NC H1209

Requires a permit issued by county sheriffs for the purchase or receipt of pistols, assault weapons, or long guns in North Carolina, unless the purchaser holds a valid concealed handgun permit.

Defines "assault weapon" to include selective-fire firearms, specific semiautomatic rifle and pistol models (such as AK-47 and AR-15 variants), shotguns with certain features, and semiautomatic firearms meeting criteria like folding stocks, detachable magazines, or flash suppressors.

Defines "long guns" as shotguns or rifles that are neither antique firearms nor assault weapons, requiring the same permit process.

Permits issued by sheriffs expire five years from issuance and require a criminal background check and verification of good moral character; violators face Class 2 misdemeanor charges.

Appropriates $10,000 to the Department of Public Safety for fiscal year 2020-2021 to assist sheriffs in implementation; provisions become effective December 1, 2020.