From WRAL.com (2/14/13): A state Senate panel debated legislation Thursday that would make gun permits in North Carolina confidential records, available only through a court order.
The Senate Judiciary Committee didn’t vote on Senate Bill 28, which garnered support from law enforcement and gun rights groups but was criticized by the North Carolina Press Association.
“This bill is actually is aimed at the theft of guns,” said bill sponsor Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson. He said there’s been a “public outcry” from gun owners concerned they could be targeted by thieves.
Greg Stahl, director of government relations for the North Carolina Sheriffs Association, said sheriff’s offices statewide have been “flooded with requests” to examine gun permit records, including many requests from people not in the media.