NC Gov Perdue signs gun-rights bill into law

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — North Carolina residents, motorists and workers will have more legal protection when they fire a weapon at an intruder.

A bill expanding the so-called “castle doctrine” was among more than 20 Gov. Beverly Perdue signed into law Thursday.

The new law gives citizens more legal standing to protect themselves against unlawful entry into their homes, workplaces and vehicles. It goes into effect Dec. 1.

The measure also would allow holders of concealed weapons permits to carry a pistol in a state park and prevents local governments from passing bans in the parks, with some exceptions.

It also makes clear legislators can store guns in their cars while parked at the Legislative Building if they are stored in a locked container.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)