1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent in Raleigh NC to express my strong opposition to Senate Bill 50, which proposes to repeal the requirement for a pistol purchase permit in North Carolina. I believe this bill poses a significant risk to public safety and would have detrimental consequences for our communities. My primary concerns stem from the following points: * Weakened Background Checks: The current pistol purchase permit system provides an essential layer of background checks, helping to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of individuals with criminal records, domestic violence convictions, or mental health issues that make them a danger to themselves or others. Repealing this requirement would eliminate this crucial safety measure. * Increased Risk of Gun Violence: Studies indicate that states with weaker gun control laws experience higher rates of gun violence. Removing the pistol purchase permit requirement could contribute to an increase in gun-related homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. * Reduced Law Enforcement Effectiveness: The permit system provides law enforcement with valuable information that aids in investigations and crime prevention. Eliminating this system would hinder their ability to track and address illegal firearm activity. * Public Safety Concerns: The removal of the permit system may cause an increase of firearms in the hands of unvetted individuals. This endangers the public at large. * Domestic Violence: The current system allows for closer inspection of individuals who may have domestic violence records. Removing this protection puts people at a higher risk of being harmed. I urge you to consider the potential consequences of this legislation and prioritize the safety of North Carolina residents. I respectfully request that you vote against Senate Bill 50 and support measures that strengthen, rather than weaken, our gun safety laws. Unless one is training for a militia, lowering the age to 18 is putting more weapons into the hands of the very population that is most volatile and currently shooting others (including the children who are being hit accidentally in their homes) at an alarming rate. You need to understand that this bill will put more guns “legally” on the streets into the hands of criminals and gangs, not just lawful citizens. How do the sponsors not know this?? Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter. Vote NO.