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Guns
Legislative leaders are uncertain what, if any, legislation related to firearms will move this year. STATUS: The state House voted Tuesday, March 26, for a bill that would exempt concealed handgun permits from the state's public records law. That measure now goes to the Senate. The state House passed a broad gun policy bill on May 6. The bill has two basic sections. One section, favored by law enforcement, increases penalties for gun-related crimes and requires faster reporting of those with mental health problems to a national database of used for background checks. More controversial sections of the bill allow those with concealed handgun permits to carry their weapons into bars and restaurants that serve alcohol and leave them in the trunk of their car when driving onto a college campus. The measure is now pending in the state Senate.
The December 2012 shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Mass., sparked a national conversation on guns. Many political leaders, including President Barack Obama, have pledged to push for legislation better tracking who can buy firearms and curbing the use of certain kinds of weapons seen as particularly problematic.
In North Carolina, legislative leaders say they are uncertain whether the state will push through any firearm related legislation this year. In 2011, there was a major expansion of where those with concealed handgun permits may take their weapons. However, in 2012, a bill that would have allowed concealed handgun permit holders to carry into restaurants that served alcohol died in the Senate.
Many gun control advocates argue that North Carolina ought to at least require background checks for all gun sales. Currently, North Carolina residents may buy rifles and shotguns from a private seller without a background check or permit.
It's unclear whether any further expansion of firearms rights, or additional checks on gun sales, will be considered this year. As of April 5, 30 bills affecting the state's firearm laws have been filed by House and Senate lawmakers.
Bills and status:
Update (5/6/13): The state House passed a broad gun policy bill on May 6. The bill has two basic sections. One section, favored by law enforcement, increases penalties for gun-related crimes and requires faster reporting of those with mental health problems to a national database of used for background checks. More controversial sections of the bill allow those with concealed handgun permits to carry their weapons into bars and restaurants that serve alcohol and leave them in the trunk of their car when driving onto a college campus. The measure is now pending in the state Senate.
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The full House voted on March 26 to approve House Bill 17, a measure that would remove concealed handgun permit information from the public record. During an earlier committee meeting on the topic, lawmakers removed a section of the bill that would have allowed permit holders to carry their firearms in restaurants where alcohol is served. The bill now goes to the Senate.
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On March 5, the House Rules Committee debated and passed a measure that would oppose any push for more gun control at the federal level. However, House Resolution 63 has yet to be heard by the full House.
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Senate Bill 28 is similar to the provision in House Bill 17 that removes concealed handgun permit from public view.
The Senate J2 Committee heard Senate Bill 28, removing concealed handgun permit information from public view, on Thursday, Feb. 14. It took no action.
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Other filed bills: As of April 5, 30 bills affecting the state's firearm laws have been filed by House and Senate lawmakers. Among those measures are:
- House Bill 17 was filed on the first day of session. It would allow those with a concealed handgun permit to bring their weapons into restaurants that serve alcohol. The bill would also remove databases that contain the names of permit holders from public view.
- Senate Bill 17 would end reciprocity for some concealed handgun permit holders from other states. Specifically, if the person does not live in the state that issued the permit, North Carolina would no longer recognize the permit as valid.
- Senate Bill 27 would allow for certain volunteers to use firearms on school property.
- House Bill 49 says the gun owners can have a firearm locked in their car, even if it is parked on a property where the owners has posted a sign prohibiting firearms.
- House Bill 63 is a resolution opposing any federal efforts to curb gun ownership rights.
- Senate Bill 59, much like Senate Bill 27, would create a program to allow armed guards in schools. Some of these guards could be volunteers who pass certain training.
- Senate Bill 124: Makes discharging a firearm inside a building or vehicle "with the intent to do harm or incite fear" a Class E felony.
- House Bill 246: Would add gun rights to the state constitution.
- Senate Bill 224: Would allow for Sunday hunting on private land.
- House Bill 310: Would allow sheriff's to skip mental health background checks on those applying for handgun permits.
- Senate Bill 342: Would amend a number of gun laws, including those that currently prohibit handguns in establishments that serve alcohol. The bill would also make it illegal for felons to posses ammunition.
- House Bill 405: Would allow judges with concealed handgun permits to carry their firearms into courthouses.
Related stories:
State House lawmakers voted late Monday night to allow concealed weapons on college campuses, greenways, bike trails, at sporting events and in businesses that serve alcohol.
UNC President Tom Ross said Monday that he's concerned about legislation moving through the state House that would allow people to have guns on university campuses.
Those with concealed handgun permits could bring their guns into bars and restaurants under the measure. It would also allow permit holders to lock their weapons in cars parked on college campuses and state government property.
Residents of western North Carolina counties are more likely to hold concealed weapons permits than people in the Triangle.
On a party-line vote, a key House committee has approved a resolution opposing any federal push for more gun control.
A proposed amendment filed this week to restrict what limits can be placed on gun ownership in North Carolina is the latest shot in the growing debate over nullification of federal laws.
A constitutional amendment filed by Rep. Larry Pittman, R-Cabarrus, would limit what restrictions state law could place on firearms ownership.
A state Senate panel debated legislation Thursday that would make gun permits in North Carolina confidential records, available only through a court order.
Certain teachers and other school volunteers would be able to carry firearms in emergency situations under a bill filed Thursday.
The first firearms-related bill of the session would allow concealed handgun permit holders to bring weapons into restaurants. It would also remove North Carolina's registry of concealed handgun permit holders from public view.
Local gun owners and lawmakers are reacting to President Obama's plan to curb gun violence, taking issue with his recommendation to ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.
Federal restrictions on carrying guns on school property haven't worked, the group says.
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