While HB 650 was a big step for gun owners and carriers in NC, there were some loopholes left with the potential to be exploited. One of those is parks carry. The new legislation stated you could carry in parks, but left some areas for potential GFZ's. Here is the clause that is being batted around by local governments currently.
"A unit of local government may adopt an ordinance to prohibit, by posting, the carrying of a concealed handgun on municipal and county recreational facilities that are specifically identified by the unit of local government. If a unit of local government adopts such an ordinance with regard to recreational facilities, then the concealed handgun permittee may, nevertheless, secure the handgun in a locked vehicle within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or area within or on the motor vehicle. For purposes of this section, the term "recreational facilities" includes only the following: a playground, an athletic field, a swimming pool, and an athletic facility."
Several cities have banned guns anywhere they can, several are even trying to circumvent the law by defining athletic facility too broadly. Well, Hickory had this on their agenda last night. There were 2 options; ban guns everywhere they legally could or allow guns everywhere on park property. I was a bit surprised that we got a 6-1 vote in favor of unrestricted parks carry! :danceban:
"After a public hearing dominated by residents in favor of unrestricted carry, council members sided with the consensus opinion. Carrying a concealed handgun remains prohibited in city offices and much of the city’s property. Those parts of the existing ordinance did not change."
City Council OKs concealed handguns in Hickory parks | Hickory Daily Record
Government in action, instead of inaction, for a change. :hand10: Maybe other cities will take Hickory's lead on this.
"A unit of local government may adopt an ordinance to prohibit, by posting, the carrying of a concealed handgun on municipal and county recreational facilities that are specifically identified by the unit of local government. If a unit of local government adopts such an ordinance with regard to recreational facilities, then the concealed handgun permittee may, nevertheless, secure the handgun in a locked vehicle within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or area within or on the motor vehicle. For purposes of this section, the term "recreational facilities" includes only the following: a playground, an athletic field, a swimming pool, and an athletic facility."
Several cities have banned guns anywhere they can, several are even trying to circumvent the law by defining athletic facility too broadly. Well, Hickory had this on their agenda last night. There were 2 options; ban guns everywhere they legally could or allow guns everywhere on park property. I was a bit surprised that we got a 6-1 vote in favor of unrestricted parks carry! :danceban:
"After a public hearing dominated by residents in favor of unrestricted carry, council members sided with the consensus opinion. Carrying a concealed handgun remains prohibited in city offices and much of the city’s property. Those parts of the existing ordinance did not change."
City Council OKs concealed handguns in Hickory parks | Hickory Daily Record
Government in action, instead of inaction, for a change. :hand10: Maybe other cities will take Hickory's lead on this.