There has been some real lunacy coming out of the North Carolina General Assembly lately, but one of the craziest bills yet is now before a state senate committee. As currently written, it would allow people to get a gun without having to get a permit first.
“We’re here to enhance our Second Amendment rights, which have been too long restricted by the previous majority,” said Sen. Buck Newton, a Republican who represents parts of Johnston, Wilson and Nash counties. “These are, by definition, law-abiding citizens,” referring to those with permits to carry concealed weapons.
Believe it or not, this isn't the only loony portion of this bill. It would close the database of concealed carry permits and gun sales to the public. That would make it all but impossible for the average person to find out if someone has a gun who isn't legally supposed to have one.
The bill would also allow people with concealed weapons permits to bring them on all educational property (schools, colleges, universities) as long as they keep the gun locked in their vehicle. As long as the owner allows it, they would also be able to carry concealed weapons in restaurants and bars that serve alcohol.
I'm trying to find more information on this bill at the General Assembly Website--but what is already known is pretty scary. It already passed the House.
3:38 PM PT: Msspentyouth mentions in the comments that the bill is HB 937. Read the full text, as amended by that committee, here.