Senate Bill 708 Summary

• Establishes a new "Homeland Security Unrestricted Concealed Handgun Permit" available only to existing concealed handgun permit holders who meet additional stringent criteria including advanced firearms training, simunition class completion, federal background checks, and mental health evaluation.

• Permit holders may carry concealed handguns throughout North Carolina including on posted property, with exemptions equivalent to law enforcement officers, and must carry the permit and badge together with valid identification at all times.

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens, age 21 or older, North Carolina residents for 30+ days, and cannot have felony convictions, mental health adjudications, substance abuse issues, misdemeanor crimes of violence, or impaired driving convictions within three years.

• Permits are valid for five years, require renewal with full re-qualification, cost $80 for application and $75 for renewal, and can be revoked for fraud, misuse, or disqualifying conduct that emerges after issuance.

• Permits allow concealed carry in the State Capitol Building and Governor's residences but are prohibited in courthouse buildings except firearms may be stored in locked vehicle compartments; violations of permit requirements are infractions or misdemeanors depending on the offense.