to gun violence, noted the potential of young people being more prone to impulsive behavior, questioning the suitability of granting them easier access to firearms.
While the bill does not eliminate the option to obtain permits for purposes like interstate travel, it intensifies penalties for assaults on law enforcement officers or first responders with a firearm. Moreover, a complementary bill concerning gun safety courses at community colleges for those 18 and older successfully passed in the House following the concealed carry legislation.