North Carolina Senators filed 194 bills Thursday. In case you missed it, four of these Republican-sponsored bills would expand access to firearms and limit regulations on handguns.
S624, sponsored by Sen. Stan Bingham, would allow “certain types” of employees and volunteers to carry concealed firearms, tear gas or stun guns on private school property. A person with a concealed handgun permit could carry a weapon at a private religious school. A person with permission from a private school’s board of trustees or administrative director could carry “certain weapons” on private school grounds and inside buildings.
The Concealed Handgun Permit Standardization Act, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Tarte, dictates who can purchase a handgun. The caveats: you must be over 21, be a resident of North Carolina for 30 days, not currently be diagnosed with an ongoing mental disorder and complete firearm safety training. Some individuals are specifically precluded, including violent felons and misdemeanants, current drug addicts, fugitives, dishonorably discharged armed forces veterans and the mentally ill/incapacitated.
The NC Firearms Freedom Act, sponsored by Sen. Norman Sanderson would exempt all firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition manufactured in North Carolina from federal regulations. The bill cites the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce clause to justify reasoning that an individual state has the power to regulate intrastate commerce. Public employees at the federal, state and local levels would be prohibited from enforcing provisions of federal statutes and regulations upon a firearm. To fall under the provisions of the act, the weapon would only have to bear the label “Made in N.C.”
The hilariously named Homeland Security Patriot Act, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Tarte and Sen. Ronald Rabin is actually not funny at all. It would establish a “homeland security unrestricted concealed handgun permit” to allow anyone with a concealed carry permit unrestricted access to anywhere in the state, “including property on which a notice is posted prohibiting the carrying of a concealed handgun.” In true vigilante style, county sheriffs would issue the patriot a badge with their permit. A person would have to have both with them plus a valid ID at all times while carrying a concealed weapon, you know, for security.
