Current law requires a sheriff to deny a concealed carry handgun permit to a person who is currently or has been previously adjudicated by a court or administratively determined by a governmental agency whose decisions are subject to judicial review, to be lacking mental capacity or mentally ill. Accordingly, an applicant for a concealed handgun permit must sign a release authorizing the disclosure of certain records concerning their mental health or capacity to the sheriff.   

Narrows the scope of the release in GS 14-415.14 to only authorize a response to a yes or no question as to whether the person or entity has information that the applicant has been diagnosed by a medical professional with a mental illness (was, scope is mental health or capacity and required disclosure of records). Only if the response is yes, requires the responding person to provide the sheriff with the grounds for their response in writing and by no later than fifteen days from the day it provided a “yes” to the release. Grants immunity to the responding person or entity from civil damages if the statement or responding information is inaccurate in the absence of fraud or malice. Requires the release of the identity of the person or entity who provided the statement, along with whether they responded yes or no, and their contact information if the sheriff issues a denial for a concealed carry permit under GS 14-415.15(c). 

Makes conforming changes to GS 14-415.13 (application for a permit); and GS 14-415.15(a) (issuance or denial of permit).

Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to update the required release to conform to the act by no later than September 30, 2025.

Applies to applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025.