SC lawmakers reach compromise in ‘permitless carry’ bill

Glad to see them be part of the trend!

In their agreement, the bill would allow adults 18 and older to carry loaded handguns openly with no permit or training.

Guns would still be banned in the same places they are now, including schools, courthouses, and the State House, and people could still obtain a concealed weapons permit if they wanted.

It would also tack on the governor’s top request, increased penalties for people who illegally carry, like felons who possess guns despite being legally barred from doing so.

Senators have yet to vote but are expected to do that Wednesday when the bill is likely to garner their approval as well.

Firearms automatically prohibited in some places

Under the new law, civilians may not openly or concealed carry firearms into hospitals, doctor’s offices, churches, government buildings, schools, polling places, detention facilities, post offices, or personal residences without permission.

Places where federal law prohibits firearm carry, such as polling places, are off limits under the new state law.

The committee followed the House version and removed a provision allowing legislators to carry firearms into the South Carolina General Assembly agreeing with Martin that giving lawmakers preferential treatment would be “a bad look.”

**Enhanced penalties for violations intact **

“If you do the same thing three times, it’s not an accident any more, it’s not a mistake,” Massey said Tuesday morning during the committee meeting.

Specifically, Bamberg worried about selective enforcement of weapons violations based on race or socioeconomic status.

“That successful businessperson, when they get caught, they’re more likely to get a pass than that poor country dude from rural South Carolina where maybe he’s ruffled some feathers and they want to get him,” Bamberg said.

Age lowered for concealed weapons permits

The age for obtaining a concealed weapons permit will be lowered from 21 years old to 18 years old.

The timeframe in which citizens are required to report stolen weapons was tightened. The House's suggestion of 30 days after being made aware of the theft was decreased to 10 days.

Possession is not basis for detention

If there is clear evidence of a crime being committed, separate from gun possession, law enforcement may use that as a basis for an investigation. Caskey used the example of a person openly displaying drug paraphernalia.

Permitless carry could become South Carolina law this week

If approved, Gov. Henry McMaster could sign permitless carry into law as soon as Thursday.

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/politics/2024/03/05/permitless-firearm-carry-could-become-south-carolina-law-this-week/72849610007/