Grass Roots North Carolina - Recent GRNC Updates

Heroes & Cowards of the NC House

Today, the NC House failed to override the Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of H. 652, which included a provision allowing concealed carry at churches which sponsor schools, provided no school activities are taking place. Currently, firearms are legal in churches unless they are categorized as “educational property.”

House Republicans made a valiant effort to pass the bill, but do not control the 3/5 majority necessary to override a veto. In a previous vote, twelve Democrats had supported H. 652. In the face of pressure to support the veto of a Democrat governor, however, six of the twelve turned tail and voted to support the veto.

The final tally was 66-48, with all 60 Republicans present voting in favor of church carry. As of this writing, the House had yet to post which six Democrats voted for gun owners, but the number probably includes the five in marginal districts who were likely pandering to their electorate by voting for a bill they already knew would fail.

Perhaps the most moving speech in favor of H. 652 was made by Rep. Keith Kidwell (R- Beaufort, Craven, GRNC ****). Also making impassioned pleas in favor of the bill were Jay Adams (R-Catawba, ****), Destin Hall (R-Caldwell, ****), Alan McNeill (R- Moore, Randolph, ***), Larry Pittman (R-Cabarrus, ****), and Michael Speciale (R-Craven, ****).

Two Republican House representatives were a surprise: Newcomer Jeff McNeely (R-Iredell, ****), appointed last year, gave a presentation which suggests he will be an asset to gun rights supporters in coming sessions. Amusingly, even Rep. John Fraley (R-Iredell, **) spoke on behalf of the bill, giving a left-handed mention to GRNC on the House floor by saying that he was voting for the bill even though we had called him out previously for not supporting gun rights.

A variety of the usual Democrat suspects spoke against the bill, including Christy Clark (D-Mecklenburg, GRNC 0-star), James Gailliard (D-Nash, 0), and Derwin Montgomery (D-Forsyth, 0). Typical misrepresentations of the bill claimed it would endanger children by putting guns in “schools,” (despite the fact that times of school activities were exempted from the bill), that few if any churches would be affected (refuted by McNeill, who spoke of a tragedy narrowly averted in his own church) and, ironically enough, that Republicans were playing politics with the bill (this from the party keeping businesses closed to damage Republican re-election prospects).

GRNC will post votes once they are available, and will review chamber audio recordings for notable remarks made for and against the bill. Meanwhile, GRNC would like to thank Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland, ****), Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R- Caswell, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, ****) and members of Republican leadership for their efforts in advocating passage of H. 652, and for again clearly documenting which legislators support the Second Amendment.

GRNC would also like to thank all of you who called and emailed legislators in favor of the bill. Your voices were heard loud and clear in both the House and Senate.

GRNC Sponsors

Support these PRO RKBA merchants who, as GRNC sponsors, are supporting your Second Amendment rights:

Corporate Benefactors

Blue Ridge Marksmanship can help you to gain a better understanding for your firearm. We help your gun handling abilities improve and we teach you ‘a way’ to shoot. There are millions of ways to fire a gun and hit a target, we will help you find the best one for you, not hammer you into ‘the way’ to shoot. http://blueridgemarksmanship.com/

C & E Gun Shows, 4225 Fortress Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060; Phone 540-953-0016 or 888-715-0606; http://www.cegunshows.com/

Carolina Firearms Forum, http://carolinafirearmsforum.com

Carolina GunRunners, Whether you are a first time buyer or a shooting enthusiast, Carolina Gunrunners is the "go to Place" to fulfill your firearms needs. We offer quality products, quick turnaround and excellent customer service, all within a family friendly environment. https://carolinagunrunners.com/

Carolina Sporting Arms, The Carolinas' destination for quality firearms and exceptional customer service for over 20 years. We specialize in firearms and firearms-related products with unmatched expertise to help both beginners and experienced shooters find the right products to meet their needs. Charlotte's only Five-Star indoor range! - www.csaguns.com

DD Media, 8300 Raintree Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277, ph: 704-650-5555, fx: 704-544-0326 donna@doubledme.com

Dixie Deer Classic, www.dixiedeerclassic.org

Dixie Gun and Knife Shows, PO Box 21049, Raleigh, NC 27619, ph: 919-781-1287, www.dixiegunandknifeshow.com/

Dr. Dan's Freedom Forum is a call to arms for those American Patriots who, in the tradition of our founding fathers, will stand up now to defend The Constitution and the Liberties that it guarantees to each citizen, to each of us. https://drdansfreedomforum.com/

Greensboro Gun and Knife Show, P.O. Box 98, Stokesdale, NC 27357, ph: 336-643-1717, http://greensborogunshow.com

Hyatt Gun Shop, 3332 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208, 704-394-0387, www.hyattguns.com

MK Shows, Mike Kent, PO Box 685, Monroe, GA 30655, Mike@MKShows.com, Phone: 770-630-7296, http://MKShows.com

Triangle Shooting Academy, the largest indoor shooting range in the Carolinas, is dedicated to become the leader in responsible firearm ownership, training and proficiency. Visit us online or in person to view our range, retail, café and training classrooms. 919-802.2040, TriangleShootingAcademy.com

Corporate Patrons

Down South Ammo, Home of "SOUTHERN THUNDER" Exploding Targets, http://downsouthammo.com/

Reedy Creek Realty, 1818 Medfield Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, 1-877-428-SOLD(7653), NRA / CHP Instructor & Realtor serving the Triangle area, Free Firearm With Home Sale or Purchase!, http://www.ReedyCreekRealty.com

Take Aim Training, Outdoor Rifle, Handgun, Shotgun, and Archery Range located in the heart of the Carolinas. We offer Concealed carry, hunter education, and many other courses. NC & SC firearms sales and transfers. Listen to the Take Aim Training Show or online www.wixe1190.com Thursdays 4-5PM. - www.takeaimtraining.com

The Aisle Pawn Shop, 216 N. Main St., Mooresville, NC 28115, 704-663-5656

Corporate Sponsors

Brain Lube Online, interesting gun-related links, and more. www.BrainLubeOnline.com

Concealed Carry Academy - Concealed carry permit course. We teach for NC, FL, TN, VA and other states. Instructors are law enforcement/military. State Certified. Hands-on, personal attention, all ages especially seniors. Call: 828-356-5454 or visit www.wecancarry.com - “The most recommended course”. Individual and Group rates. Will travel.

Duncan Gun & Pawn, 414 Second St., North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, 336-667-6303, www.duncangun.com

Ed's Gun Shop, 5560 US 1 Hwy, Vass, NC 28394. 910-692-7936 (Phone) 910-692-4867 (Fax) https://www.edsgunshop.com/

Shooter's Express, 2 Caldwell Dr., Belmont, NC 28012, 800-358-GUNS, www.shootersexpress.com

TacticalGearOps, http://tacticalgearops.com - sales@tacticalgearops.com - (888) 285-2649

The Range at Ballantyne, 704-896-3155, 10913 Bailey Road, Cornelius, NC, www.therangeatballantyne.com

The Range at Lake Norman, 704-896-3155, www.therangeatlakenorman.com

Vanguard Security Consulting, LLC, 19135 W. Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031

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GRNC Update 7/8/20 - H. 652 - Heroes & Cowards of the NC House