Sen. Bradley files bill in North Carolina Senate on domestic violence and firearm restrictions

A new bill filed by State Sen. Woodson Bradley in the North Carolina Senate aims to expand firearm restrictions and broaden the definition of misdemeanor domestic violence, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 875 on April 28 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘No Firearm Possession After DV Misdemeanors.’

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

In essence, this bill makes it a Class A1 misdemeanor for anyone convicted of, or given a prayer for judgment continued or a suspended sentence for, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to possess, purchase, receive or attempt to possess, purchase or receive a firearm, machine gun, ammunition or firearm permits, including substantially similar out-of-state offenses. It expands the definition of misdemeanor domestic violence to include current or former intimate partners and those in current or recent dating relationships. The firearm and definition changes take effect Dec. 1, 2026. The bill also appropriates $1 million in nonrecurring funds in 2026-27 to create a domestic violence education program.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Bradley proposed the most bills (85) 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.

Bradley graduated from Hollins University in 1995 with a BA.

Bradley, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2025 to represent the state’s 42nd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Rachel Hunt.