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GRNC Proposes Solution to Delays in Pistol Purchase Permit App |
Among GRNC’s legislative victories, passage of HB 562 last year removed obstacles to applying for concealed handgun permits and pistol purchase permits, as well as expanding concealed carry. However, either by intention or by “accident” (more on that below), a measure slipped into the bill now requires sheriffs to collect a new, notarized medical release form for all purchase permit applications which must be sent to the Clerk of Court to determine that the applicant had not been involuntarily committed.
As a result, clerks of court say they don’t have the resources to research old records, many of which are not computerized. Meanwhile, sheriffs are ignoring the legal requirement to issue purchase permits within 14 calendar days, claiming it’s better to be safe than sorry by ensuring applicants are qualified. Problems have been reported in most urban counties, but seem to be particularly acute in Mecklenburg, where purchase permit applications can take months to be processed. (Reports from Mecklenburg suggest the Clerk’s obstructionism might be more political than logistical.)
At issue are old records in which involuntary commitments are recorded on microfiche rather than digitally. Although those who shepherded efforts to standardize purchase permits in HB 562 now say the new form was an “accident” from bill drafting (as opposed to deliberate malfeasance from the NC Sheriffs’ Association), a representative from Speaker Tim Moore’s (R-Cleveland) office refused to support eliminating the form, citing potential fallout if an unqualified applicant slipped through the cracks and misused a gun.
Although Representative Allen McNeill (R-Moore, Randolph) has added a provision to the House budget bill giving the Administrative Office of the Courts $250,000 to computerize old records, his proposal doesn’t guarantee sheriffs and/or clerks of court won’t continue to obstruct permits. Moreover, purchase permit applicants would still have to make an extra trip to the sheriff’s office to get medical waiver forms notarized.
What GRNC proposes: The Director of the NC Administrative Office of the Courts, Judge Marion Warren, says that, with funding, he can computerize the old records by the end of 2016, at which point the problematic form becomes unnecessary and redundant, since sheriffs will be able to instantly check old records. Therefore, GRNC proposes that the form “sunset” (as in “cease to exist”) once records are computerized. Doing so should satisfy the concerns of both Speaker Moore and the NC Sheriffs’ Association. In fact, it would be reasonable to deduce that any entity which opposes the GRNC compromise is doing so for reasons entirely unrelated to “keeping guns out of the wrong hands.”
| IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED! |
Contact Speaker Tim Moore and tell him that you support the measures being suggested by GRNC to remove the administrative burdens that obstruct the issuance of pistol purchase permits. We suggest calling his office at 919-733-3451 or emailing him at Tim.Moore@ncleg.net and delivering the following message.
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DELIVER THIS MESSAGE |
Dear Speaker Moore:
I am writing to you to express my support for the proposal by Grass Roots North Carolina to sunset the old medical release form that is currently required for the issuance of a Pistol Purchase Permit once older records are computerized.
Representative McNeill’s house budget bill provision allocates $250,000 to the Administrative Office of the Courts to computerize their old involuntary commitment records. This will obviate the need for the old form, since the Sheriffs’ staff would be able to search the records themselves.
I will continue to monitor this situation through alerts from Grass Roots North Carolina.
Sincerely,
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! |
As you know, GRNC is an all volunteer force. As such, we are looking for volunteers in a couple of areas:
- WEB DEVELOPMENT
Experience in web development to include HTML, CSS & Java Scripting. If interested, contact GRNC President using the following contact form: http://www.grnc.org/contact
- ALERT WRITING
Solid writing skills, ability to translate legal, political, technical and firearms jargon into layman’s terms and make the public care about the issue. Ability to manipulate HTML style emails on the code level is a nice to have. If interested, please contact GRNC using this e-mail address: alert@grnc.org
If you have these skills, you can help the Second Amendment fight by enhancing and expanding GRNC’s presence, ensuring our message is received broadly in these modern times.
Don’t let your talents go to waste, as you could be the difference between gun-rights advancements and gun-rights losses.
Be the person who says, “I did something!” Instead of the person who says, “I should have done something.”
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© 2016 Grass Roots North Carolina. All rights reserved. Reproduction and distribution is permitted provided full attribution is given and the item is reprinted in its entirety. Address questions to: President@GRNC.org
| GRNC Sponsors |
Support these PRO RKBA merchants who, as GRNC sponsors, are supporting your Second Amendment rights:
| Corporate Benefactors |
Carolina Sporting Arms: 8055 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273; 704.554.9511;
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! http://csaguns.com/
The Range at Lake Norman, 704-896-3155, www.therangeatlakenorman.com
Hyatt Gun Shop, 3332 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208, 704-394-0387, www.hyattguns.com
Tigerswan Range Complex (TRC), World class outdoor shooting range that meets & exceeds the new Cumberland County range requirements. Built by former members of the elite “DELTA FORCE”. 2850 Tigerswan Drive, Autryville, NC 28318. 910-208-4117 – tigerswan.com
Carolina Shooters Club, The largest/ most active Online firearms community in the Carolinas. Come join the discussions with our firearms enthusiasts and trainers. We have dedicated sections for the ladies, training topics, political and 2A-related issues. www.carolinashootersclub.com
37 Public Shooting Range & Gun Club, 1333 Loop Road, Bunnlevel, NC 28323, 910-893-9887, www.range37.com
Point Blank Range, 743 River Highway, Mooresville, NC 28117, 704-230-0262, www.PointBlankRange.com
C & E Gun Shows, 4225 Fortress Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060; Phone 540-953-0016 or 888-715-0606; www.cegunshows.com/
Dixie Gun and Knife Shows, PO Box 21049, Raleigh, NC 27619, ph: 919-781-1287, www.dixiegunandknifeshow.com/
NCGunOwners.com, North Carolina’s friendliest firearm smartphone app and web forum, working to promote gun ownership in NC www.NCGunOwners.com
Handgunners, Inc., 4325 NC Hwy 49 South, Burlington, NC 27215, (336) 570-1015 www.handgunners.com
Sterling Pistols, custom pistols, FFL transfers, general repairs, Glock enhancements, 704-840-7625
| Corporate Patrons |
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 Range located in the heart of the Carolinas. Education; NC & SC firearms sales and transfers; 980-722-3787, 704-764-7960, takeaimtraining@aol.com
The Blue Book Man and Firearms’ Guide www.thefirearmsguide.com
Down South Ammo, Home of “SOUTHERN THUNDER” Exploding Targets, http://downsouthammo.com/
Holsters & Stuff, 4048 Sherwood Forest Drive, Trinity, NC 27370, (336) 313-6167 www.holstersandstuff.com
DoubleD Media, 8300 Raintree Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277, ph: 704-650-5555, fx: 704-544-0326 donna@doubledme.com
Gunner’s Alley, LLC, 203 N. Harrison Ave., Ste. 130, Cary, NC 27513, www.gunnersalley.com, 919-388-1991, contact: Ed Guerriero, ed@gunnersalley.com
Morris Firearms at Sportsman’s Lodge; Great handgun prices. New and used guns; website: http://www.gftc.com/
Morris Firearms on Carolina Shooters Club: http://www.carolinashootersclub.com/forums/94-Morris-Firearms-at-Sportsman-s-Lodge
Morris Firearms on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morris-Firearms-at-Sportsmans-Lodge/336361380219
Mike Kent and Associates, LLC, PO Box 685, Monroe, Georgia 30655, Mike@MKShows.com, 770-630-7296
| Corporate Sponsors |
The Aisle Pawn Shop, 216 N. Main St., Mooresville, NC 28115, 704-663-5656
Duncan Gun & Pawn, 414 Second St., North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, 336-667-6303, www.duncangun.com
Shooter’s Express, 2 Caldwell Dr., Belmont, NC 28012, 800-358-GUNS, www.shootersexpress.com
Vanguard Security Consulting, LLC, 19135 W. Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
| Grass Roots North Carolina is a 501(c)(4) organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Contributions to GRNC are not tax deductible. “Contributions to civic leagues or other section 501(c)(4) organizations generally are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. They may be deductible as trade or business expenses, if ordinary and necessary in the conduct of the taxpayer’s business.” IRS – Donations to Section 501(c)(4) Organizations. Please consult the IRS website, www.irs.gov, or your tax or legal advisor for specific information.
Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 9919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State. |