Expansion Of Conceal And Carry Laws (VIDEO)
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North Dakota could soon be allowing concealed weapons permit holders to have guns in more places.
The bill would expand places guns may be carried to public parks, political rallies, rest areas and liquor stores.
It has been approved by the state senate and it’s already causing controversy in Fargo.
“I am actually glad to hear it, I’m for that,” said Hanna Bauer of Fargo.
“If they pass the legislation it would kind of scare me,” said Karen Floan of Fargo.
Some very different opinions among people in North Dakota about where guns may be legally carried.
Hanna Bauer is a proud supporter of the second amendment.
She works at West Acres and could see herself getting a conceal and carry permit in the future, although the mall does not allow guns inside.
“If someone were to come in with a gun and security was not in the area, I would be able to protect the people that are in my store,” said Bauer.
She says the expansion of where guns can be carried is a positive change.
“From what I’ve heard, the places that have instituted concealed carry tend to have actual lower gun violence than the places that, don’t allow it,” said Bauer.
While there are many who support having guns in more places in the state, there are others who aren’t quite as sure.
Karen Floan lives in Fargo and she doesn’t support the expansion.
“I’m not against guns I mean there is a purpose for them, believe me I know that and I would feel not as safe I guess,” said Floan.
Lawmakers say there hasn’t been an issue with permit holders in over 20 years.
“I call it a good guy bill, I’ve been a defense attorney for 10 years and I can tell you bad guys don’t care about the law,” said North Dakota State Senator Kelly M. Armstrong.
But that’s not how Floan sees it.
“Especially with younger people around and kids of course, I just think it would be so dangerous,” said Floan.
The bill would also allow people to carry a single–shot stun gun without having to obtain a concealed–carry permit.
The house has to reconsider it since the senate added several amendments.
