North Carolina Legislature Advances Constitutional Carry Legislation

The North Carolina General Assembly has taken a significant step toward expanding gun rights in the state, passing comprehensive concealed carry reform legislation despite anticipated gubernatorial opposition.

Legislative Victory in the House

Following extensive floor debate this week, the North Carolina House of Representatives approved SB 50, officially titled the "Freedom to Carry NC" bill, by a decisive 59-48 margin. The vote largely followed partisan lines, though notably, 10 Republican members were absent from the final tally.

This House approval comes after the measure successfully cleared the state Senate in March with a 26-18 vote, where four Republican senators declined to support the legislation.

Key Provisions of SB 50

The legislation would fundamentally transform North Carolina's concealed carry framework by eliminating the permit requirement for qualified individuals. Under the proposed changes, U.S. citizens aged 18 and older who are legally eligible to possess firearms would be authorized to carry concealed weapons without obtaining prior government approval.

Current Permit System Requirements

North Carolina's existing concealed handgun permit (CHP) system mandates several steps for legal concealed carry:

• Permit Application: Filed through local sheriff's office
• Training Requirement: Completion of approved firearms safety course
• Non-refundable Fee: $90 payment
• Shall-Issue Status: Permits must be issued to qualified applicants

According to United States Concealed Carry Association data, approximately 814,000 active concealed handgun permits are currently in circulation throughout the state.

Gubernatorial Veto Threat Looms

Despite legislative passage, SB 50 faces a significant hurdle in Democratic Governor Josh Stein, who has indicated his intention to veto the measure. This opposition sets up a potential override battle that will test Republican legislative unity.

Veto Override Challenges

Republicans face mathematical challenges in mounting a successful veto override:

Required Supermajority Thresholds:

• State Senate: 30 votes needed
• House of Representatives: 72 votes required

Both chambers must achieve three-fifths majorities to nullify gubernatorial vetoes, a threshold that may prove difficult given the current legislative arithmetic and Republican absences during the initial vote.

Gun Rights Groups Apply Pressure

State firearms advocacy organizations are mobilizing to ensure Republican legislators understand the political stakes surrounding potential veto override votes.

Grass Roots North Carolina President Paul Valone emphasized the organization's commitment to holding elected officials accountable for their positions on Second Amendment issues.

"We thank Republican leadership and the members of the NC General Assembly who sponsored and voted for Senate Bill 50, as well as its sister bill, House Bill 50," Valone stated in communications with media outlets. "We realize that some members may have chosen not to be in attendance for the vote, and we will be channeling voter input to those legislators."

Political Consequences Anticipated

Gun rights advocates are making clear that electoral consequences await Republicans who fail to support override efforts when the time comes.

"Any Republican who opposes the wishes of the voters who elected him will pay a price in 2026," Valone warned, expressing confidence in the organization's ability to influence the eventual override vote. "We have every confidence we can muster the votes needed to override Governor Josh Stein's inevitable veto."

The coming weeks will reveal whether legislative Republicans can maintain sufficient unity to advance constitutional carry despite gubernatorial opposition.