The proposal to allow people as young as 18 to carry loaded hidden handguns without the background checks and training that the current permitting system provides passed 2nd reading in the House Wednesday.
That is the bad news.
But the vote was 65-54 with eight Republicans voting against it. That is short of a veto proof majority.
Unless a few more Republicans come to their senses soon, the bill will pass its final vote in the House today and head to the Senate, where it’s also expected to receive a warm reception.
But Gov. Roy Cooper might be able to stop this madness with a veto if the Republicans who wisely voted against the proposal Wednesday stick to their principles.
Becky Ceartas of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence summed up the reasons why that is so important in a statement after the vote.
We are incredibly disappointed that lawmakers in Raleigh voted to water down the concealed carry weapons permitting system. The changes that they made essentially do away with the key components of the concealed carry weapons permitting system.
The concealed carry weapons permitting system ensures that 18 year olds cannot buy a gun and requires eight hours of classroom and live fire training. Without these classes, the public cannot be certain that a gun owner is knowledgeable of the rules and laws of carrying a hidden loaded weapon in public.
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