WCNC Charlotte first reported-
North Carolina lawmakers advanced a bill to Gov. Josh Stein’s desk that would make significant changes to the state’s gun laws, removing the requirement for concealed carry permits.
Senate Bill 50 passed along party lines in March, but it was held up in the House for several months. There was a lengthy back-and-forth discussion before House lawmakers voted to pass the measure Wednesday. North Carolina would become the 30th state to allow permitless carry should Stein sign the bill into law. Right now, state law allows open carry without a permit. But if you want to carry a concealed gun, you’re required to get a permit.
Supporters, like Larry Hyatt from Hyatt Coin and Gun in Charlotte, say the permitting process takes too long.
“The people that are causing the problems are generally the people who don’t have good records, who can’t legally own to start with, couldn’t even qualify,” Hyatt said.
Opponents say this could actually make crime worse. Rep. Phil Rubin, a Wake County Democrat, was one of many who spoke against the vote before the House vote.
“I think this bill does not help the people we represent because it is dangerous, it is unnecessary and it is deeply unpopular,” Rubin said.
What do you make of this story? Should a permit be required or are you in favor of removing the requirement?
(Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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