NC: SB 782/H892: Repeal Pistol Transfer Permit

SB 782 would repeal the current North Carolina pistol permit system. Currently you apply for a permit from your local Sheriff. They do a background check that may take up to six weeks at which point the Sheriff or his designate decides whether you get the permit. Unlike the concealed carry permit system, it's a may issue, not a shall issue, process. This bill would do away with the permit system and default to National Instant Check. The current system is redundant. Repeal would take the decision out of the hands of the Sheriff and move NC to shall rather than may issue. It would take politics out of the equation. This is a good thing. Whether it has a chance of passage, I don't know. The local gun haters oppose passage. They like the may issue approach which is one damn good reason to pass it. The key is whether the Sheriff's Association cares. This involves revenue [$5 a permit] for the local Sheriff's Departments but also would release resources for other problems. They have a lot of influence in the Legislature, and generally get what they want. I suspect they will oppose. What politician wants to give up power? Call your State Representatives and let them know where you stand. It can't hurt.