North Carolina legislature overrides governor's veto on bill scrapping pistol permit system

The North Carolina state legislature on Wednesday overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto on a bill that scrapped the longstanding system requiring residents to obtain permits from local sheriffs before purchasing handguns. 

The House enacted the bill Wednesday in a 71-46 vote one day after the Senate overrode Cooper's veto, according to The Associated Press.

The permit repeal immediately went into effect. Proponents said sheriffs no longer need to screen candidates due to updates in the national background check system. They also said permits do not deter crime.

Cooper and Democratic politicians warned the permit repeal would enable more dangerous people to privately purchase weapons without background checks. 

"The enacted bill also would allow guns on some school properties where religious services are held," the wire service reported.