NC H702

Preempts local governments from regulating firearms, ammunition, and related activities except where specifically authorized by state statute; prohibits county and municipal ordinances on possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, taxation, manufacture, transportation, or registration of firearms.

Adds "taxation" and "manufacture" and "transportation" to the list of activities that cannot be regulated by local governments regarding firearms.

Extends concealed handgun permit validity period from 5 years to 10 years.

Increases concealed handgun permit fees: application fee from $80 to $160, renewal fee from $75 to $150, with corresponding increases to state remittance amounts ($45 to $90 for applications, $40 to $80 for renewals).

Allows private citizens to sue for declaratory and injunctive relief and actual damages for violations of the preemption provisions, with courts required to award reasonable attorney's fees and court costs to prevailing plaintiffs; effective December 1, 2015.