NC Senate passes bill to remove permit requirement for concealed carry

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Senate is moving a bill forward that would allow people to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. 

Currently in North Carolina, you must be at least 21 years old, complete a firearms safety course, and meet other criteria to carry a concealed gun.  

Under Senate Bill 50, anyone that’s at least 18 years old—barring certain criminal convictions—could carry a concealed gun without any training or a permit.  

The bill passed along party lines, with Democrats railing against the bill on the senate floor for more than two hours.  

Supporters say the change would bring North Carolina in line with 29 other states that allow permitless carry. Critics—like North Carolinians Against Gun Violence Executive Director Becky Ceartas—say the law will increase gun violence.  

“People as young as 18 years old with no training and no background check can carry a hidden loaded weapon in public. Who on earth thinks that this is a good idea,” Ceartas said. 

Ceartas claims when West Virginia removed their permit requirement in 2016, the gun homicide rate went up by 48%, while gun-related suicides went up by 22%. 

Proponents claim the bill will make it easier for people visiting to bring their concealed weapon across state lines.  

Lieutenant Greg Willett with the Wilmington Police Department said in many cases, it comes down to the gun owner being educated about state law.  

“So it doesn’t necessarily mean oh that’s a charge, you’re going to write them a ticket or arrest them. A lot of times it’s like ‘hey, I know you’re from Kansas, for example, our laws say you can’t do that,’ 9 times out of 10, it’s like ‘oh, I wasn’t aware,’” Willett explained. 

In 2023, a similar bill was pulled from the house calendar before lawmakers could vote on it.  

Ceartas hopes the bill the bill will fail again.  

“Because Democrats and Republicans can all come together and realize that saving lives is one of the most important things we can do,” she said. 

SB 50 passed its first reading in the house on Tuesday. It will remain in committee until it’s placed on the calendar for a vote.