Some things never change; such as the proceedings in House Judiciary Subcommittee A. The portion of HB 17 concerning the possession of a concealed handgun in a restaurant or eating establishment has become the victim of politics. It appears that the endless power struggles will never change in North Carolina: even with the same political party . Here is the section that was removed:
AN ACT TO ALLOW PERSONS WITH CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMITS TO POSSESS HANDGUNS IN RESTAURANTS AND EATING ESTABLISHMENTS IF NOT PROHIBITED BY THE POSTING OF A NOTICE PROHIBITING POSSESSION ON THE PREMISES
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G.S. 14‑269.3(b) is amended by adding a new subdivision to read:
“(5) A person on the premises of an eating establishment as defined in G.S. 18B‑1000(2) or a restaurant as defined in G.S. 18B‑1000(6), provided the person has a valid concealed handgun permit under Article 54B of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes. This subdivision shall not be construed to permit a person to carry a concealed handgun on the premises of an eating establishment or a restaurant where the person in legal possession or control of the premises has posted a conspicuous notice prohibiting the carrying of a concealed handgun on the premises in accordance with G.S. 14‑415.11(c).“
As Chairman Blust explained this section was removed at the direction of “higher up levels” (25 secs).
Chairman Blust explained the need for confidentiality for firearm licenses and permits:
The records maintained by the sheriff pursuant to this section are confidential and are not a public record under G.S. 132‑1
Rep. Blust gave the example of the information released by the Journal News which resulted in at least one case of attempted burglary to steal firearms. However, Rep. Blust was not able to give any specifics when questioned.
Rep. McNeill (17m30s) states that everyone who applies for a concealed carry permit in North Carolina must undergo a mental health evaluation. While some sheriffs do have a form of mental health requirement as part of their application process, it is not a state requirement. Surprising, none of the members of the judiciary subcommittee are familiar with the law. This requirement was removed in Chatham County with the Republican Party became the majority on the Board of Commissioners.
David DeGerolamo
While certainly disappointing, I’ll take the confidentiality portion, and we live to fight another day on restaurant carry. On another note, dumbasses are not restricted to federal government, are they?
And finally, who is the “higher up” that killed restaurant carry, or how can we find out? any thoughts?