With the introduction of House Bill 746, North Carolina has joined the list of states with permitless carry bills up for consideration this legislative session.
The measure, which would bring the state’s concealed-carry regulations in line with its open-carry rules, would also lower the minimum age for concealed-carry permit holders from 21 to 18, and would expand the list of places where firearms may be legally carried. Under current state law, individuals not otherwise legally prohibited may openly carry a firearm without a permit, but a permit is required for anyone wishing to carry a gun in a briefcase or purse, or under a coat.
The House Judiciary Committee approved HB 746 Wednesday, and the measure now heads to the House Finance Committee. Due to legislative deadlines, the bill requires the addition of a monetary component in order to progress further this session. But with Republican majorities in both the House and the Senate, the measure still has a good chance of passage.
