NC bill advances to allow concealed carry without permits

A new bill in North Carolina aims to allow people to carry handguns without a permit. Senate Bill 50 passed a committee on Tuesday and will be reviewed again on Wednesday. The bill would remove the need for a permit, safety training, and background checks for concealed carry. It also lowers the minimum age for carrying a concealed handgun from 21 to 18. Senator Danny Britt, a Republican from Lumberton and the bill's main sponsor, believes that permits limit the rights of responsible gun owners. He argues that they do not stop criminals from using guns. On the other hand, Senator Mujtaba Mohammed, a Democrat from Charlotte, raised concerns about the safety risks to police officers if the bill passes. Hattie Gawande, a Raleigh police officer, echoed these concerns. She stated that the current permit process helps ensure public safety by allowing authorities to intervene if someone poses a threat. During discussions, Britt criticized the current permitting process as slow and unnecessary, suggesting it hinders people's rights to self-defense. Democrats highlighted the need to improve the existing permit system instead of removing it altogether. Gun safety advocates and Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead also expressed worries about the potential dangers of the bill. Senate leader Phil Berger supports the bill, and similar legislation is under consideration in the North Carolina House. As Senate Bill 50 moves closer to a vote in the full chamber, opinions remain divided on the issues of gun rights and public safety.