H345 - Omnibus Firearms Bill Summary

• Expands concealed handgun permit eligibility for retired law enforcement officers and correctional officers by extending the retirement window from 2 years to 5 years from the permit application date.

• Increases concealed handgun permit validity period from 5 years to 10 years from the date of issuance.

• Allows legislators and legislative employees with valid concealed handgun permits to carry firearms on State legislative building premises and grounds, subject to notice requirements established by the Legislative Services Commission.

• Narrows the definition of "educational property" to exclude facilities not used primarily for educational purposes, religious institutions used part-time as schools, public thoroughfares crossing campus, and medical facilities focused on patient care.

• Creates new statute G.S. 14-277.6 prohibiting "going armed to the terror of the people," while explicitly stating that mere possession or carrying of a handgun cannot constitute this offense.

• Modifies firearm disposition procedures in criminal cases to distinguish between firearms owned by defendants versus other parties, with specific options for destruction, law enforcement agency use, or return to rightful owners.