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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Placed On Cal For 04/21/20262026-04-06

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill allows North Carolina citizens age 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit, while still offering optional permits for reciprocity when traveling to other states. The bill maintains restrictions for people ineligible to possess firearms (such as convicted felons, domestic violence offenders, and those adjudicated mentally ill), increases line-of-duty death benefits for law enforcement families from $100,000 to $150,000, enhances penalties for assaulting emergency and law enforcement personnel, creates new felony charges for felons possessing or discharging firearms during felonies, and establishes a scholarship program for children of permanently disabled or killed law enforcement and first responder officers.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects Second Amendment rights by allowing law-abiding citizens to carry firearms for self-defense without government permission or fees.
• •They contend that constitutional rights should not require permits, and that criminals already ignore gun laws, so permit requirements only burden responsible citizens.
• •Supporters also view the enhanced penalties for assaulting first responders and the increased death benefits as important protections and support for law enforcement and emergency personnel.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents express concerns that permitless carry removes a law enforcement tool for identifying prohibited persons before they carry guns, potentially allowing some ineligible individuals (such as those with pending charges or restraining orders) to arm themselves.
• •They argue permit systems provide public safety by maintaining records and enabling background checks at point of carry.
• •Some also contend that removing permit requirements eliminates funding for permit administration and raises questions about how law enforcement can effectively monitor compliance with the remaining restrictions on specific locations and person types.