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RALEIGH, NC — As expected, Governor Josh Stein has vetoed Senate Bill 50, the Freedom to Carry NC bill, which would have allowed law-abiding North Carolinians 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit. The move sets up a major showdown in the state legislature over constitutional carry and the fundamental right to self-defense.
In his veto message, Governor Stein claimed the bill would “make North Carolinians less safe” and criticized the removal of permit training requirements and the lowered age to carry. He also argued that the bill would make law enforcement’s job harder.
Law enforcement officials allied with the Governor echoed those claims. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood called the permitting process an “enhancement” to the Second Amendment, while Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead praised Stein for “putting public safety first.”
Opponents of the bill, including gun control groups like Everytown for Gun Safety and its affiliates, cheered the veto. They cited polling and disputed studies to paint constitutional carry as dangerous—arguments that ignore the experience of the 29 other states that already have similar laws in place.
This is not the end.
Constitutional carry supporters understand what’s at stake: our right to defend ourselves should not depend on government approval. This bill was a step toward aligning North Carolina with the majority of the country, and the fight is far from over.
What’s Next
To override Governor Stein’s veto, the General Assembly needs a three-fifths majority in both chambers of those present and voting:
- House: 72 votes needed (currently 71 Republicans and 49 Democrats)
- Senate: 30 votes needed (currently 30 Republicans and 20 Democrats)
That means a successful override will require full attendance from Republicans and likely some bipartisan support. The next few days and weeks will be critical as the General Assembly determines whether to bring the bill back for an override vote.
Take Action:
- Contact your state representative and senator – urge them to support the override of the Governor’s veto on SB 50.
- Reach out to undecided or swing legislators – especially those who previously voted in favor of the bill or represent pro-2A districts.
- Make your voice heard – post, share, and talk to your community. The fight for constitutional carry in North Carolina is not over.
To find your legislator and contact info, visit: https://www.ncleg.gov/FindYourLegislators
Freedom isn’t granted by a permit. It’s time to finish what we started.
