South Carolina Moves Closer to Relaxing Gun Laws with Advancement of Open Carry Bill

South Carolina lawmakers are nearing the approval of a bill that would allow people who can legally own a gun to openly carry it. The proposed law also includes harsher penalties for those who repeatedly carry guns in prohibited places or commit crimes while armed, regardless of whether the weapon is used. Additionally, millions of dollars would be allocated to provide free gun training across the state for any adult seeking a concealed weapons permit.

The bill encountered some obstacles but made progress as the House voted 86-33 in favor, with most Republican members supporting it and Democrats opposing it. The Senate, though agreeing to discuss the bill, delayed the vote to address changes in judicial election procedures. It is anticipated that the bill will be signed by the governor, making South Carolina one of nearly 30 states that allow open carry without a permit, including most states in the Deep South.

Throughout the process, the House and Senate debated different versions of the bill. Ultimately, a conference committee reached a compromise that largely aligned with the Senate’s language to secure its passage. However, the provision allowing legislators to carry weapons anywhere they please was removed.

Opposition to the bill came from law enforcement leaders concerned about potentially encountering armed individuals at crime scenes without adequate training to distinguish threats from help. Currently, only holders of concealed weapons permits can openly carry pistols. To address law enforcement’s concerns, the bill proposes making it a state crime for felons to possess firearms, subject to penalties similar to federal law.

Despite objections from gun-rights groups, who opposed the additional penalties, the bill gained significant support. They exerted pressure on lawmakers, particularly Republicans, who were against the bill. However, some legislators voiced concerns that this unpopular bill could have repercussions and undermine support for law enforcement.

The bill’s implementation would require approximately $5 million annually to offer training courses, with a commitment to reassess participation rates after some years. This evaluation will help determine the continuation of these classes.

In summary, South Carolina is on the verge of relaxing its gun laws by allowing open carry without a permit. The proposed bill also introduces stricter penalties, provides funding for free gun training, and addresses the concerns of law enforcement. However, the bill faced opposition from various parties, including gun-rights groups and some lawmakers.