NC H705

Declares firearms regulation a statewide concern and preempts local governments from regulating possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, taxation, manufacture, transportation, or registration of firearms and ammunition.

Permits limited local exceptions including zoning regulations applied equally to all commercial activities, employee conduct regulations, and enforcement of state laws regarding public buildings and emergency declarations.

Establishes enforcement mechanisms including court authority to invalidate local ordinances, assess civil fines up to $5,000 against officials for knowing and willful violations, and grounds for employment termination or gubernatorial removal.

Allows private citizens and organizations adversely affected by violations to sue for declaratory and injunctive relief, actual damages (capped at $100,000), punitive damages ($5,000-$100,000 per violation), attorneys' fees, and costs.

Effective date: December 1, 2013.