The South Carolina Senate recently passed legislation allowing residents to carry handguns without a permit, introducing an innovative twist to encourage gun safety training. This decision, emerging from a prolonged deadlock among Republicans, was approved with a 28-15 vote, primarily split along party lines. The bill revisits the notion of “constitutional carry,” aligning with the Second Amendment, and represents an evolution from a law enacted three years prior that permitted permit holders to openly carry firearms.
Under this new legislation, the requirement for a concealed weapon permit (CWP) and its associated training would be nullified for legal gun owners. However, an amendment has introduced an incentive for gun owners to undergo training voluntarily. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey has proposed making an eight-hour training course for obtaining a CWP free of charge, facilitated by the State Law Enforcement Division at least bi-monthly in each county. This initiative aims to promote responsible gun ownership and legal awareness, reducing the age requirement for a CWP to 18.
Notably, gun owners who opt against obtaining a CWP and then commit a gun-related crime would face harsher penalties, including up to three additional years in prison. This approach seeks to balance the freedom to carry a weapon with the responsibility of understanding and abiding by gun laws.
Despite the controversy, with Democrats criticizing the permit-less carry concept and some Republicans and gun rights groups expressing discontent, the bill has made significant progress. It aims to streamline the process for maintaining a CWP through automatic renewal and addresses law enforcement’s concerns by enhancing penalties for illegal gun possession by felons.
If enacted, South Carolina would join 27 other states with permit-less carry laws, reflecting a significant shift in gun legislation amid ongoing debates over gun rights and public safety.
