20-03-2025
NC bill passes to allow concealed carry without a permit
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The push to make it easier to carry guns in public has passed the North Carolina Senate, but not without hours of debate.
'It's not a freedom to carry bill, it's a freedom to kill bill,' Senator Natalie Murdock said of Senate Bill 50, which eliminates the need for a permit to carry a concealed weapon in public.
'Nobody wants to shoot and kill anyone,' Senator Eddie Settle said. 'We don't want to have to carry one but as long as evil is in this world, it's going to be there and the evil are the ones who are going to get guns regardless of any laws that we make.'
Republican supporters of the bill say it simply allows law abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment and keep their families safe. Democrats say it puts everyone in danger.
'It is shameful that we are here debating this, it is shameful,' Senator Michael Garrett said.
Republicans repeatedly blocked debate on amendments by Democrats, including one that would have prevented domestic abusers from getting guns and another that would charge an adult with a felony if they don't safely store guns away from children.
Democrats say Republicans will have blood on their hands.
'When the next officer is shot… then you need to be able to ask yourself, will I have the courage to face that officer's family and tell them this bill was worth it?' Senator Mujtaba Mohammed said.
Under current state law, anyone who wants to carry a concealed gun has to apply for a permit, pass a background check, pay an $80 fee and pass a test to prove they can both shoot accurately and that they understand specific gun laws.
The bill now goes to the House for discussion there.
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