Connect with us

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Bills from NC lawmakers expand gun rights, limit cellphone use

Published

on

carolinapublicpress.org – Sarah Michels – 2025-02-21 08:00:00

What we’re watching: These bills from NC lawmakers could go the distance

Less than a month into the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers have filed nearly 300 bills. Before the filing deadline next month, there will likely be another couple hundred bills presented. 

Not all will survive the grueling legislative process, particularly considering North Carolina’s divided government. 

After the 2024 election barred GOP legislators from a supermajority by one seat, Democratic Gov. Josh Stein may be able to deny many Republicans’ wishes with his veto pen. 

Several bills will probably attract more attention than others. 

Here are a few whose progress Carolina Public Press is tracking. 

Gun bills hit their target audience

Expanding Second Amendment rights has emerged as an early theme of the 2025 General Assembly. 

Chief among several gun-related bills is House Bill 5, the North Carolina Constitutional Carry Act

Current law bars North Carolinians from carrying concealed deadly weapons, including handguns, without a permit outside of one’s property. House Bill 5 removes that restriction for adults 18 and older. 

It also abolishes firearms from the statutory list of deadly weapons — a list that includes daggers and stun guns. 

The bill loosens some additional concealed-carry restrictions. If passed, state residents could carry a concealed weapon at a public event where admission is charged and at parades and funeral processions. Elected officials would be allowed to have a concealed firearm while performing official duties if they have a permit. 

Anyone who carries a hidden weapon must have their ID with them and present it to law enforcement if approached. 

Those convicted or charged with certain crimes, dishonorably discharged from the military, ruled by a court to be mentally ill or addicted to a controlled substance are not allowed to have a concealed firearm without a permit under this proposed legislation. 

Senate Bill 50 is a twin bill in the other chamber, which suggests a higher priority level for this legislation. 

Other gun-related bills this session: 

  • House Bill 38, also known as the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, bans gun dealers from creating a record of people in the state who own firearms.
  • House Bill 9 bans local governments from regulating firearm use on private property as long as it is “conducted with reasonable care.”
  • House Bill 28 creates a new crime to be treated as a separate offense under the law: possessing a firearm or weapon of mass destruction while attempting or committing a felony. 

Helene on the horizon

As Helene recovery continues, the legislature begins work on its next funding package. 

Thus far, lawmakers have passed three relief packages that collectively dedicate $1.1 billion to the recovery effort, though not all of the funds have been specifically allocated. 

As it stands, the fourth package draws $275 million from the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Fund. 

The latest Helene relief package from the General Assembly would withdraw $275 million from a state emergency fund. Colby Rabon / Carolina Public Press

While the bill is continually being amended, some of the current allocations include:

  • $140 million for home reconstruction and repair 
  • $75 million for farmers to resume production and protect against future flood damage
  • $100 million for repair of private roads and bridges 
  • $55 million for small business infrastructure grants
  • $20 million to local governments for outstanding debris removal
  • $10 million to supplement rental assistance payments 
  • $5 million for targeted media campaigns to get tourists back in Western North Carolina 

The bill is set to be heard on the House floor as early as Tuesday. 

‘Breathtaking legislation’

Last year, Republican legislators told future Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson he couldn’t make an argument in court that would invalidate any law passed by the General Assembly. 

Now, with House Bill 72 and Senate Bill 58, they’re extending that limitation to presidential executive orders. 

One of the most common actions of attorneys general is joining their counterparts in other states in opposition to presidential actions like executive orders. 

Some North Carolina Republicans would end the practice as the second Trump administration settles into power. 

Democratic state Sen. Graig Meyer, who represents Caswell, Orange and Person counties, said he’s been very critical of the bill, which he called “breathtaking legislation.” 

“If you don’t want your attorney general to be able to sue the federal government over things that may be unconstitutional … then you actually want a king,” he said. “But even in just blunt political terms, it’s a very short-sighted bill. Because what if, in four years from now, we’re in the reverse situation, and they have a Republican attorney general and a Democratic president?” 

Hold the phone

Lawmakers have had it with technology in classrooms. 

Or, at least, that’s what they appear to be saying with bills in the House and Senate requiring school boards to create cellphone or wireless communication-free educational environments. 

Enter House Bill 87, which aims to eliminate or severely restrict student access to cellphones during class. 

Senate Bill 55 goes a step further, including tablet computers, laptops, paging devices, two-way radios and gaming devices as banned technologies. 

Election bills in abundance

Coming off an intense election cycle, lawmakers are looking to make a few changes. 

House Bill 31 would establish Election Day as a North Carolina holiday for general statewide elections.

House Bill 66 would reduce the number of early voting days in North Carolina. Current law requires early voting to begin 20 days before the election. The proposed bill would allow for nine days. 

Several local bills align odd-year municipal elections with even-year state and federal elections. Others extend mayoral terms from two to four years. 

Finally, House Bill 85 would ban staffers found to not have exercised “due care and diligence” from future election work.

This article first appeared on Carolina Public Press and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

The post Bills from NC lawmakers expand gun rights, limit cellphone use appeared first on carolinapublicpress.org

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

White House officials hold prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk

Published

on

www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-09-14 22:40:21


SUMMARY: Republican lawmakers, conservative leaders, and Trump administration officials held a prayer vigil and memorial at the Kennedy Center honoring slain activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was killed in Utah, where memorials continue at Utah Valley University and Turning Point USA’s headquarters. Police say 22-year-old Tyler Robinson turned himself in but has not confessed or cooperated. Robinson’s roommate, his boyfriend who is transitioning, is cooperating with authorities. Investigators are examining messages Robinson allegedly sent on Discord joking about the shooting. Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony firearm discharge.

White House officials and Republican lawmakers gathered at the Kennedy Center at 6 p.m. to hold a prayer vigil in remembrance of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

https://abc11.com/us-world/
Download: https://abc11.com/apps/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABC11/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abc11_wtvd/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@abc11_wtvd
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@abc11_eyewitnessnews

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Family, friends hold candlelight vigil in honor of Giovanni Pelletier

Published

on

www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-09-14 13:47:52


SUMMARY: Family and friends held a candlelight vigil in Apex to honor Giovanni Pelletier, a Fuquay Varina High School graduate whose body was found last month in a Florida retention pond. Giovanni went missing while visiting family, after reportedly acting erratically and leaving his cousins’ car. Loved ones remembered his infectious smile, laughter, and loyal friendship, expressing how deeply he impacted their lives. His mother shared the family’s ongoing grief and search for answers as authorities continue investigating his death. Despite the sadness, the community’s support has provided comfort. A celebration of life mass is planned in Apex to further commemorate Giovanni’s memory.

“It’s good to know how loved someone is in their community.”

More: https://abc11.com/post/giovanni-pelletier-family-friends-hold-candlelight-vigil-honor-wake-teen-found-dead-florida/17811995/
Download: https://abc11.com/apps/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABC11/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abc11_wtvd/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@abc11_wtvd
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@abc11_eyewitnessnews

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

NC Courage wins 2-1 against Angel City FC

Published

on

www.youtube.com – ABC11 – 2025-09-13 22:43:31


SUMMARY: The North Carolina Courage defeated Angel City FC 2-1 in Cary, ending their unbeaten streak. Monaca scored early at the 6th minute, followed by Bull City native Brianna Pinto’s goal at the 18th minute, securing a 2-0 halftime lead. Angel City intensified in the second half, scoring in the 88th minute, but the Courage held firm defensively to claim victory. Pinto expressed pride in the win, emphasizing the team’s unity and playoff ambitions. Nearly 8,000 fans attended. Coverage continues tonight at 11, alongside college football updates, including the Tar Heels vs. Richmond game live from Chapel Hill.

Saturday’s win was crucial for the Courage as the regular season starts to wind down.

https://abc11.com/post/north-carolina-courage-wins-2-1-angel-city-fc/17810234/
Download: https://abc11.com/apps/
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABC11/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abc11_wtvd/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@abc11_wtvd
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@abc11_eyewitnessnews

Source

Continue Reading

Trending