Last week, the North Carolina General Assembly returned from recess and reconsidered Senate Bill 50, known as Freedom to Carry NC. The House Rules Committee initially received S50 before the House withdrew it from committee and placed it on the House calendar for a veto override vote scheduled for October 20.
The Senate had previously overridden the governor’s veto of S50 in July. For the bill to become law, the House must also override the veto with a three-fifths majority of members present and voting.
S50 would allow individuals to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense without needing government permission by eliminating the permit requirement for law-abiding gun owners. The National Rifle Association (NRA) supports constitutional or permitless carry but has pointed out issues with S50 that could create legal complications for gun owners. According to the NRA, “S50, as written, creates scenarios in which a person could lawfully purchase and possess a firearm but would still be prohibited from carrying that firearm for self-defense purposes.”
The NRA added: “While S50 is a step toward North Carolina becoming the 30th constitutional carry state, the NRA stands firm in its belief that if an individual is lawfully allowed to purchase and possess a firearm, that person should be allowed to carry that firearm for self-defense without a permit under a true constitutional carry bill.”
Ohio residents who travel frequently to North Carolina are encouraged to stay informed about changing gun laws across states.
###
