The North Carolina Senate has approved legislation that makes it easier for residents to obtain a handgun. House Bill 398 would repeal the requirement to obtain a pistol purchase permit from a sheriff’s office before purchasing or transferring a pistol. Sponsors of HB 398 said it would eliminate an unnecessary step in the pistol permit process. Under current law, a person who wishes to purchase a handgun from a retailer must first obtain a pistol permit from their local sheriff’s office.
