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RALEIGH, NC — Two firearm-related bills aimed at strengthening Second Amendment protections and enhancing personal defense rights are making their way through the North Carolina House of Representatives. House Bill 427 and House Bill 439

, both sponsored by Representatives Kidwell, Ward, Pike, and other co-sponsors, were referred to key committees in mid-March and await further legislative action.

House Bill 427 – Mental Health Record Confidentiality in Concealed Carry Permitting

Summary:
House Bill 427 proposes to revise the mental health reporting process for North Carolina’s concealed handgun permit applications. Under current law, mental health providers are required to release detailed records to sheriffs during the permit background check. HB 427 seeks to replace that with a simplified and privacy-respecting “Yes” or “No” statement from mental health professionals on whether an applicant has been diagnosed with a mental illness.

Key Provisions:

• Mental health entities would respond to background inquiries with a simple “Yes” or “No” statement, rather than disclosing full records.
• If the response is “Yes,” the entity must inform the applicant in writing of the reason within 15 days.
• The bill ensures that entities acting in good faith are shielded from civil liability for erroneous information.
• Sheriffs must still request the mental health statement within 10 days of receiving the application and decide within 45 days.

Next Steps: HB 427 has been referred to the House Judiciary 2 Committee. If approved there, it will proceed to the Health Committee, followed by the Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee. If it clears these hurdles, it will move to the House floor for a vote. If passed, the law would take effect October 1, 2025.

House Bill 439 – Legalizing Concealed Carry of Certain Knives

Summary:
HB 439 seeks to expand legal concealed carry in North Carolina by allowing individuals to carry certain types of knives concealed, provided they meet specific criteria. This change would align knife laws more closely with firearm carry statutes, reinforcing personal protection rights.

Key Provisions:

• Allows concealed carry of knives such as bowie knives, dirks, daggers, switchblades, and similar weapons.
• Carriers must be at least 18 years old, carry valid ID, and not be convicted felons.
• Knives may not be carried in locations where concealed handguns are prohibited.
• Redefines “ordinary pocket knife” to include folding knives with blades up to 6 inches in length.

Next Steps: HB 439 has been referred to the Judiciary 2 Committee and, if favorable, will go to the Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee. If passed, it will take effect December 1, 2025.

Both of these bills represent steps toward refining North Carolina’s weapons laws in ways that promote constitutional rights while maintaining public safety. HB 427 addresses privacy concerns related to mental health disclosures in the permitting process, reducing unnecessary invasions of personal medical history. HB 439 acknowledges the utility of edged tools for lawful self-defense, especially in non-firearm carry contexts, and recognizes that responsible adults can be trusted with such tools under reasonable guidelines.

As these bills progress through the legislative process, North Carolina gun owners and self-defense advocates will be watching closely. Both proposals, if enacted, would bolster the rights of law-abiding citizens without compromising public safety.