The North Carolina House Rules Committee voted 12-10 Tuesday afternoon to pass a controversial bill that would allow individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit.
Senate Bill 50, “Freedom to Carry NC,” would allow individuals who are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, and not otherwise prohibited by law, to carry concealed weapons without applying for a permit.
It’s backed by Republican leadership and would make North Carolina the 30th state to approve of so-called “constitutional carry.” The bill has already cleared the Senate and now heads to the House floor for consideration by the full chamber.
The measure is one of the most contentious topics of the legislative session. While the House Judiciary 2 Committee voted along party lines on the bill last week, Tuesday’s roll call vote highlighted the panel’s disagreement.
Some Republicans, like Rep. Ted Davis of New Hanover, voted against the measure. Others chose not to vote, hinting at their disapproval but unwillingness to deviate from party expectations.
Discussion was short, lasting about 10 minutes. Members of the public were not called upon to testify.
Primary sponsor Sen. Danny Britt (R-Hoke, Robeson, Scotland) presented the bill to the committee.
Rep. Cynthia Ball (D-Wake) expressed worry.
“There are no guardrails for someone who has those convictions to continue to carry, because we’re not requiring anything of them until they get caught,” she said. “That gives me and the people who’ve been reaching out to me great concern, because the guardrails we have, we hope are somewhat helpful, but having none is a problem.”
Ball added that Democratic Gov. Josh Stein is opposed to the legislation in its current form.
Rep. Blair Eddins (R-Alexander, Wilkes) brought up how under current law, an 18-year-old cannot purchase a pistol from a gun store. However, if they were to receive it from their grandfather, they could open carry the weapon anywhere they want to go in the state of North Carolina.
“In every circumstance and scenario that’s been brought before you today in this committee, the gun has already been purchased,” Eddins said. “It simply addresses a way that a law-abiding citizen can carry the gun.”
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