RALEIGH (AP) — A measure adding more places people can carry or store concealed firearms in North Carolina and repealing a requirement to get a license to buy a handgun has passed the North Carolina Senate.
The Senate approved a bill Thursday that also adds new safeguards and toughens penalties. The House already passed a less expansive bill.
The state attorney general says the repeal of the license requirement takes away a valuable part of the screening process. Republicans argue it’s a dated law.
Democrats mostly opposed the bill, saying it oversteps popular opinion and encourages more gun violence. Republicans say the law targets illegal gun use while promoting the Second Amendment for well-trained and law-abiding owners.
The House will now have to approve the Senate’s changes or negotiate to settle differences.