By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
In a 59-48 vote Wednesday, the North Carolina House passed a controversial measure which authorizes so-called “constitutional carry,” and if the bill is signed by Democrat Gov. Josh Stein, the Tar Heel State will become the 30th where citizens enjoy permitless carry.
However, according to the Carolina Journal, Stein has indicated he may veto the measure, setting up a situation where Republicans would attempt an override.
Senate Bill 50, which passed the Senate three months ago, was supported by Grass Roots North Carolina, whose president, Paul Valone, issued a statement to TGM: “We thank Republican leadership and the members of the NC General Assembly who sponsored and voted for Senate Bill 50, as well as its sister bill, House Bill 50. We realize that some members may have chosen not to be in attendance for the vote, and we will be channeling voter input to those legislators. Any Republican who opposes the wishes of the voters who elected him will pay a price in 2026. We have every confidence we can muster the votes needed to over-ride Governor Josh Stein’s inevitable veto.”
The NC Newsline is reporting Republican Reps. Ted Davis of New Hanover and William Brisson of Bladen and Sampson counties voted against the bill, and a total of ten Republicans and three Democrats abstained from voting. These may be the people to whom Valone was referring.
NC Newsline indicated it may be possible Republicans don’t have sufficient votes to override.
During Wednesday’s debate, Republican Rep. Keith Kidwell said the bill “allows people to constitutionally carry a firearm without obtaining a permit from the government to exercise their God-given right to defend themselves.”
Anti-gun Democrats, quoted abundantly by the NC Newsline, offered essentially all of the usual boilerplate arguments against the measure. Rep. Phil Rubin said surveys from the Everytown for Gun Safety lobbying group and Elon University showed a majority of Tar Heel voters want to retain the permit requirement. His colleague, Rep. Allen Buansi contended passage will put police and the public at “greater risk.” Rep. Amos Quick raised the specter of school shootings.
North Carolinians Against Gun Violence immediately called on Gov. Stein to veto the legislation. Likewise, Moms Demand Action opposes the measure.
