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RALEIGH, NC — A newly introduced bill in the North Carolina General Assembly aims to significantly expand Second Amendment protections and improve firearm storage options in schools. House Bill 674, titled The Firearms Liberty Act, was filed on April 1, 2025, by Representatives Adams, Kidwell, Eddins, and Carson Smith. The legislation cleared its first reading in the House on April 3 and has been referred to the Judiciary 2 Committee.

Key Provisions of the Firearms Liberty Act

1. Lifetime Concealed Handgun Permits One of the central provisions of the bill allows for the issuance of lifetime concealed handgun permits. Currently, North Carolina concealed carry permits are valid for five years. The new option would allow qualified individuals to apply for a permit that does not expire, reducing the burden on law-abiding citizens to renew.

2. Simplified Renewal for Lapsed Permits Under the proposed law, concealed carry holders whose permits have expired within the last 180 days would not be required to retake the firearms training course when renewing. If a permit has lapsed between 180 days and one year, sheriffs may still waive the training requirement at their discretion. This would streamline the renewal process and maintain continuity for responsible gun owners.

3. Firearm Storage Rights for Individuals Under Domestic Violence Protective Orders The bill would also allow individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders to store or sell their firearms through licensed firearms dealers instead of having them seized and stored solely by the sheriff’s office. This protects property rights while still complying with court orders and public safety concerns. Defendants may reclaim their property if legally permitted once the protective order is lifted.

4. Defensive Device Storage in Schools In response to growing concerns about school safety, the Act authorizes biometric safes containing defensive devices (such as pepper spray, electronic devices, or firearms) to be securely installed in schools. Access would be limited to specifically trained and authorized staff. Training requirements and device classifications would be developed by the Center for Safer Schools in conjunction with state agencies. Schools may also use existing safety grants to fund this initiative.

5. Additional Administrative Changes Other provisions include updates to permit application processes, fees, revocation procedures, and data-sharing with the State Bureau of Investigation. Military personnel will benefit from extended permit grace periods if deployment interrupts renewal timing.

Supporting the Right to Carry Responsibly

House Bill 674 represents a broad attempt to enhance lawful self-defense options for North Carolinians while addressing practical issues faced by concealed carriers. By creating a lifetime permit option and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for renewals, the bill aligns with the interests of responsible gun owners who seek consistency and clarity in firearm laws.

Additionally, the school safety provisions offer an innovative approach by using biometric technology and training to restrict access to defensive devices—an option that balances preparedness with accountability.

As this bill progresses through committees, it will be watched closely by both Second Amendment advocates and those concerned with school and public safety policy.