Rep. Huneycutt files bill in North Carolina House to limit enforcement of federal gun laws

A new bill filed by State Rep. Cody Huneycutt in the North Carolina House seeks to prohibit state officials from enforcing federal firearms laws and protect citizens’ rights, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 470 on March 20 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘The Second Amendment Protection Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill, known as “The Second Amendment Protection Act,” aims to prohibit any public officer or employee of North Carolina from enforcing federal firearms regulations, including laws, executive orders, and administrative orders pertaining to firearms, firearms accessories, or ammunition. It establishes that no state or political subdivision official should support the enforcement of such federal measures. The bill outlines exceptions, permitting aid to federal officials under specific circumstances, such as pursuing non-resident suspects involved in crimes or participating in interjurisdictional task forces unrelated to firearms. It provides for civil penalties for violations and allows individuals to seek injunctive relief. The bill emphasizes the protection of rights for law-abiding citizens and is effective when it becomes law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Keith Kidwell proposed the most bills (26) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Huneycutt graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2014 with a BA.

Huneycutt, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 67th House district, replacing previous state representative Clayton Sasser.