North Carolina’s Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Senate Bill 50 on Tuesday, approving permitless concealed carry for U.S. citizens 18+ not otherwise prohibited by law, sending it to another panel.
Bill Details
Sponsored by Sens. Danny Britt, Warren Daniel, and Eddie Settle (with Senate leader Phil Berger’s support), “Freedom to Carry NC” eliminates the current sheriff-issued permit and 8-hour training requirement for concealed handguns. Permits would still issue for reciprocity in other states. It limits permitless carry to handguns only (via adopted amendment). If enacted, NC joins 29 states (including neighbors SC/TN and blue-leaning ME/NH/VT) with “constitutional carry.”
Arguments For
Sen. Britt argued it upholds constitutional rights for law-abiding citizens, removing “hoops” like permits—echoing the 2023 pistol purchase permit repeal.
Opposition Testimony
- Retired surgeon Beverly Falls called guns a “public health epidemic,” citing mass shootings and urging safety measures over more access.
- Raleigh officer Hattie Gawande said permits aid police in detaining suspects, preventing violent crime.
- NCGV’s Becky Ceartas warned of no training/background checks for 18-year-olds, linking permitless carry to 29% higher firearm violent crime rates per research.
Proponents frame it as Second Amendment restoration; critics predict bloodshed. Next committee review pending—full Senate vote could follow soon.
