AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OR POSSESSION OF GHOST GUNS and undetectable firearms.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 52A of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 14‑409B.  Ghost guns and undetectable firearms prohibited.

(a)        Definition. – The following definitions apply in this section:

(1)        Ghost gun. – A firearm, including a frame or receiver, that lacks a unique serial number engraved or cased in metal alloy on the frame or receiver by a licensed manufacturer, maker, or importer under federal law or markings in accordance with 27 C.F.R. § 479.102. This term does not include a firearm that has been rendered permanently inoperable or a firearm that is not required to have a serial number in accordance with the federal Gun Control Act of 1968.

(2)        Undetectable firearm. – A firearm that satisfies any of the following requirements:

a.         After removal of all parts, other than a major component, is not as detectable by walk‑through metal detectors commonly used at airports or other public buildings.

b.         Any major component of which, if subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices commonly used at airports or other public buildings for security screening, would not generate an image that accurately depicts the shape of the component.

c.         Is manufactured wholly of plastic, fiberglass, or through a 3D printing process.

(b)        Prohibition. – Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to manufacture, sell, give away, transfer, use, or possess a ghost gun or an undetectable firearm.

(c)        Exception. – This section does not apply to federally licensed firearm manufacturers (Federal Firearm License Type 07) pursuant to Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regulations.

(d)       Punishment. – Any person violating this section is guilty of a Class I felony.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.