Should NC Require Concealed Carry Permits?

Charlotte, NC — Controversy sparks after a bill aims to change gun laws in North Carolina.

House Bill 746 would allow people to carry concealed guns in places where they are already able to carry them openly without getting a permit.

The group, North Carolinians Against Gun Violence was not pleased after it passed a second committee on Thursday.

“There’s no reason to change the system,” said NCGV Executive Director Becky Ceartas.

Right now, you have to go through classroom and live fire training to get a concealed carry permit.

“We’re not against people carrying hidden loaded weapons in public, but we feel strongly with that, comes rights and responsibilities that you have to go through training,” said Ceartas.

The bill would also lower the age you can carry a concealed gun from 21 to 18.

“They’re nearly four times as likley to commit homicide as those 21-years-old and older,” said Ceartas.

Bill sponsor, Rep. Chris Millis, (R) District 16, says training or not, you can already carry openly.

“Training and knowing the law is upmost importance no matter how you carry a firearm,” said Rep. Millis.

Rep Millis argues the permitting process can take months for someone who needs protection now.

“This definitely allows law abiding citizens to defend themselves and their loved ones in a greater fashion,” said Rep. Millis.