North Carolina 2026 Second Amendment Bills

The primary Second Amendment-related focus in North Carolina’s 2026 short session (which began April 21, 2026) is Senate Bill 50 (S50, “Freedom to Carry NC”), along with a few other bills from the 2025-2026 session. 

North Carolina holds short sessions in even-numbered years, primarily to address vetoed bills from the prior long session, budget matters, and limited new introductions. 

Key Pro-2A / Permitless Carry Bill: S50 (“Freedom to Carry NC”)

•  Summary: This bill would allow permitless concealed carry (constitutional carry) for individuals 18+ who are legally eligible to possess a firearm. It eliminates the current requirement for a concealed handgun permit, including safety training and background checks for the permit itself (though other restrictions like prohibited places would remain). 

•  Status (as of recent updates): Passed both chambers in 2025, vetoed by Gov. Josh Stein. The Senate overrode the veto (30-19) in July 2025. The House has repeatedly delayed or withdrawn the override vote from the calendar (multiple times through early 2026) but placed it on the calendar for April 21, 2026, at the start of the short session. A 3/5 supermajority is needed in the House for a successful override. 

•  Support/Opposition: Strongly backed by pro-2A groups like the NRA and Republican leadership (e.g., Sen. Phil Berger). Opponents, including law enforcement and gun control advocates, argue it reduces training/safety and could increase risks. 

As of mid-May 2026, the override remains pending in the House.

Other Notable Bills

•  H470 – Second Amendment Protection Act (introduced 2025): This “nullification”-style bill would prohibit state/local officials from enforcing certain federal firearms laws/regulations deemed to exceed federal authority (e.g., on in-state made firearms/ammo). It includes penalties for violations and exceptions for certain investigations. Status appears stalled in committee. 

•  S788 (“Guarding Freedoms & Public Safety Act,” introduced April 2026): A more restrictive bill that would:

•  Ban firearm possession/purchase by those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses (Class A1 misdemeanor violation).

•  Require universal background checks for private sales/transfers.

•  Reinstate the pistol purchase permit law.

•  Mandate safe storage certification for parents/guardians of public school students.

•  Appropriate funds for enforcement/awareness. 

•  Early status: Introduced and referred to committee during the short session.

•  Other mentions include bills on knife carry expansions, mental health record privacy, and firearm storage clarifications from prior actions, but S50 dominates 2A discussions in 2026. 

For the latest official status, check the North Carolina General Assembly website (ncleg.gov) and search bills by number. Pro-2A tracking is available via NRA-ILA, and bill texts/digests provide full details. Laws can change quickly in session, so verify current actions.