North Carolina - Right To Carry Law Goes Into Effect

On Thursday, August 14, North Carolina`s Right to Carry reciprocity law officially went into effect. This law gives valid carry permit holders from states that have similar permit issuing requirements as North Carolina the ability to carry their firearms for personal protection in North Carolina, and has led several states to recognize North Carolina permits. The North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ), headed by Attorney General Roy Cooper (D), has identified the following states as those which have an official reciprocity agreement with North Carolina: Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. The NCDOJ will continue to develop and maintain the list of states that meet the standards for establishing reciprocal agreements. Those on the Internet can look for updates on reciprocity, as well as regulations regarding the carrying and transportation of firearms, by going to http://www.jus.state.nc.us/cle/Concealedhandgun.htm. Congratulations to all NRA members in North Carolina who worked so hard to ensure passage of this important NRA-backed reform! Our thanks go out to all lawmakers who voted for SB 33, but be sure to thank those who worked hard to ensure this legislation became law. Those who deserve special thanks are: Sen. Scott Thomas (D-2), the primary sponsor of SB 33; Reps. Mark Hilton (R-88), Michael Gorman (R-3), Pryor Gibson (D-69), and Michael Decker (D-94), who sponsored identical legislation in the House; Reps. James Black (D-100) and Richard Morgan (R-52), the Democrat and Republican Speakers of the House; Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight (D-1); Governor Michael Easley (D); and Attorney General Roy Cooper.