With Senate Bill 50 on the brink of overriding Gov. Josh Stein’s veto, voices across North Carolina are pushing back — loudly.
The Context: What is SB 50?
SB 50 would allow anyone 18 or older to carry a concealed, loaded handgun without a permit, eliminating requirements for background checks, training, and even a minimum age of 21. If enacted, North Carolina would join 29 other states adopting permitless “constitutional carry.”
Gov. Stein Said No
On June 20, Gov. Stein vetoed the bill, calling it reckless.
“This bill makes North Carolinians less safe and undermines responsible gun ownership… Authorizing teenagers to carry a concealed weapon with no training whatsoever is dangerous.”
Yet the GOP-controlled Senate has already overridden Stein’s veto. The House vote now hangs in the balance, with Republicans one vote shy of a supermajority.
Law Enforcement Speaks Out
Sheriffs across the state aren’t holding back. In Durham, Sheriff Clarence Birkhead — who previously warned that permitless carry would “make it harder, not easier, for law enforcement to keep our communities safe” — reaffirmed his support for Stein’s action.
Other agencies echoed the sentiment — Senate Bill 153 (immigration-related) and House Bill 318 also joined SB 50 on the veto list, with law enforcement citing due process and constitutional concerns.
Enter Anderson Clayton: The Voice of Democratic Values
Anderson Clayton, Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party and the youngest state party chair in the country, has thrown her full weight behind protecting public safety and sensible reform.
NC Democrats’ social media campaign featured Sheriff Birkhead’s warning and Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone’s backing — a powerful symbol that law enforcement and safety advocates on both sides see SB 50 as a risk.
“Listen to law enforcement folks who know our communities best—override this veto, and you’re ignoring the people keeping us safe. Prioritize common sense, not politics.” — Anderson Clayton
Clayton’s leadership reflects her broader strategy: campaign hard, push back on dangerous policy, and show that the Democratic Party stands for community protection, not politics.
What’s at Stake in Durham
Here in Durham, the fallout could be real:
Training gone: No permit means no mandatory safety courses or background checks — increases risk. Lower age limit: 18-year-olds carrying concealed weapons without training? Still unthinkable to many. Higher risks near campuses: With UNC and NCCU nearby, campus safety is a big concern.
As national data shows, states dropping permit requirements tend to see sharp increases in firearm homicide — up to 10% higher on average.
Political Pressure Mounts
House Republicans must act fast to override the veto before the session ends — and they still need one more vote.
Meanwhile, gun safety activists, law enforcement, and community leaders are ramping up pressure for common sense. NC Democrats, led by Anderson Clayton, aim to keep public safety front and center.
Bottom Line
Durham stands at a crossroads. Will the state prioritize unchecked gun rights, or listen to law enforcement experts and community leaders who believe permitless carry poses a real danger? The answer may define the trajectory of safety — or risk — in North Carolina.
At The Bull City Citizen, we’re committed to reporting the pulse of Durham, on the ground and in the legislature. Stay tuned.
