Thanks for posting this. Very good info. I remember the HB 937 issues well. I was in contact with my state rep over the NC Sheriffs Association and their insistence on retaining our indeed archaic pistol purchase permitting system. I have noticed in following posts over at places like Sipsey Street Irregulars and Western Rifle Shooters that the Sheriffs Association of every state is like this. They reek of the "only ones" mindset. I also believe, and pointed this out in correspondence with my state rep, that the Sheriffs Assocation's opposition was also likely motivated by the desire to keep the fee based permitting for revenue purposes.
I am glad the bill passed, but it still irks me that we could have had a stronger bill without this damn circular firing squad. I also have a deservedly low opinion of the NC Sheriffs Association over this.