North Carolina is at the center of a heated debate over gun rights, as state lawmakers push forward with Senate Bill 50 (SB 50) and House Bill 5 (HB 5) – two pieces of legislation aimed at allowing permitless concealed carry for individuals 18 and older. If either bill passes, North Carolina could become the 30th state in the country to enact ‘constitutional carry,’ removing the requirement for residents to obtain a concealed carry permit.
Gun rights advocates argue this is a necessary step to uphold the Second Amendment, while opponents, including law enforcement agencies, warn that the move could compromise public safety. With strong Republican backing, the bills have momentum, but not everyone is on board.
A Move Toward ‘Constitutional Carry’
According to Michael Perchick of ABC11, SB 50 and HB 5 would eliminate the current requirement for individuals to undergo an eight-hour firearms safety course, fingerprinting, and a background check to obtain a concealed carry permit. Under the proposed laws, these steps would become optional, though permits would still be available for reciprocity purposes when traveling to states that require them.
A Logical Step?
Supporters of the bill see this as a logical step in expanding gun rights. Larry Hyatt, owner of Hyatt Coin and Gun in Charlotte, told Julia Kauffman of WCNC that many customers feel permit requirements are unnecessary burdens. “Self-protection is part of the Constitution,” he said, adding that responsible gun owners should not have to seek government approval to exercise their rights.
Gerald Givens, CEO of Raleigh Boots on the Ground, a nonprofit focused on violence prevention, disagrees. He told ABC11 that removing mandatory training is reckless. “If you know how to operate it safely, if you know those North Carolina laws, you can prevent yourself and someone else from being hurt,” he explained, stressing that education is critical in preventing accidents and misuse.
The Law Enforcement Divide
While some law enforcement officials have stayed neutral on the matter, others have been vocal in their concerns. Daniel Redford, President of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, told WCNC that removing permit requirements could make officers’ jobs more dangerous. “It’s just going to create a greater risk for them dealing with the public,” he warned.
Opponents argue that there is a significant difference between open carry and concealed carry. North Carolina already allows open carry without a permit, but concealed carry laws provide an extra layer of regulation. The fear among law enforcement is that permitless concealed carry could lead to more unpredictable encounters where officers are unaware if an individual is carrying a weapon.
Will People Seek Training?
On the other hand, firearms instructor Jordan Stein, who runs Dry Powder Training in Caswell County, believes people will still seek training voluntarily. He told ABC11 that some gun owners “may not need an eight-hour course” if they are already experienced, while others will still choose to educate themselves for their own safety.
A Growing National Trend
According to Jared Yanis of Guns & Gadgets 2nd Amendment News, North Carolina is in a race to become the 30th constitutional carry state. If SB 50 or HB 5 passes, North Carolina would join 29 other states that have already recognized some form of permitless carry.
Yanis emphasized that support for constitutional carry has been gaining momentum across the country, with new states joining the list nearly every year. The key argument behind the movement is that requiring permits is an unconstitutional government restriction on a fundamental right.
Giving Access to a Weapon to Dangerous People?
However, critics like Sam Mell of Students Demand Action, who spoke to ABC11, fear that removing permit requirements will make it easier for dangerous individuals to carry weapons. “Permit-less carry is going to allow a lot of potentially dangerous people access to a weapon,” Mell stated, adding that lawmakers should prioritize public safety over expanding gun rights.
Will Training Still Be a Priority?
One major concern among critics is whether individuals will still seek firearms training if it is no longer required by law. Larry Hyatt told WCNC that the firearms industry will need to take on the responsibility of educating gun owners if the bill passes. “It’s going to be our job to educate the customer,” he said.
But Gerald Givens is skeptical. He argues that making training optional means fewer people will take it seriously, potentially leading to more firearm-related accidents and misuses. “That weapon can cause harm. If you know how to operate it safely, you can prevent yourself and someone else from being hurt,” he emphasized to ABC11.
Supporters, however, maintain that responsible gun owners will still take training seriously, whether required or not. Jordan Stein told ABC11 that many individuals “just want a course on the law” rather than a full safety class, and that removing mandatory training does not mean people will suddenly stop educating themselves.
Political Divide and Legislative Hurdles
SB 50 and HB 5 have strong Republican support, particularly from Senate President Phil Berger, who previously opposed similar legislation but now co-sponsors the bill. His backing is significant, as it gives the bill a greater chance of advancing through the Legislature.
However, opposition remains strong among Democrats and gun control advocates. House Democratic Leader Robert Reives released a statement warning that allowing anyone 18 or older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit would “make everyone less safe.”
Even within law enforcement, opinions are divided. The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association has yet to take a formal stance on the bills. Meanwhile, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office has declined to comment on pending legislation, though it reiterated its commitment to enforcing laws responsibly.
The Reciprocity Question
One of the main reasons why some gun owners may still choose to get a permit is reciprocity. Jared Yanis pointed out that Virginia does not have constitutional carry, meaning a North Carolinian traveling across state lines could still need a permit.
Firearms instructor Jordan Stein also highlighted this point, explaining that people who frequently travel to states without constitutional carry laws may still seek permits voluntarily. “If I wanted to carry in the Commonwealth [of Virginia], then I would have to have a permit,” he told ABC11.
What Happens Next?
Both SB 50 and HB 5 have passed their first readings and are now under review in Rules Committees. If they continue to gain traction, they could move forward to the full House and Senate votes before eventually reaching the Governor’s desk.
If passed, North Carolina would join the growing number of states embracing constitutional carry. However, opposition remains strong, and a veto from the Governor is possible. The fate of these bills will likely depend on how much political pressure lawmakers receive from their constituents.
A Fundamental Right or a Risky Move?
The debate over constitutional carry is not unique to North Carolina, but the state’s potential shift in policy reflects the larger national conversation surrounding gun rights and public safety.
Supporters argue that self-defense is a fundamental right and that permit requirements place an unnecessary burden on law-abiding citizens. Opponents counter that removing mandatory training and background checks increases the risk of gun-related accidents and violence.
With both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, one thing is clear: the battle over SB 50 and HB 5 is far from over. Whether North Carolina joins the constitutional carry movement or maintains its permit system will depend on how lawmakers, law enforcement, and the public weigh the risks and rewards of such a major shift in policy.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.