House Bill 817, Gun Sale Legal w/Concealed Handgun Permit has been ratified by the both the N.C. House and Senate. It is now ready to be signed by the Governor and become law. Let's hope Easley doesn't screw this up.
Here's an article about it...
Gun-check measure goes to governor.
By JOHN FRANK, Staff Writer
Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill allowing people with a concealed handgun permit to skip the normal background check required to buy a gun. The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Easley for his consideration.
Supporters argued that holders of concealed weapons permits already pass a rigorous federal approval process that makes the local handgun permit application pointless. To receive a concealed handgun permit, an applicant must pass a federal criminal history and a medical records check and complete classroom and firing-range training.
Under current law, county sheriffs issue permits to buy pistols after a background check.
On Wednesday, the House voted for the bill 106-8; the Senate, 46-3.
Sen. Dan Clodfelter, a Charlotte Democrat, said he was glad the bill was finally approved.
"It's through," he said.
At least one advocacy group is asking that Easley kill the bill because it does not specify the number of guns that concealed-carry permit holders could buy.
"We would love it if the governor could execute his veto power," said Audrey Galloway, a lobbyist for Chapel Hill-based North Carolinians Against Gun Violence.
"Our main concern is the number of guns that can be purchased without a permit," she said. "We are talking unlimited numbers."
Sheriffs can revoke pistol permits, but some worry about losing the issuing authority. Sheriffs can deny a permit if they know something about an applicant that warrants concern, such as a misdemeanor charge.
"It eliminates their discretion," Galloway said.
In the Triangle, the change would affect Wake, Johnston and Durham counties the most. They rank in the top quarter of counties in the number of concealed handgun permits issued, according to State Bureau of Investigation figures.
Staff writer John Frank can be reached at 829-4622 or [email protected].
Gun-check measure goes to governor.
Here's an article about it...
Gun-check measure goes to governor.
By JOHN FRANK, Staff Writer
Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill allowing people with a concealed handgun permit to skip the normal background check required to buy a gun. The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Easley for his consideration.
Supporters argued that holders of concealed weapons permits already pass a rigorous federal approval process that makes the local handgun permit application pointless. To receive a concealed handgun permit, an applicant must pass a federal criminal history and a medical records check and complete classroom and firing-range training.
Under current law, county sheriffs issue permits to buy pistols after a background check.
On Wednesday, the House voted for the bill 106-8; the Senate, 46-3.
Sen. Dan Clodfelter, a Charlotte Democrat, said he was glad the bill was finally approved.
"It's through," he said.
At least one advocacy group is asking that Easley kill the bill because it does not specify the number of guns that concealed-carry permit holders could buy.
"We would love it if the governor could execute his veto power," said Audrey Galloway, a lobbyist for Chapel Hill-based North Carolinians Against Gun Violence.
"Our main concern is the number of guns that can be purchased without a permit," she said. "We are talking unlimited numbers."
Sheriffs can revoke pistol permits, but some worry about losing the issuing authority. Sheriffs can deny a permit if they know something about an applicant that warrants concern, such as a misdemeanor charge.
"It eliminates their discretion," Galloway said.
In the Triangle, the change would affect Wake, Johnston and Durham counties the most. They rank in the top quarter of counties in the number of concealed handgun permits issued, according to State Bureau of Investigation figures.
Staff writer John Frank can be reached at 829-4622 or [email protected].
Gun-check measure goes to governor.