North Carolina’s House approved the Firearm Liberty Act, which would establish a lifetime concealed-carry permit for residents, though it would only be valid within the state. The bill also includes measures to bolster property rights, voluntary safe storage of firearms, and school safety through biometric safes containing non-lethal defensive tools.

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RALEIGH, NC (3-minute read) — North Carolina lawmakers have taken a significant step toward expanding gun rights by passing House Bill 674, known as the Firearm Liberty Act. The bill, which cleared the House in a 70-42 vote, introduces a lifetime concealed-carry permit for residents, replacing the current five-year renewable license for those who choose to opt in.

Expanded Concealed Carry Options for NC Residents

Sponsored by Rep. Jay Adams (R-Catawba), the legislation offers a permanent concealed-carry license with the same training and background check requirements as the existing permit. However, the lifetime permit would be valid only within North Carolina and would not carry reciprocity in other states. The bill also extends the grace period for renewing a standard permit. Those with recently expired licenses can avoid retaking the concealed-carry class if they renew within six months—or up to a year with a sheriff’s approval.

Additional Provisions Focused on Safety and Property Rights

Beyond concealed carry, HB 674 includes three notable provisions:

1. Property Protection Act: When someone is under a Domestic Violence Protective Order, sheriffs must confiscate firearms and hold them for 15 days without charge. Afterward, the owner may transfer them to a federally licensed dealer for storage or sale.
2. Safety Hold Agreements: This clause permits voluntary temporary firearm storage with licensed dealers during personal crises or emergencies—providing an added layer of responsible gun ownership.
3. Biometric School Safes: The bill authorizes the placement of biometric safes in schools containing non-lethal defensive tools like tasers or pepper spray. Only trained staff would have access, and the locked safes would serve primarily as a deterrent to potential threats.

Rep. Adams explained that these measures, especially the school safes, are designed not to arm teachers but to provide a psychological and tactical barrier against bad actors.

Constitutional Carry Still in Limbo

While HB 674 moves to the Senate, another major piece of legislation—Senate Bill 50, the Freedom to Carry NC Act—which would legalize permitless concealed carry, remains stalled in the House. The deadline for advancing the House’s version of constitutional carry legislation passed without action, but leaders say it remains a priority.

Safety Tip: Even with a lifetime permit, firearm owners must regularly stay updated on local and state laws to ensure lawful carry and responsible self-defense practices.