North Carolina is on the verge of becoming the 30th state to abolish concealed carry permit requirements, allowing citizens as young as 18 to legally carry hidden firearms without government permission.
Key Takeaways
- Senate Bill 50, titled “Freedom to Carry NC,” has cleared the Senate with a 26-18 vote and narrowly passed a House committee 6-5
- If enacted, North Carolina would become the 10th state allowing constitutional carry at age 18, lowering the current age requirement from 21
- The bill eliminates requirements for background checks and safety classes currently mandated for concealed carry permits
- Republican sponsors argue armed citizens deter crime, while Democrats cite public safety concerns and polling showing 77% of likely North Carolina voters oppose the measure
Constitutional Carry Advances Through Legislature
The North Carolina House Judiciary 2 Committee has narrowly approved Senate Bill 50 with a 6-5 vote, moving the state closer to joining 29 others with constitutional carry laws. The legislation, which has already passed the Senate with a 26-18 vote, would eliminate the requirement for concealed carry permits for U.S. citizens aged 18 and older who are legally eligible to possess firearms. Currently, North Carolina residents must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, and complete a gun safety class to obtain such permits.
The bill, championed by Republican leadership and dubbed “Freedom to Carry NC,” represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to gun rights. If passed, it would make North Carolina the 30th state to adopt constitutional carry provisions, joining states like Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and Texas. The legislation will now proceed to the House Rules Committee before potentially reaching the House floor for a final vote.
We're closer than ever to making Constitutional Carry states an even 30.
Three-fifths of the U.S. no longer requiring burdensome permitting processes or permission slips to carry a firearm.
If you are in PA or North Carolina, this is the time to push. Call your Reps! https://t.co/gszMeM0KlO pic.twitter.com/6vk68ekxyM
— National Association for Gun Rights (@NatlGunRights) June 3, 2025
Republican Support vs. Democratic Opposition
The bill’s supporters, primarily Republicans, argue that empowering law-abiding citizens to carry firearms serves as a deterrent to criminal activity. State Senator Danny Britt, one of the bill’s sponsors, has been a vocal advocate for the legislation, emphasizing the protective role of armed citizens in preventing crime and protecting communities from violence.
“Good people with guns stop bad people with guns,” said state Sen. Danny Britt.
Democrats have mounted significant opposition to the bill, with House Minority Leader Robert Reives II attending the Judiciary Committee meeting specifically to narrow the voting margin. Critics point to safety concerns, particularly regarding the proposed reduction in the age requirement from 21 to 18 years. They question whether individuals who cannot legally purchase alcohol or rent cars should be permitted to carry concealed weapons without training or permits.
Public Safety Concerns and Amendments
Democratic lawmakers have raised alarms about the potential risks to public safety, with Representative Ya Liu expressing concern about the impact on children’s sense of security. Recent mass shootings in North Carolina have been cited as reasons to maintain or strengthen gun regulations rather than relaxing them. A poll conducted by Everytown for Gun Safety indicates that 77% of likely North Carolina voters oppose removing permit requirements for concealed carry.
“Our children are scared. We shouldn’t accept it as a way of life, that they have to live with this,” said Rep. Ya Liu.
In an apparent effort to make the bill more palatable, amendments have been added to increase the death benefit for public safety employees to $150,000 and establish a scholarship program for children of law enforcement officers and first responders injured in the line of duty. These provisions seem designed to gain support from law enforcement communities who might otherwise oppose loosening gun restrictions.
Constitutional Rights vs. Regulatory Concerns
The debate over Senate Bill 50 highlights the ongoing tension between Second Amendment rights and public safety concerns. Supporters view constitutional carry as a restoration of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, while opponents worry about potential increases in gun violence and accidental shootings. The proposed legislation would place North Carolina among a growing number of states embracing constitutional carry, reflecting a nationwide trend toward expanding gun rights.
“Nine states have allowed constitutional carry at age 18, North Carolina would be the 10th that this bill became law,” said Rep. Danny Britt.
As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, both supporters and opponents are mobilizing their bases. Gun rights organizations like the National Rifle Association and the National Association for Gun Rights have expressed strong support for the measure, while gun control advocacy groups continue to voice concerns about the potential consequences of permitless carry, particularly for young adults. The outcome will determine whether North Carolina joins the majority of states that now allow constitutional carry.
