Latest news with #DannyBritt
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NC Senate passes bill easing concealed carry gun restrictions
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A bill loosening gun restrictions in North Carolina continues to move forward. Senate Bill 50 passed through the chamber Thursday afternoon on a 26-18 vote. SB 50 also named the 'Freedom to Carry NC' act, ultimately allows a person to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The bill applies to individuals who are at 18 and older and a U.S. citizen unless otherwise prohibited by law. All North Carolina counties under burn ban due to hazardous forest fire conditions During the meeting, primary sponsor of the bill, Sen. Danny Britt (R- Hoke, Robeson, Scotland), said, 'We're just trying to make sure that people's constitutional right is protected. We believe the Constitution is worth fighting for.' Britt said 29 other states currently allow the carry of concealed firearms without permits. The bill states there are some restrictions where it would still be unlawful to carry a concealed firearm including a law enforcement or correctional facility, private facilities where a notice is posted, and areas prohibited by federal law. Wednesday, some lawmakers and people who spoke during public comment at the meeting voiced their concerns about SB 50. Questions of safety and education remained a key focus. Sen. Paul Lowe (D- Forsyth) said, 'I get the constitutional right side and to be able to get a gun if you want one… I get that. But the education of how to handle a firearm is my concern.' Currently, North Carolina law requires an eight-hour minimum of training to obtain a concealed carry permit. If SB 50 passes, Britt said the training would not be required. 'To be able to use a firearm safely, that takes years of training, not just through an 8-hour class,' said Britt. 'What we're doing is making it easier for our law abiding citizens to constitutionally carry, and most of those folks I believe are adequately trained to handle a firearm.' Britt also noted that education is not currently a requirement for open carry in North Carolina. 'I don't know what bills have been put in place or filed to our open-carry statutes, it seems as though that's been fine,' he said. Before hearing from members of the public, Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, Yancey), spoke in support of SB 50. NC bill legalizing marijuana faces uncertainty with only Democratic support 'I will continue to get and renew my concealed carry permit even after this bill because I've traveled to South Carolina and Florida and it sure makes the purchasing process a whole lot easier.' He added, 'I really just want to ask an attorney a question. Can you name any other constitutional right in which we would require government education before you can exercise your right?' In response, Sen. Julie Mayfield (D- Buncombe) replied, 'We require women to go through all sorts of education to seek a legal, safe abortion in this state.' Mayfield said her biggest concern is reducing barriers to people obtaining guns. She included, 'We had a speaker in there who talked about the rise in gun violence and death by gun is the now the leading cause of death among children. I just think bills like this that make it easier for people to obtain guns is going in the wrong direction.' The Senate bill has also created concerns among law enforcement. In a statement, Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said, 'This will undermine public safety, and I think we should take our time… to study this a little bit more to get some more data and have conversations with law enforcement because SB 50 could potentially increase the chance of violence in even the most minor of law enforcement interactions with the public. My deputies in Durham County will have to treat every traffic stop, every encounter, like a felony stop. That puts everybody at risk.' The Wake County Sheriff's Office also shared the following statement: 'Sheriff Rowe and the Wake County Sheriff's Office remain committed to ensuring the safety of our community. Please know that we are actively monitoring this legislation and will continue to work with lawmakers to advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of our community and law enforcement officers. We encourage residents to share their concerns with their local representatives as well.' In 2023, the North Carolina legislature also overturned former Gov. Roy Cooper's veto and passed a law that no longer required a pistol purchase permit from the sheriff's office in order to buy a handgun. It eliminated the process of the agency's ability to run a background check. SB 50 maintains the option to obtain a permit for purposes of reciprocity with other states and other personal reasons. The bill now heads to the House. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NC nears permitless carry approval, final vote pending
Two bills concerning constitutional carry were passed out of committee on Tuesday, potentially allowing permitless carry for individuals 18 and older in North Carolina, according to WTVD. The proposed legislation, backed by Sen. Danny Britt, aims to eliminate the current requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit, including the firearms safety course and associated fees. Supporters argue it aligns with open carry laws, while opponents raise concerns about public safety. 'We believe that our Constitution is clear that law-abiding citizens should be allowed to constitutionally carry,' said Sen. Danny Britt, a Republican representing Hoke, Robeson, and Scotland counties. Sen. Lisa Grafstein, a Democrat from Wake County, expressed opposition, stating, 'When you take away the training that people need to get these firearms, it just means more people who shouldn't be carrying are carrying.' ALSO READ: Security officers at some Charlotte parks could soon carry guns Currently, obtaining a concealed carry permit in North Carolina requires individuals to be 21 years old, complete a firearms safety course, and pay an $80 fee, among other conditions. The new bill seeks to remove these requirements for those 18 and older. The debate around the bill included discussions on crime statistics from states with similar laws. Twenty-nine other states, including many in the southeast, have enacted constitutional carry laws. During public comment, two members of law enforcement, including Sheriff Birkhead, opposed the measure, citing concerns for officer and public safety. Grass Roots North Carolina, an advocacy group, supported the bill, with member Karen Raines stating, 'Allowing good citizens to permitless carry enables one to fulfill that role until law enforcement arrives.' The passage of these bills out of committee marks a significant step in the legislative process, with similar legislation already filed in the House. The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the implications for public safety and individual rights. VIDEO: Security officers at some Charlotte parks could soon carry guns
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NC bill easing gun restrictions continues to move forward
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A bill loosening gun restrictions in North Carolina continues to move forward. Members of the Senate who met during a committee meeting on Wednesday said Senate Bill 50 now heads to the Senate floor for a vote. SB 50 also named the 'Freedom to Carry NC' act, ultimately allows a person to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The bill applies to individuals who are at 18 and older and a U.S. citizen unless otherwise prohibited by law. During the meeting, primary sponsor of the bill, Sen. Danny Britt (R- Hoke, Robeson, Scotland), said, 'We're just trying to make sure that people's constitutional right is protected. We believe the Constitution is worth fighting for.' Britt said 29 other states currently allow the carry of concealed firearms without permits. The bill states there are some restrictions where it would still be unlawful to carry a concealed firearm including a law enforcement or correctional facility, private facilities where a notice is posted, and areas prohibited by federal law. Wednesday, some lawmakers and people who spoke during public comment at the meeting voiced their concerns about SB 50. Questions of safety and education remained a key focus. Sen. Paul Lowe (D- Forsyth) said, 'I get the constitutional right side and to be able to get a gun if you want one… I get that. But the education of how to handle a firearm is my concern.' Currently, North Carolina law requires an eight-hour minimum of training to obtain a concealed carry permit. If SB 50 passes, Britt said the training would not be required. 'To be able to use a firearm safely, that takes years of training, not just through an 8-hour class,' said Britt. 'What we're doing is making it easier for our law abiding citizens to constitutionally carry, and most of those folks I believe are adequately trained to handle a firearm.' Britt also noted that education is not currently a requirement for open carry in North Carolina. 'I don't know what bills have been put in place or filed to our open-carry statutes, it seems as though that's been fine,' he said. Before hearing from members of the public, Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, Yancey), spoke in support of SB 50. 'I will continue to get and renew my concealed carry permit even after this bill because I've traveled to South Carolina and Florida and it sure makes the purchasing process a whole lot easier.' He added, 'I really just want to ask an attorney a question. Can you name any other constitutional right in which we would require government education before you can exercise your right?' In response, Sen. Julie Mayfield (D- Buncombe) replied, 'We require women to go through all sorts of education to seek a legal, safe abortion in this state.' Mayfield said her biggest concern is reducing barriers to people obtaining guns. She included, 'We had a speaker in there who talked about the rise in gun violence and death by gun is the now the leading cause of death among children. I just think bills like this that make it easier for people to obtain guns is going in the wrong direction.' The Senate bill has also created concerns among law enforcement. In a statement, Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said, 'This will undermine public safety, and I think we should take our time… to study this a little bit more to get some more data and have conversations with law enforcement because SB 50 could potentially increase the chance of violence in even the most minor of law enforcement interactions with the public. My deputies in Durham County will have to treat every traffic stop, every encounter, like a felony stop. That puts everybody at risk.' The Wake County Sheriff's Office also shared the following statement: 'Sheriff Rowe and the Wake County Sheriff's Office remain committed to ensuring the safety of our community. Please know that we are actively monitoring this legislation and will continue to work with lawmakers to advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of our community and law enforcement officers. We encourage residents to share their concerns with their local representatives as well.' In 2023, the North Carolina legislature also overturned former Gov. Roy Cooper's veto and passed a law that no longer required a pistol purchase permit from the sheriff's office in order to buy a handgun. It eliminated the process of the agency's ability to run a background check. SB 50 maintains the option to obtain a permit for purposes of reciprocity with other states and other personal reasons. If passed on the Senate floor, the bill will then head to the House. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NC bill to remove handgun permit requirements clears committee
Senate Bill 50, which proposes to allow concealed carry of handguns without a permit in North Carolina, is advancing swiftly through legislative committees. According to the Charlotte Observer, the bill, which cleared one committee on Tuesday, is scheduled for review by the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday. It seeks to eliminate the current requirements for a permit, safety training, and background check and lowers the legal age for concealed carry from 21 to 18. Sen. Danny Britt, a Lumberton Republican and primary sponsor of the bill, argues that the permit requirement infringes on the rights of responsible gun owners and does not prevent criminals from using guns. Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed, a Charlotte Democrat, expressed concerns that removing the permit requirement would endanger police officers and increase the risk of officer deaths. Hattie Gawande, a Raleigh police officer, stated that the current permit requirement helps keep officers and the public safe by allowing intervention when someone dangerous is carrying concealed. ALSO READ: Bill to allow concealed carry without permit advances to South Carolina Senate During the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, much of the discussion focused on the current permitting process, which Britt and other Republican sponsors criticized as arbitrary and time-consuming. Britt highlighted the constitutional right to carry a concealed handgun for protection without the hurdles of obtaining a permit, citing the example of a domestic violence victim needing immediate protection. Democrats opposed the bill, suggesting that efforts should be directed towards fixing flaws in the current permitting process rather than removing training and background check requirements. Gun safety advocates and Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead also spoke against the bill, emphasizing the potential risks to public safety. The bill's progression is backed by Senate leader Phil Berger, and a similar bill is being considered in the North Carolina House, indicating strong legislative support. As Senate Bill 50 moves closer to a full chamber vote, it remains a contentious issue with strong opinions on both sides regarding the balance between gun rights and public safety. VIDEO: Bill to allow concealed carry without permit advances to South Carolina Senate
