With GRNC feedback and support, Representative LARRY PITTMAN (R-Cabarrus) today introduced House Bill 69 for what will be GRNC’s main legislative thrust for 2017: constitutional (permitless) carry. In addition to Rep. Pittman, primary sponsors for the bill include Reps. MICHAEL SPECIALE (R-Beaufort, Craven, Pamlico), BEVERLY BOSWELL (R-Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Washington), and JAY ADAMS (R-Catawba).

HB 69 (“Constitutional Carry Act”):

• Establishes a new Article 54C, under which handguns may be carried concealed without permits;

• Removes the need to have a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun in restaurants, public assemblies, parades and funerals, and (with the same limitations as currently in law) onto educational properties; and

• Retains the current CHP system for purposes of reciprocity with other states.

HB 69 is designed to be a “clean” reciprocity bill (i.e. without other measures) in order to draw fewer objections from potential supporters. GRNC will shepherd the introduction of additional legislative initiatives in other bills.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

• CONTACT SPEAKER TIM MOORE at:
  919-733-3451, Tim.Moore@ncleg.net
  Tell him to move HB 69 forward. You can use the copy/paste text below, under 'Deliver This Message,' to send an email message to Speaker Moore.
  
  
• CONTACT RULES CHAIRMAN DAVID LEWIS at: 919-715-3015, David.Lewis@ncleg.net
  Tell him to move HB 69 forward. You can use the copy/paste text below, under 'Deliver This Message,' to send an email message to Rep. Lewis.
  
  
• CONTACT YOUR NC HOUSE REP: Tell them to sign onto HB 69 as a co-sponsor ASAP. Click here to find your NC House representative, or go to: http://www.ncleg.net/representation/WhoRepresentsMe.aspx
  
  
• THANK THE BILL SPONSORS; Use these copy/paste email addresses:
  Larry.Pittman@ncleg.net;Michael.Speciale@ncleg.net;Beverly.Boswell@ncleg.net; Jay.Adams@ncleg.net

Suggested Subject: "Support HB 69 - Constitutional Carry"  

Dear [Speaker Moore or Representative Lewis]:

 A powerful trend is sweeping across the United States in which eleven states have now adopted (or previously had) statutes under which lawful citizens could carry firearms for self-protection without obtaining burdensome permits.

The states with permitless concealed carry now include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Indeed, Missouri’s law went into effect on January 1, and West Virginia’s went into effect in May. Additionally, more limited versions of permitless carry exist in Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

It is high time North Carolina joined those enlightened states by relieving lawful North Carolinians from expensive and burdensome permit requirements which discriminate against people with lesser means. Accordingly, I ask you to give a prompt hearing to House Bill 69 (“Constitutional Carry Act”), sponsored by Reps. Larry Pittman, Michael Speciale, Beverly Boswell, and Jay Adams.

Each time we have expanded concealed carry – whether into parks, restaurants, educational property or elsewhere – naysayers have predicted gloom and doom. Each time, they have been wrong. In fact, I am aware of no instance in any of the states which have adopted constitutional carry in which it has caused problems.

Again, I urge you to give HB 69 a prompt hearing. I will be monitoring this issue through Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.

Respectfully,