Gun safety advocates are raising concerns as North Carolina lawmakers prepare for a potential House vote to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of Senate Bill 50, which would allow permitless concealed carry.
The bill would permit residents 18 and older to carry concealed, loaded handguns without a permit, eliminating current requirements for background checks, safety training, and live-fire testing.
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Gov. Stein vetoed the bill on June 20, but when the Senate reconvened in July, lawmakers overrode his veto. To succeed in the House, Republicans need a three-fifths majority but are currently one vote short. With legislators returning Tuesday, the bill could move forward if GOP leaders believe they have enough support.
Reps. William Brisson and Ted Davis, both Republicans, previously joined Democrats in voting against the measure.
On Friday, North Carolinians Against Gun Violence and concerned residents gathered at Strategic Tactics Of Protection LLC (STOP), a firearms training academy, to voice their opposition.
“More people will die in NC if the House overrides Gov. Stein’s veto. The Senate already has,” said Becky Ceartas, executive director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence. “We cannot let this happen. Too much is at stake. Lives are on the line.”
Jessica Burroughs of MomsRising echoed these concerns, citing research showing states with weaker concealed carry laws experience 10.8% higher firearm homicide rates.
STOP, the chosen venue for the press conference, offers training in concealed carry, unarmed defense, and personal protection. Tony DeRico, STOP’s president and lead instructor, emphasized the importance of proper weapons training and background checks.
“Without those parameters, you are putting up a wide open fence that will allow much harm to be done,” DeRico warned. “We don’t need to have young people who aren’t ready to have a firearm.”
The House is expected to take up SB 50 soon, with the final outcome hinging on a single vote.
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