N.C. House Passes Constitution Carry Legislation, Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk

Last night, the North Carolina House passed Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, in a 59 – 48 vote, with two Republicans joining Democrats in voting against the bill. This legislation would allow any citizen who is at least 18 years old and who is not otherwise disqualified to carry a concealed handgun. If this legislation were to pass, North Carolina would be the 30th state to enact similar legislation, and one of the last states in the Southeast.

Passing constitutional carry has been a long-term goal for Second Amendment advocates, and this legislation is sponsored by Senate Leader Phil Berger and other conservative leaders. Governor Stein is expected to veto the bill, and given the two Republican defections, it is unlikely the House will be able to override.

What They Are Saying:

• Rep. Brian Echevarria said, “Constitutional Carry, SB50, Freedom to Carry NC, passed. It was a privilege to help pass this with the NC House Republicans. Our leadership and unity are making things happen that North Carolinians need and want. More to come.”

• Rep. Amos Quick said, “Everyone is a law abiding citizen until they're not. You can't tell what pressures will push an 18 year old who has the state's stamp of approval to conceal a firearm, to cross that line from law abiding citizen to not law abiding citizen. The pressures on 18 year olds are not the same as when we were younger. This is not looking back with revisionist history."

• “This is the next step in creating a freer North Carolina,” bill sponsors Sens. Danny Earl Britt (R-Robeson), Warren Daniel (R-Burke), and Eddie Settle (R-Wilkes) said in a joint statement. “Law-abiding citizens deserve to exercise their Second Amendment rights without government interference. It is time for North Carolina to join the ranks of the 29 other states that have constitutional carry.”