Rep. Moss files bill in North Carolina House to expand concealed weapon rights

A new bill filed by State Rep. Ben T. Moss Jr. seeks to broaden the rights of concealed handgun permit holders to carry other types of weapons concealed, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 964 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘CCW Permit/Allow Carry of Other Weapons.’

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

In essence, this bill seeks to expand the rights of individuals holding a concealed handgun permit by allowing them to carry other types of weapons concealed, including bowie knives, dirks, daggers, and stun guns. Under the bill, individuals with a valid concealed handgun permit, or those exempt from requiring one, could carry these weapons as long as they are not in areas where carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited. The bill also extends these rights to military personnel with proof of deployment. The bill is set to take effect on Dec. 1, 2025, and does not affect prosecutions for offenses committed before that date.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Moss and Brian Echevarria proposed the most bills (28) 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.

Moss, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 52nd House district, replacing previous state representative Jamie Boles.