Hall accepts constitutional carry petitions, says ‘it’s just a matter of time’

North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, received several boxes of petitions supporting permitless carry on Tuesday and remarked that it’s only a matter of time before he expects the legislation to advance in the General Assembly.

Grass Roots North Carolina presented 5,000 petition signatures to the House Speaker in person at the General Assembly, which they considered significant progress in moving the bill forward. Hall spoke directly with the group and expressed optimism while noting the progress that’s transpired in both chambers.

“It looks like we’re a step closer on the other side of the building, so that’s a positive thing,” Hall told the group. “I think now it’s just a matter of time, getting folks in the right place.”

He noted that he doesn’t have a concealed carry permit because he doesn’t believe it should be a state requirement.

“I continue to be for it as I’ve always been. I don’t have a concealed carry permit because I refuse to get one because I don’t think you should have to,” Hall said. “You convinced me. I’m not a hard vote to get.”

Leaders in the House have introduced the NC Constitutional Carry Act (HB 5) to authorize permitless carry across the state while leaders in the Senate have introduced a bill called Freedom to Carry NC (SB 50). Both pieces of legislation would make North Carolina the 30th state to legalize constitutional carry.

SEE ALSO: Constitutional carry: Will North Carolina be the 30th state to approve permitless carry?

GRNC president Paul Valone told the Carolina Journal that the group supports either bill moving forward as the outcome of both bills would be equivalent. The goal is to allow citizens to exercise their right to self-protection without government provision.

“Right now, you need to have a concealed handgun permit,” explained Valone. “When it comes down to it, criminals are already carrying firearms, and you can’t unless you get governmental permission… We want people to be able to exercise this basic civil right without governmental permission.”

Valone expressed optimism in where the effort stands in the General Assemly, though he mentioned what remains in the back of many minds – a veto override vote.

“I think both chambers are intending to move the bill from what I’ve understood and heard,” headed. “So we feel confident that one or the other will become the vehicle… The bottom line is going to come when it comes time for the override vote.”

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