Part I.

Titles the act “The Comprehensive Common-Sense Approach to Reducing Gun Violence Act.”

Part II.

Currently, the prohibitions set out in GS 14-402 apply to the sale, transfer, purchase, or receipt of pistols only.

Amends GS 14-402, also making it a Class 2 misdemeanor to sell, transfer, purchase, or receive assault weapons or long guns in the State unless the purchaser or receiver holds a license or permit issued under Article 52A (sale permits) from the county sheriff where the purchaser or receiver resides, or the purchaser or receiver holds a valid NC concealed handgun permit issued under Article 54B and is an NC resident at the time of purchase. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to receive assault weapons or long guns from various federal, state, or local mail carriers or agents; railroad agents; or employees within the State without having, possessing, and exhibiting the purchase permit issued by the sheriff in GS 14-403. Additionally, makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to receive a pistol, assault weapon, or long gun unless a period of 72 hours has passed from the date of purchase or transfer agreement.

Defines assault weapon to mean: (1) any selective-fire firearm capable of semiautomatic or burst fire at the option of the user, including 37 specifically identified semiautomatic firearms; (2) 49 specifically named semiautomatic centerfire rifles, or copies or duplicates with the capability of the rifles; (3) 22 specifically identified semiautomatic centerfire pistols, or copies or duplicates with the capability of the pistols; (4) all IZHMASH Saiga 12 Shotguns, or copies or duplicates with the capability of the shotguns; and (5) all semiautomatic firearms that meet any of 8 detailed specifications, including a semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the ability to accept more than 10 rounds, and a shotgun with a revolving cylinder. Defines long guns to mean a shotgun or rifle that is not considered an antique firearm or assault weapon, as currently defined by the statute.

Makes conforming changes to GS 14-403, setting out the standard form of the purchase permit issued by the county sheriff; and GS 14-404, providing for the issuance of permits to persons with felony convictions who are later pardoned or whose firearm rights have been restored.

Makes conforming changes to GS 14-403 (pertaining to form of certain weapons permits) and GS 14-404 to include reference to assault weapons and long guns, in addition to pistols. Amends GS 14-408.1 to include assault weapons in the term firearm as it is applied to the statute's provisions regarding soliciting unlawful purchases of firearms and unlawfully providing materially false information regarding the legality of a firearms or ammunition transfer.

Reenacts GS 14-315(b1)(1), GS 14-404, GS 14-405, GS 14-701, and GS 122C-54(d2).

Effective December 1, 2025.

Part III.

Amends GS 14-269.7, making it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any minor under 18 to possess or carry a long gun, and for any minor under 21 to possess or carry an assault weapon. Defines long gun and assault weapon as set out in GS 14-402 as amended above. Currently, GS 14-269.7 only applies to minors under the age of 18 who possess or carry a handgun. Extends the current exceptions set out for minors' possession of handguns for certain purposes, such as the discharge of official duties as Armed Forces officers or personnel, to also include possession of a long gun or assault weapon in the same manner.

Amends GS 14-315, also making it a Class H felony for a person to sell, offer for sale, give, or transfer in any way a long gun or assault weapon to a minor (currently, the prohibition only applies to handguns). Extends the current exceptions set out for certain circumstances for handguns to also apply for long guns and assault weapons.

Effective December 1, 2025.

Part IV.

Enacts new GS 14-409A, making it a Class I felony for any person, firm, or corporation to manufacture, sell, give away, transfer, use, or possess bump stocks, trigger cranks, or any other similar device or instrument added to a firearm by a person other than the manufacturer designed to increase the rate of fire achievable by the firearm. Defines bump stock to mean any device or instrument for a firearm that increases the rate of fire achievable with the firearm by using energy from the recoil of the firearm to generate a reciprocating action that facilitates repeated activation of the trigger. Defines trigger crank to mean any device or instrument to be attached to a firearm that repeatedly activates the trigger of the firearm through the use of a lever or other part that is turned in a circular motion, but does not include any weapon initially designed or manufactured to fire through the use of a crank or lever. Defines firearm to be as the term is defined in GS 14-409.39, defining the term to mean a handgun, shotgun, or rifle which expels a projectile by action of an explosion (and does not include assault weapons, as included in firearm defined in GS 14-408.1 as amended). Effective December 1, 2025.

Part V. 

Repeals GS 14-315.1, Storage of firearms to protect minors. 

Enacts GS 14-409.44, requiring a person in possession or control of a firearm to store and keep the firearm in a locked container when it is not being carried or used by the owner or another lawfully authorized user. Makes violation of the statute a Class A1 misdemeanor and deems a violation to constitute wanton conduct, subjecting the violator to punitive damages in a civil action filed against the violator. Clarifies that the statute does not authorize the possession of a firearm otherwise prohibited under State or federal law. Specifies that firearm includes weapons regulated under GS 14-409 (machine guns and other like weapons) for purposes of the statute.

Amends GS 14-315.2, requiring a seller or transferor to deliver a written copy of GS 14-409.44, as enacted, to the purchaser or transferee upon the retail commercial sale or transfer of any firearm. Modifies the statement the statute requires to be conspicuously posted at each purchase counter of any retail or wholesale store, shop, or sales outlet that sells firearms, mirroring the language of new GS 14-409.44. Maintains the provision making a violation of the statute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Effective December 1, 2025.

Part VI.

Amends GS 14-415.24 (Reciprocity; out-of-state handgun permits). Directs the Department of Justice to inquire what criteria other states use for the issuance of a concealed handgun permit, and to compile a list of states whose criteria are at least as stringent as the criteria required in this State. Provides that only out-of-state licenses issued by those states are valid in North Carolina.

Part VII.

Enacts new GS 14-409.13 requiring a firearm owner to report the loss or theft of the firearm within 48 hours of discovering the loss or theft, to either: (1) the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the location where the loss or theft occurred or (2) the State Bureau of Investigation. Violations are a Class 3 misdemeanor, subsequent violations are a Class I felony. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Part VIII.

Amends GS 14-404 to require, before the issuance of a pistol permit, that the sheriff verify that the person has firearm liability insurance under new GS 14-409.44A.

Enacts new GS 14-409.44A, requiring any person in this State who intends to own a firearm to obtain, before owning the firearm, and continuously maintain liability insurance in an amount not less than $100,000 specifically covering any damages from any negligent or willful acts involving the use of the firearm while the person owns it. Prohibits transferring the firearm unless the transferee at the time of the transfer gives the transferee proof of the same insurance. Deems a person is to own a lost or stolen firearm until the loss or theft is reported. Requires any person who owns a firearm on December 1, 2025, to obtain the required insurance by January 15, 2026. Requires the Department of Insurance to adopt rules to implement this statute.

Part IX.

Enacts new Article 53D, Regulation of Large-Capacity Ammunition Magazines, providing as follows. Defines large-capacity magazine as including: (1) a fixed or detachable magazine box, drum, feed strip, or similar device capable of accepting, or that is designed to be readily converted to accept, more than 15 rounds of ammunition; (2) a fixed or detachable magazine capable of accepting more than eight shotgun shells; and (3) a detachable magazine, tube, box, drum, feed strip, or similar device capable of accepting more than eight shotgun shells when combined with a fixed magazine. Sets out what is excluded from the term.

Makes it Class 2 misdemeanor to sell, transfer, or possess a large-capacity magazine; subsequent offenses are a Class 1 misdemeanor. Makes it a Class 1 felony to violate this prohibition during the commission of a felony. Allows possession of a large-capacity magazine if the person owns the magazine on December 1, 2025, and maintains continuous possession. Sets out exceptions to the offense for specified entities and their employees and specified transporters.

Requires large-capacity magazines manufactured in NC on or after December 1, 2025, to include a permanent stamp or marking indicating that it was manufactured or assembled after that date. Allows the SBI to adopt rules to implement this statute. Violations are a Class 2 misdemeanor. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Part X.

Repeals GS 14-409.40, which prohibited local governments from regulating the possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, taxation, manufacture, transportation, or registration of firearms, firearms ammunition, components of firearms, dealers in firearms, or dealers in handgun components or parts, and prohibited local governments from regulating firearms shows with regulations more stringent than those applying to shows of other types of items.

Part XI.

Amends GS 15-11.1 (pertaining to court orders for the disposition of seized firearms determined to be no longer useful as evidence) GS 15-11.2 (pertaining to dispositions of unclaimed firearms not confiscated or seized as trial evidence), and GS 14-269.1(pertaining to disposition of confiscated firearms used for offenses involving a deadly weapon) by removing each statutory requirement that a firearm not have a legible, unique identification number or is unsafe before it can be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency to be destroyed.

Part XII.

Enacts new GS 14-406.2, Prohibition on sale, transfer, ownership, or possession of unsafe handgun. Includes findings of the General Assembly and defined terms. Directs the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop a roster of handguns determined not to be unsafe based off the California Roaster of Handguns Certified for Sale (roster), defined as a roster compiled by the Department of Justice for the State of California pursuant to California Penal Code 12131 that lists all of the pistols, revolvers, and other firearms that have been tested by a certified testing laboratory and determined not to be unsafe. Makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor for any person, firm, or corporation to (1) manufacture, sell, give, loan, import, or otherwise transfer a handgun that is not listed on the roster as of January 1 of the calendar year in which the handgun is to be transferred or (2) own or possess a handgun that is not listed on the roster as of January 1 of the applicable calendar year, unless the person, firm, or corporation lawfully owned or possessed the handgun prior to that date. Limits lawful owners of handguns not listed on the roster as of January 1 of the applicable calendar year to selling or otherwise transferring the handgun only to a dealer or sheriff of the county where the person resides. Authorizes the sheriff to destroy or dispose of the handgun pursuant to the specified provisions. Limits a dealer who retains or lawfully acquires a handgun not listed on the roster as of January 1 of the applicable year to selling or otherwise transferring the handgun to another dealer. Prohibits the transfer of a handgun not listed on the roster as of January 1 of the applicable year by devise or bequest. Makes a violation of these provisions a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Identifies seven exemptions from the statute, including the temporary transfer of a lawfully owned handgun for the purposes of cleaning, repairing, or servicing the handgun by a dealer, and the possession of a handgun by a nonresident while temporarily traveling through the state. 

Provides for DPS testing of handguns that it believes should be added to the roster or should be removed from the roster in accordance with the specified parameters. Directs DPS to annually review and update the roster by rule by January 1, including (1) adding or removing those handguns tested by DPS under subsection (f) and (2) adding to the exemptions approved pistols developed by other states as authorized under subdivision (e)(7). Directs DPS to publish the roster and any updates to its website at least 30 days prior to the date the roster is to take effect.

Specifies that the initial roster developed pursuant to new GS 14-406.2 is to be based on the California Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale as of January 1, 2026. 

Directs DPS to submit a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety on the development of the roster and the types of handguns included on the roster, and publish the roster on its website, by January 15, 2026. 

Effective January 1, 2026.

Part XIII.

Repeals: (1) GS 14-51.2 (Home, workplace, and motor vehicle protection; presumption of fear of death or serious bodily harm); (2) GS 14-51.3 (Use of force in defense of person; relief from criminal or civil liability); and (3) GS 14-51.4 (Justification for defensive force not available).

Enacts new GS 14-51.5, providing that a lawful occupant of a home or other place of residence is justified in using any degree of force that the occupant reasonably believes is necessary, including deadly force, against an intruder to prevent forcible entry into the home or residence or to terminate the unlawful entry if the occupant reasonably apprehends that the intruder may kill or inflict serious bodily harm to the occupant or others in the home or residence or if the occupant reasonably believes the intruder intends to commit a felony in the home or residence. Specifies that a lawful occupant does not have a duty to retreat in these circumstances.

Part XIV.

Enacts new GS 14-269.9 making it a Class 2 misdemeanor to leave a firearm in an unattended motor vehicle unless the vehicle is locked and the firearm is either (1) secured with a trigger lock or other safety device designed to prevent an unauthorized user from operating the firearm or (2) in a locked container. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Part XV.

Enacts new GS 14-409B making it a Class I felony for any person, firm, or corporation to manufacture, sell, give away, transfer, use, or possess a ghost gun. Defines a ghost gun as a firearm, including a frame or receiver, that lacks a unique serial number engraved or cased in metal alloy on the frame or receiver by a licensed manufacturer, maker, or importer under federal law or markings in accordance with 27 C.F.R. § 479.102. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Part XVI.

Enacts new GS 14-269.7A making it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person under age 18 to willfully and intentionally possess or carry a semiautomatic firearm, as defined. Sets out an exception for officers and enlisted personnel of the US Armed Forces when in discharge of their official duties or acting under orders. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

Part XVII.

Amends GS 14-404 to provide that if a sheriff denies a person’s pistol permit application because of a prohibition under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), then the sheriff must transmit the record to NICS no later than 48 hours after notifying the application of the denial. Enacts GS 14-415.18A providing that if the sheriff denies, revokes, or refuses to renew a person’s application for a concealed handgun permit because of a prohibition under NICS, then the sheriff must transmit the record to NICS no later than 48 hours after notifying the applicant.

Part XVIII.

Requires, within 90 days of September 1, 2025, the Public Fund to make its best efforts to identify all firearms manufacturers in which the Public Fund has direct or indirect holdings or could possibly have such holdings in the future, including taking the specified efforts. Defines Public Fund as any funds held by the State Treasurer to the credit of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System, the Consolidated Judicial Retirement System, the Firemen's and Rescue Workers' Pension Fund, the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System, the Legislative Retirement System, the Legislative Retirement Fund, or the North Carolina National Guard Pension Fund. Requires the Public Fund, by the first meeting of the Public Fund following the 90-day period, to assemble a list of all firearms manufacturers in which the Public Fund holds direct or indirect investments. Requires the State Treasurer to promptly divest all direct and indirect holdings in firearms manufacturers held by the Public Fund. Prohibits the Public Fund from acquiring direct or indirect holdings in firearms manufacturers.

Part XIX.

Enacts new GS Chapter 50E, the Extreme Risk Protection Orders Act, providing a court procedure for concerned citizens and law enforcement to obtain an order temporarily restricting a person's access to firearms in situations where a person poses a significant danger of harming themselves or others by possessing a firearm. Includes legislative purpose. Sets out defined terms applicable to the Chapter.

Allows a family or household member, a current or former spouse or dating partner, a law enforcement officer or agency, or a health care provider to file a verified petition in district court for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) in any county authorized by the venue provisions set out in GS 1-82 (most commonly where the plaintiff or defendant resides). Defines family or household member to be (1) a person related by blood, marriage, or adoption to the respondent; (2) a current or former dating partner of the respondent; (3) a person who has a child in common with the respondent; (4) a domestic partner of the respondent; (5) a person who has a biological or legal parent-child relationship with the respondent, including stepparents, stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren; and (6) a person who is acting or has acted as the respondent's legal guardian. Sets out information required in the petition, including: (1) a factual allegation that the respondent poses a danger of physical harm to self or others (and in the case of an ex parte ERPO, poses an imminent danger of physical harm to self or others) by having in his or her care, custody, possession, ownership, or control a firearm; (2) an identification of the number, types, and locations of firearms under the respondent's custody or control; (3) an identification of any existing protection order governing the respondent; and (4) an identification of any pending legal action between the petitioner and the respondent. Clarifies that a petition for an ERPO can be granted without delay regardless of whether there is pending action between the petitioner and the respondent. Provides for a petitioner to use the substitute address designated by the Address Confidentiality Program when filing documents required by new Chapter 50E. Requires a petitioner's address to be kept confidential if the petitioner does not have a current and valid Address Confidentiality Program authorization card if the petitioner submits either specified court orders and a signed statement that the petitioner has good reason to believe that the physical safety of the petitioner or a member of the petitioner's family residing with the petitioner would be jeopardized if the petition's address were open to public inspection. Prohibits the assessment of court costs for filing or service of an ERPO petition or service of any ERPOs. Authorizes electronic filing of all documents filed, issued, registered, or served in an action under new Chapter 50E. Requires annual reporting by the Administrative Office of the Court, beginning December 1, 2025, to the specified NCGA committee and division with five data components specified. 

Requires a summons be issued and served no later than five days prior to the date set for the final ERPO hearing, with the ERPO petition, any ex parte ERPO that has been issued and the notice of hearing on the ex parte ERPO, and a description of an ERPO attached. Directs the clerk of court to effect service through the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Sets forth the required information that must be included in an ERPO, including (1) a statement of the grounds supporting its issuance; (2) the date and time the ERPO was issued and when it expires; (3) whether a mental health or chemical dependency evaluation of the respondent is required; (4) the court's address where a responsive pleading can be filed; (5) a description of the relinquishment and retrieval requirements for firearms, ammunition, and related permits of the respondent; (6) a description of the process for seeking termination of the ERPO; and (7) a statement that violation of the ERPO is a Class A1 misdemeanor. Requires the court to order, upon issuance of an ERPO, that the respondent surrender to the sheriff all firearms, ammunition, permits to purchase firearms, and permits to carry concealed firearms that are in the respondent's care, custody, possession, ownership, or control of the respondent. Requires the court, during a hearing for issuance of an ERPO, to consider whether a mental health evaluation or chemical dependency evaluation of the respondent is appropriate and allows ordering the respondent to undergo evaluation if appropriate.

Details the parameters of issuing a final ERPO, including a hearing on the petition no later than 10 days from either the date an ex parte ERPO was issued, if applicable, or the date the petition was filed. Allows for one continuance of no more than 10 days unless all parties consent or good cause is shown. Permits issuance of a full ERPO when (1) the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent poses a danger of causing physical harm to self or others by having in his or her custody a firearm, (2) process was proper, and (3) notice of hearing was proper.

Sets out separate requirements for the hearing and issuance of an ex parte  ERPO. Requires the hearing, which may be held via video confernece to be held in person on the day the petition is filed or the day immediately following. Allows for the issuance of an ex parte ERPO before a hearing for a final ERPO and without evidence of service of process or notice if the court finds that there is clear and convincing evidence that the respondent poses an imminent danger of causing physical harm to self or others by having a firearm in his or her custody. Sets out additional requirements for an ex parte ERPO granted without notice. 

Requires the respondent to immediately surrender to the sheriff possession of all firearms, ammunition, and permits in the care, custody, possession, ownership, or control of the respondent upon service of an ERPO, or within 24 hours of service at a time and place specified by the sheriff in the event weapons cannot be surrendered at the time the ERPO is served. Requires the sheriff to issue receipt at the time of surrender or seizure, and file receipt with the court within 48 hours after issuing the receipt. Provides for a warrant to be issued for failure to surrender firearms. Allows the sheriff to charge the respondent a reasonable fee for the storage of any firearms and ammunition taken pursuant to an ERPO. Provides for retrieval if the ex parte ERPO expires and the court does not enter a final RPO. Otherwise, allows the respondent to file a motion for return after the expiration or termination of the ERPO, whereby surrendered firearms, ammunition, and permits must be returned to the respondent within 30 days of the motion unless the court finds the respondent is otherwise precluded from owning or possessing a firearm pursuant to state or federal law. Provides for motion for return by a third party owner of firearms or ammunition. Authorizes disposal of surrendered firearms that have not been or cannot be returned as specified.

Sets the duration of an ex parte ERPO to be from its effective date to the date the hearing is held, or if a hearing is not held or a continuance not granted, no more than 10 days from its issuance. Requires a final ERPO to be effective for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year. Provides for renewal of any ERPO by the petitioner one or more times prior to its expiration, providing the initial requirements are satisfied and there has been no material change in the circumstances since its issuance.

Details the process of terminating an ERPO, with the respondent limited to submitting one motion for termination for every 12-month period the full ERPO is in effect. Requires the court to set a hearing no sooner than 10 days and no later than 30 days from the date of service upon the petitioner. Requires the respondent to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she does not pose a danger of causing physical harm to self or others by having a firearm in his or her custody, care, possession, ownership, or control.

Requires the clerk to provide same day notice of ERPO issuance to the sheriff. Requires the sheriff to promptly enter the ERPO into the National Crime Information Center registry; update the orders in the registry upon modification, termination, renewal, or dismissal; and provide 24/7 access to the orders to the courts. Also requires a copy of the ERPO be issued promptly to and retained by the municipal police department. Provides for notice to the respondent if he or she was not present when the ERPO was issued, and for notice to third parties where applicable.

Makes it a Class A1 misdemeanor for any person to possess, purchase, or receive, or attempt to possess, purchase, or receive, a firearm, ammunition, or permits to purchase or carry concealed firearms for so long as an effective ERPO is entered against that person.

Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly make a false statement when petitioning for an ERPO, and for any person to knowingly make a false statement to law enforcement that an ERPO remains in effect.

Clarifies that the remedies provided in new GS Chapter 50E are not exclusive, and that the Chapter does not impose any criminal or civil liability on any person or entity for actions or omission related to obtaining an ERPO.

Amends GS Chapter 15C, providing for the inclusion of petitioners for an ERPO in the Address Confidentiality Program. Makes conforming changes.

Directs the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop the appropriate forms to implement the processes set out in new GS Chapter 50E.

The above provisions are effective October 1, 2025.

Amends GS 50B-3.1 which concerns the issuance of an emergency or ex parte order under GS Chapter 50B, where a defendant is ordered to surrender all firearms, machine guns, ammunition, and related permits in the defendant's care, custody, possession, ownership, or control, if the court finds: (1) the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon by the defendant or a pattern of prior conduct involving the use or threatened use of violence with a firearm against persons; (2) threats to seriously injure or kill the aggrieved party or minor child by the defendant; (3)  threats to commit suicide by the defendant; or (4) serious injuries inflicted upon the aggrieved party or minor child by the defendant. Adds that if the defendant fails to surrender the firearms, ammunitions, and permits to the sheriff within 24 hours of service, the court must order the sheriff to seize the firearms, ammunitions, and permits.

Part XX.

Includes a severability clause.

Specifies that prosecutions for offenses committed before the act’s effective date are not abated or affected by this act.