NC S394

Declares that firearm regulation is exclusively a state matter and preempts local governments from regulating possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, taxation, manufacture, transportation, or registration of firearms and ammunition.

Allows counties and municipalities to regulate firearm sales only through general zoning laws applied equally to other commercial activities, and permits regulation of firearms shows only to the extent applied to other types of shows.

Establishes that firearm and ammunition design, marketing, manufacture, distribution, and sale are not inherently dangerous activities or nuisances, and reserves authority to sue firearms manufacturers to the state only.

Creates enforcement mechanisms including court authority to declare local ordinances invalid, assess civil fines up to $5,000 against local officials for knowing and willful violations, and allow private citizens to sue for declaratory relief, injunctive relief, actual damages up to $100,000, and punitive damages of $5,000-$100,000.

Becomes effective December 1, 2015, and applies to violations occurring on or after that date.