Republican state Sen. Danny Britt stepped into the spotlight this week as lawmakers in Raleigh debated a bill that could change how North Carolinians carry concealed firearms. Tension and partisanship marked the hearing, with emotions running high on both sides of the aisle. The debate is far from over, and the outcome could have ripple effects across the country.
A bill advancing through the North Carolina legislature would allow adults 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit, making North Carolina the 30th state to pass so-called “constitutional carry,” according to Breitbart. The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 50 (SB 50), has already cleared the state Senate and recently passed out of a House committee on a party-line vote.
Currently, North Carolinians must be at least 21, pass a background check, and complete a gun safety class to obtain a concealed carry permit. If SB 50 becomes law, those requirements would be largely eliminated, requiring only that someone be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and legally permitted to possess a firearm.
Party-line battle over gun rights
SB 50’s progress through the House committee underscores the state’s divided political landscape. Six Republicans voted in favor, while five Democrats opposed the measure. This split reflects a broader national divide over gun rights, especially as more states move toward permitless carry.
Supporters argue that the bill restores constitutional rights and empowers law-abiding citizens. State Sen. Danny Britt, the bill’s primary sponsor, framed the proposal as a way to enhance public safety, stating, “Good people with guns stop bad people with guns.” His position echoes a common refrain among gun rights advocates who believe that armed citizens can deter or interrupt violent crimes.
Opponents, however, warn that loosening restrictions could lead to more violence and accidental shootings. They highlight the current requirements for background checks and training as necessary safeguards. The committee’s party-line vote signals that the debate over the measure is not just about policy but also about deeper ideological convictions.
National trend and local impact
If SB 50 is signed into law, North Carolina would join 29 other states—including Alabama, Texas, Florida, and South Carolina—that have enacted constitutional carry laws. This trend has picked up pace in recent years, with several states passing similar legislation despite opposition from gun control advocates.
Proponents see North Carolina’s move as a significant win for the Second Amendment. They argue that requiring permits places undue burdens on citizens’ rights to self-defense and cite the growing list of states as evidence that permitless carry can work without leading to chaos.
Critics remain unconvinced. They point to studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that states with looser gun laws sometimes experience increases in gun-related incidents. For them, North Carolina’s current system of permits, background checks, and safety training provides a responsible balance between individual rights and public safety.
Arguments over age and training
A major point of contention in the bill is the lowering of the minimum age for carrying a concealed handgun from 21 to 18. Backers of SB 50 say that 18-year-olds are legal adults who can serve in the military and vote and should therefore be trusted with the responsibility of concealed carry. For them, the new age threshold is about recognizing adulthood and equal rights.
Opponents argue that 18-year-olds may lack the maturity and judgment required for carrying concealed firearms in public. They also question the removal of mandatory safety training, raising concerns about accidental discharges and improper handling. Without required classes, they worry that new gun owners may be ill-prepared for the responsibilities of armed self-defense.
The debate extends beyond age and training. Some critics fear that the bill could make it harder for law enforcement to differentiate between responsible gun owners and those who may pose a threat. Others counter that criminals don’t follow permit laws anyway and that responsible citizens should not be penalized for the actions of a few.
What happens if SB 50 becomes law?
If SB 50 clears the remaining legislative hurdles and is signed by the governor, North Carolina would become the 30th constitutional carry state in the country. The change would allow adults 18 and older, who are legally eligible, to carry concealed firearms without a permit or required training. Supporters celebrate the move as a restoration of constitutional freedoms, while critics worry about the implications for public safety.
The bill’s passage through a key House committee marks a significant milestone, but the final outcome is not yet certain. As the debate continues, both sides are preparing for a showdown in the full House and, potentially, beyond.
The national debate over gun rights and public safety continues to play out in North Carolina, with state lawmakers, advocacy groups, and citizens watching closely. The future of the state’s gun laws—and its place in the national movement toward permitless carry—will be determined in the weeks to come.
