North Carolina Constitutional Carry: Will SB 50 or HB 5 Become Law in 2025?
- carolinaconcealeds
- Apr 21
- 5 min read
As of April 2025, North Carolina remains one of the few southeastern states without constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry. This means a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) is still required to carry a concealed firearm legally. However, two bills—Senate Bill 50 (SB 50) and House Bill 5 (HB 5)—aim to change that by allowing eligible citizens to carry concealed handguns without a permit. At Carolina Concealed Solutions, we’re committed to keeping you informed about these changes and how they impact your concealed carry rights. Here’s the latest on North Carolina’s push for constitutional carry, the next steps in the legislative process, and what it means for you.
What Is Constitutional Carry?
Constitutional carry allows law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, provided they meet basic eligibility requirements, such as age and no prohibiting criminal history. In North Carolina, SB 50 and HB 5 propose permitting U.S. citizens aged 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a CHP, aligning the state with 29 others, including neighbors like South Carolina and Tennessee. Open carry is already legal in North Carolina for those 18 and older, but concealed carry currently requires a permit obtained through a state-approved training course, like those offered at Carolina Concealed Solutions.
Current Status of SB 50 and HB 5
Senate Bill 50: Freedom to Carry NC
Progress: SB 50 passed the North Carolina Senate on March 20, 2025, with a 26-18 vote and is now in the House, having passed its first reading on March 26, 2025. It’s likely under review by the House Judiciary or Rules Committee.
Key Provisions: The bill eliminates the permit requirement for concealed carry for eligible citizens 18 and older while maintaining the option to obtain a CHP for reciprocity with other states. It also preserves existing prohibitions for felons and others barred from possessing firearms.
House Bill 5: NC Constitutional Carry Act
Progress: HB 5 has cleared the House Judiciary 2 Committee (March 18, 2025) and is currently in the House Rules Committee, awaiting approval for a floor vote.
Key Provisions: Similar to SB 50, HB 5 allows permitless concealed carry for those 18 and older and retains the CHP system for out-of-state reciprocity.
Both bills face hurdles, including opposition from some law enforcement groups and Democratic lawmakers, who argue permitless carry could compromise public safety. However, strong Republican support, led by figures like Senate Leader Phil Berger, suggests momentum toward passage.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
For either SB 50 or HB 5 to become law, several steps remain:
Committee Approval:
SB 50: The House committee (likely Judiciary or Rules) must review and approve the bill. This involves public hearings and potential amendments.
HB 5: The House Rules Committee must schedule it for a floor vote. Delays here could stall progress, as seen with similar legislation in 2023.
House Floor Votes:
Both bills require two additional readings in the House, needing a simple majority (61 votes). Republicans hold 71 seats, making passage likely, though Democratic opposition could influence moderate votes.
Senate Review (for HB 5):
If HB 5 passes the House, it goes to the Senate for committee review and three readings. Given SB 50’s Senate approval, HB 5 is likely to pass unless significant amendments create differences.
Reconciliation (if needed):
If the House amends SB 50 or the Senate alters HB 5, a conference committee may resolve differences to create a unified bill.
Gubernatorial Action:
The final bill goes to Governor Josh Stein, who can sign, veto, or let it become law without action (within 10 days, or 30 if the legislature adjourns). A veto is possible, given Democratic concerns. Republicans are one vote short of a veto-proof majority in each chamber, so overriding a veto would require at least one Democratic vote.
When Could Constitutional Carry Become Law?
Best Case (Summer 2025): If the House moves quickly, SB 50 could pass by June 2025 and reach the Governor. Without amendments, it could become law as early as July, effective immediately or on a specified date (e.g., July 1).
Likely Scenario (Late 2025): Amendments, committee delays, or a veto could push enactment to fall or winter 2025. A veto override vote might extend the timeline to late 2025.
Worst Case (2026 or Beyond): If the bills stall in committee or fail to secure enough votes, they may be reintroduced in the 2026 session, delaying constitutional carry further.
Track the bills’ progress on the North Carolina General Assembly website for real-time updates.
What This Means for Concealed Carry in North Carolina
If SB 50 or HB 5 passes, North Carolina would join 29 other states with constitutional carry, simplifying concealed carry for eligible citizens. However, obtaining a CHP would still be valuable for:
Reciprocity: A North Carolina CHP ensures your concealed carry rights in states that honor it, unlike permitless carry.
Training: Our concealed carry classes provide critical knowledge on legal use of force, personal protection planning, and safe firearm handling, which remain essential even under constitutional carry.
Until these bills become law, a CHP is required for concealed carry. Our state-approved training courses at Carolina Concealed Solutions prepare you to meet these requirements while equipping you with practical skills for responsible carry.
Stay Prepared with Carolina Concealed Solutions
Whether or not constitutional carry becomes law, responsible concealed carry starts with education and training. At Carolina Concealed Solutions, our expert instructors offer comprehensive concealed carry classes covering everything from firearm safety to legal considerations. Don’t wait for legislative changes—prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones confidently.
Ready to get your Concealed Handgun Permit? Book a class today or visit our Resources and FAQs pages for more information on concealed carry in North Carolina. Have questions? Contact us at (704) 808-0174 or via our Contact page.
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