On June 20, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed Senate Bill 50, a bill that would have allowed individuals 18 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. In a press release from his office, Stein defended his decision by stating, “This bill makes North Carolinians less safe and undermines responsible gun ownership.” He argued the bill eliminated critical safety measures like training and background checks, potentially putting untrained teenagers in positions of serious risk.
Training Requirements Were on the Chopping Block
Under the proposed bill, North Carolinians as young as 18 could carry concealed firearms without any formal training. The existing permitting process requires applicants to pass a background check, pay an $80 fee, and complete training in firearm safety and state laws. Governor Stein said the repeal of these measures would make the job of law enforcement more difficult and endanger the public. “Authorizing teenagers to carry a concealed weapon with no training whatsoever is dangerous,” Stein emphasized.
Local Sheriffs Back the Veto
Governor Stein wasn’t the only one speaking out against the bill. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood, a self-described Second Amendment supporter, called the bill “counterproductive to public safety.” Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead echoed the sentiment, stating, “This legislation would have made it harder, not easier, for law enforcement to keep our communities safe.” These lawmen believe the existing permitting system acts as a safeguard, not a hurdle.
Langley: The Veto Is an Attack on Freedom
Gun rights commentator Braden Langley of Langley Outdoors Academy responded sharply, calling the veto a “gutless move” and a betrayal of Second Amendment supporters in North Carolina. In his recent video, Langley urged Republicans to rally and override the veto, just as they did with a similar handgun permit repeal in 2023. He warned GOP lawmakers who voted against the bill or didn’t show up for the vote that their actions would not go unnoticed by gun rights voters.
National Gun Rights Groups Also Jump In
Langley pointed to support from the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), which blasted Governor Stein’s decision and vowed to “expose him as the enemy of freedom he is.” Dustin Curtis, NAGR’s political director, said the bill’s veto was a slap in the face to lawful gun owners. The group is now encouraging pro-2A activists to contact their representatives and demand a veto override.
Political Analyst Warns: Veto May Not Stick
According to CBS 17’s Sanika Bhargaw, the fight isn’t over yet. Political analyst Mitch Kokai noted in an interview that Republicans may still have a shot at overriding the governor’s veto, at least when it comes to House Bill 318, one of two immigration-related bills Stein also rejected. While SB 50 appears less likely to be revived, due to two Republican defections and several absences, Kokai suggested the situation could shift with enough political pressure.
Republican Leadership Signals Next Steps
Senate Leader Phil Berger, a co-sponsor of SB 50, expressed disappointment in the veto and said he intends to pursue an override. “It’s past time for us to join the majority of states that recognize constitutional carry,” Berger said, referencing the 29 other states that have passed similar laws. Berger and other GOP leaders argue that responsible gun owners shouldn’t have to “jump through hoops” to exercise a constitutional right.
Democrats Say Veto Is About Safety, Not Control
While some have painted Stein’s veto as anti-gun, the governor says the issue is about public safety, not infringing rights. In the press release, he stated: “We can and should protect the right to bear arms without recklessly endangering law enforcement officers and our people.” Supporters of the veto stress that training requirements ensure citizens understand the laws surrounding gun use, reducing accidental shootings and legal mishaps.
Republican Absences May Doom Override Attempt
Langley emphasized that 10 Republican House members failed to vote on the bill when it first passed, and two actually voted against it. In the Senate, four GOP members missed the vote, although none opposed the bill outright. To override Stein’s veto in the House, 72 votes are needed, but with only 61 in favor and GOP defections, the path to success looks rocky unless lawmakers return united.
A Pattern of Vetoes Emerges
Governor Stein also vetoed Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318, two controversial immigration enforcement bills. Critics, like House Speaker Destin Hall, accused the governor of siding with “criminal illegal aliens” over the safety of North Carolinians. Yet Stein defended his actions by citing constitutional concerns, specifically pointing to a Fourth Circuit ruling that prohibits detaining individuals solely for immigration status. This was Stein’s first major use of veto power since taking office.
A Clash of Rights and Rules
What’s fascinating here is how both sides claim to be standing up for the Constitution. Governor Stein argues he’s protecting the rule of law by upholding due process and safety standards. Gun rights advocates, on the other hand, see these safety requirements as barriers to exercising a basic right. It’s not just about policy – it’s about two different ideas of what freedom really means. Should freedom come with prerequisites, or should it stand alone, even if some misuse it?
Voter Pressure Could Shift the Game
There’s also a strategic angle. Braden Langley and gun rights groups are right about one thing – voter pressure matters. Republicans who voted “no” or didn’t show up might change course if they feel the heat from constituents. We’ve already seen override success with past vetoes in North Carolina, like the repeal of handgun permit laws. That kind of momentum can sway a tight margin. Whether SB 50 follows that same path will depend entirely on what happens in the coming days.
A Divided North Carolina Braces for Round Two
In the end, the battle over constitutional carry in North Carolina is far from over. Governor Josh Stein made a calculated decision to halt a law he believes puts citizens at risk. Republican lawmakers are now weighing their next move, and activists on both sides are ready to fight. Whether you see it as a defense of safety or an attack on freedom, the debate over SB 50 is just one chapter in the larger national conversation about guns, rights, and the role of government in regulating both.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.