RALEIGH, NC — The North Carolina House has rescheduled the veto override vote on Senate Bill 50, known as the Freedom to Carry NC Act, to September 22. The vote was originally set for August 26.
Senate Bill 50 would allow law-abiding residents to carry a concealed firearm without a government-issued permit, recognizing the right to carry for self-defense. The Senate successfully overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of the bill in July, leaving the House as the final hurdle. To succeed, the override must pass by a three-fifths majority of those present and voting.
If approved, North Carolina would join nearly 30 other states in adopting constitutional or permitless carry. However, the bill is not without criticism from gun rights advocates. The NRA, while supportive of permitless carry, has noted that S50 still contains provisions that could unintentionally restrict lawful gun owners. For example, some individuals who can legally purchase and possess a firearm may still be prohibited from carrying under the current language of the bill.
Despite these shortcomings, the passage of S50 would represent a significant step forward for the Second Amendment in North Carolina. Gun owners and supporters of constitutional carry are encouraged to stay engaged in the process and contact their state representatives to voice support for overriding the veto.
North Carolina has been steadily moving this bill forward over the past several months. As the September 22 vote approaches, the outcome will determine whether the state advances toward becoming the 30th constitutional carry state.
