North Carolina U.S. Representative Richard Hudson has introduced in the new session of Congress a bill that would benefit those who carry concealed handguns in the U.S.The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, also known as H.R. 38, was introduced in early January. If it passes, then it could have a big impact on the Second Amendment rights for North Carolinians and people all across the country.

Here’s what you need to know about this proposed Act, how it could change things, and what the current laws are regarding the right to carry a concealed weapon in North Carolina.

H.R. 38: The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act

In North Carolina, you have the right to carry a concealed weapon if you have the right permit, but that doesn’t always apply equally across state lines. 

If passed, however, H.R. 38 would provide citizens with concealed carry permits the right to travel freely between states without worrying about the laws regarding reciprocity for concealed carry in other places.

It would allow those with state-issued licenses for concealed carry or permits to conceal carry in other states as long as they follow the rules of that state. 

For example, if you live in a state that allows Constitutional carry, a form of unrestricted carry, then it will also give you the ability to carry in other states.

The legislation is currently waiting to be assigned to a committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Current Gun Laws in North Carolina

As far as current gun laws go, North Carolina is seen as a permissive state. You are not restricted on the magazine size or calibers and there are only limited restrictions on open carry.

Residents who wish to get a concealed carry permit are required to be 21 years old or older and completed a training course for firearms. 

You must also be a resident of the state for at least 30 days before submitting the application and be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident alien. 

Furthermore, you cannot suffer from any mental or physical condition that will prevent you from handling a handgun safely. 

Finally, you cannot have a conviction for impaired driving offenses in the last three years; you may not be free on bond or pending trial or sentencing for a criminal offense; you cannot have been determined to be lacking the mental capacity to properly handle a gun.

In North Carolina, you can carry a firearm in your vehicle, you can carry it in State Parks, and you can carry it in establishments that sell liquor. However, the state does not have Constitutional carry. The cost of the permit for concealed carry is $80 and it is valid for five years.

Does North Carolina Currently Have Reciprocity?

Reciprocity is when one state recognizes and honors the permits issued from another state. In North Carolina, reciprocity does exist, but not for every other state in the U.S. 

The permits of all other states are recognized, but only 38 of them provide reciprocation, allowing state-issued permits from North Carolina in their state. Moreover, in six of these states, only residential permits are honored.

It is hoped that the federal reciprocity bill introduced to Congress will allow those who regularly travel between state lines, such as truckers, to protect themselves and have their Constitutional rights upheld in the process. 

It will take some time to see if the bill is successful, but until that time, North Carolinians should know that their gun rights are secure.