The House of Representatives’ vote to override Democrat Gov. Mark Stein’s veto of North Carolina’s constitutional carry measure has once again been delayed, causing frustration for many gun owners who wonder if the override vote will ever be held. After this most recent delay, the vote has now been set for February 9.
On June 11, the North Carolina House voted 59-48 in favor of Senate Bill 50, recognizing the natural right, guaranteed by the United States Constitution, of the people to bear arms. In other words, they voted to enact Constitutional Carry, making it legal for those 18 and over, who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm, to carry a concealed weapon in public without a permit. The Senate had passed the measure earlier in the session.
However, on June 20, Gov. Stein vetoed the measure using several worn-out anti-gun talking points as his excuse.
“This bill makes North Carolinians less safe and undermines responsible gun ownership. Therefore, I am vetoing it,” Stein said in his veto statement. “The bill eliminates training requirements associated with concealed carry permits and reduces the age to carry a concealed weapon from 21 to 18 years old. Authorizing teenagers to carry a concealed weapon with no training whatsoever is dangerous. The bill would also make the job of a law enforcement officer more difficult and less safe. We can and should protect the right to bear arms without recklessly endangering law enforcement officers and our people.”
By July 28, the North Carolina Senate had already voted to override the veto. And by August, interested observers were already worrying that the House might be failing gun owners on the matter.
In a news item posted on the NSSF website on August 13, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Larry Keane warned House members that their constituents are keeping an eye on how they vote.
“North Carolina gun owners are watching closely to see where their elected officials stand,” Keane wrote. “Will they cave to gun control pressure or stand with law-abiding citizens exercising their rights?”
As Keane pointed out, Gov. Stein’s reasons for vetoing the measure prove hollow when you look at all of the other states that don’t require those wishing to carry to jump through hoops and pay to practice their Second Amendment rights.
“Here’s the real truth that’s been proven in 29 other states that already adopted Constitutional or ‘permitless’ carry laws,” he said. “If the North Carolina House votes to override Gov. Stein’s veto, it will mean North Carolinians will have more options to exercise their Second Amendment rights and protect their families, homes and businesses from criminals that blatantly and openly ignore the laws.”
Since then, the House has scheduled votes on the measure, then repeatedly delayed the vote. With the most recent decision by the House to kick the vote further down the road, some are worried that House leaders don’t believe they have the 60% necessary to override the veto.
As February 9 approaches, we’ll be keeping an eye on the North Carolina House for further news. Ultimately, we can only hope that Republicans in the House don’t let their constituents down and allow the veto to stand.