This week, ahead of the crossover deadline, the House passed House Bill 674 (H674), the Firearms Liberty Act, after it swiftly advanced through the House State and Local Government and House Rules Committees earlier this week.
H674 seeks to enhance law-abiding gun owners’ right to self-defense by creating a lifetime concealed carry permit for North Carolinians. Self-defense is a fundamental right, and a law-abiding adult’s decision to defend themselves should not be subject to government-mandated timelines, paperwork, and delays when renewing their concealed handgun permit (CHP). H674 does not change the current CHP permitting process, it simply eliminates the requirement that individuals renew their CHP every five years.
With the May 8th crossover deadline now behind us, any bills that did not advance out of their chamber of origin are considered "dead" for this session. Unfortunately, House Bill 5 (H5), one of the permitless carry bills introduced this session, failed to advance from the House before the deadline; however, as previously reported, the Senate passed Senate Bill 50 (S50) back in March and it was assigned to the House Rules Committee.
Both H5 and S50 recognize your right to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense without seeking government permission by eliminating the requirement that law-abiding gun owners obtain a permit to carry. The NRA strongly supports constitutional/permitless carry; however, both H5 and S50 have some pitfalls that could entrap well intentioned gun owners. As written, both H5 and S50 create scenarios in which a person could lawfully purchase and possess a firearm but would be prohibited from carrying that firearm for self-defense purposes. The NRA is committed to working with willing lawmakers in the House to improve S50 and help make North Carolina the 30th constitutional carry state!
Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your inbox for further updates as the North Carolina General Assembly session progresses.
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