Compare Bills

Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2026-05-04

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill allows people age 18 and older to carry self-defense devices such as pepper spray, tasers, mace, and ordinary pocket knives on North Carolina college and university campuses. It also provides $10,000 in funding to publicize this change to students, staff, and the public.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill enhances campus safety by allowing students and staff to protect themselves against threats and assault.
• •They contend that self-defense devices are nonlethal tools that can help vulnerable populations—particularly students living on campus—respond to dangerous situations when campus security may not be immediately available.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents worry that allowing weapons on campus could increase safety risks, complicate law enforcement responses to emergencies, or lead to unintended escalations of conflicts.
• •They also raise concerns about whether college campuses should remain weapon-free spaces and whether self-defense device training requirements should be mandated to ensure safe usage.