Janice R. Andrews
Legislators in South Carolina have made history by passing legislation enabling permit-free gun ownership in the state. On Wednesday, the South Carolina Senate voted 28–18 in favor of H. 3594, a proposal that represents a major change in gun laws.
Adults who are eligible to own a firearm will be able to carry it in public, concealed or open, without a permission according to this new law. Governor Henry McMaster has stated that he intends to sign the bill into law, therefore it is currently awaiting his signature.
With the passage of permitless carry, South Carolina becomes the 29th state to do so and the 27th since 2010. This development highlights an increasing trend in support for gun rights in America.
This year’s attempt to enact permitless carry was hindered by policy differences between the state Senate and House, despite prior unsuccessful attempts. Nevertheless, a conference committee managed to come to a compromise, which gave rise to the current version of H. 3594.
The legislation’s main features include eliminating the need for permits for both open and concealed carry, lowering the legal age to carry a pistol from 21 to 18, and designating specific locations where it is forbidden to carry a firearm unless authorized in writing.
The bill also requires reporting stolen firearms to state authorities within ten days of the theft and establishes graduated criminal penalties for possessing an illegal firearm, including felony penalties for repeat offenders.
Senator Shane Martin celebrated the bill’s passing as a win for Second Amendment rights and highlighted the increased freedom that law-abiding South Carolina gun owners now enjoy.
This move indicates a larger trend in state-level liberalization of gun laws and comes soon after Louisiana just passed permitless carry legislation. H. 3594 will go into effect immediately upon Governor McMaster’s signature, bringing in a new age of gun rights in the Palmetto State.
