North Carolina Moves To Ease Gun Restrictions

Protect the right to self-defense

"Legislators understand that gun owners were a large reason that conservatives made huge gains in all areas of government in North Carolina," said Paul Valone, president of the gun rights group Grass Roots North Carolina. "The gun vote came out big in 2012. And frankly, we want what we came for."

Gun-friendly proposals floated recently include allowing permit holders to bring guns into restaurants, limiting how much information sheriffs may request during the concealed carry application process, and letting school employees arm themselves at work.

One bill calls for voters to decide via a referendum whether to add the right to carry a concealed gun to the state constitution. Another seeks to allow hunting with silencers.