WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A North Carolina bill that allows almost anyone over the age of 18 to carry a concealed handgun without a permit is one step closer to becoming law.

Right now, those who want to conceal carry a gun need to obtain a permit. That requires someone to pass a background check, be at least 21 years old, and complete a firearm safety course.

Senate Bill 50, called “Freedom to Carry NC,” would significantly change the rules to conceal carry.

Under the bill, those who want to conceal carry would only need to be over 18, not otherwise banned from having a firearm, and a United States citizen.

Lawmakers, like the bill’s key sponsor, republican Sen. Danny Britt, say law-abiding citizens should be able to carry a gun without getting permission from the government.

“Individuals who want to have a firearm concealed to protect themselves should not have to wait to be able to gain access to that,” Britt said.

If the bill passes, North Carolina would become the 30th state to allow constitutional carry.

However, not everyone is convinced.

“This bill would put guns in the hands of 18-year-olds with no training, no background check,” democratic Rep. Deb Butler told WECT Friday. “Anything that puts guns into the hands of teenagers is very very worrisome.”

It can take months for a concealed carry permit to be approved. Sen. Britt told WECT last month he thinks that should not be the case.

“I don’t think we should be mandated to have training to be able to protect ourselves,” Britt said.

John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, commented on the Senate Bill, saying:

“NRA has made it a priority to enact constitutional carry laws across the country, recognizing the right of law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm for protection without first needing permission from the government. While Senate Bill 50 is a step in the right direction, there is still work to be done. NRA will continue to work with the legislature to ensure that every peaceable adult in the state can legally carry under the proposed law. 29 states currently have constitutional carry, and we look forward to North Carolina being number 30.”

Senate Bill 50 moved forward in the Senate on Thursday. A similar bill called House Bill 5 now heads to the House.

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