RALEIGH, N.C. – March 19, 2025 – North Carolina is one step closer to recognizing the right of law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms without government interference. On Tuesday, the state Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve Senate Bill 50—aptly titled the “Freedom to Carry NC” Act—eliminating the requirement for a concealed handgun permit.
The legislation, championed by Senators Danny Britt, Warren Daniel, and Eddie Settle, grants permitless concealed carry to U.S. citizens aged 18 and older who are not otherwise prohibited by law. The bill, now heading to the Senate Rules Committee, aligns North Carolina with 29 other states that already recognize constitutional carry—a term used to describe the right to carry without excessive government restrictions.
Grass Roots North Carolina Legislative Team member Ken Stallings addressed the committee on the bill, noting that NONE of the 29 states which have already adopted permitless carry have had problems. GRNC LAT member Karen Raines also spoke, noting that she should not require governmental permission to carry firearms for self-protection, and that as a short-statured female, she represented people who will most benefit from the law.
Among the usual suspects who oppose individual self-defense was Becky Ceartas of North Carolinians “Against Gun Violence,” who spewed a variety of phony studies in her unsuccessful bid to defeat the bill.
A Win for Gun Rights and Self-Defense
Sen. Britt emphasized that constitutional carry is a fundamental right:
“We believe law-abiding citizens should not have to jump through government hoops to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”
Under current law, North Carolinians must obtain a permit from their local sheriff’s office, complete eight hours of training, and pass a background check before legally carrying concealed. SB 50 removes these burdens while still allowing permits for reciprocity purposes when traveling to states with permit recognition agreements.
Supporters argue that permitless carry strengthens self-defense rights. Grass Roots North Carolina activists highlighted that criminals do not follow permit laws, making it essential for law-abiding citizens to have the means to defend themselves immediately.
Wailing & Screaming from Anti-Gun Activists
Predictably, gun control advocates opposed the bill, relying on debunked claims that more armed citizens would lead to increased crime. Sen. Lisa Grafstein (D-Wake) and Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead voiced concerns about untrained 18-year-olds carrying in public, despite the fact that open carry at 18 is already legal in North Carolina.
Freedom haters also argued that removing the permit process would hinder law enforcement. However, no law enforcement organizations have officially opposed SB 50, and states with constitutional carry have not seen the doomsday predictions materialize.
More Freedom Ahead
If passed, North Carolina will become the 30th state to embrace constitutional carry, following the lead of South Carolina, Tennessee, and even northern states like Maine and New Hampshire.
Gun rights advocates remain optimistic that freedom will prevail, ensuring that responsible citizens can exercise their right to carry without unnecessary government oversight. The battle now moves to the full Senate for further debate.
Stay tuned as North Carolina moves toward restoring the rights of its citizens.
