Arrr! The South Carolina Senate be approving a bill for open carry, along with free pistol schooling, mateys!
2024-02-02
Arrr! The scurvy South Carolina senators be passin' a bill, grantin' the right to carry firearms openly in the state! 'Tis a fine offer with a wee firearms trainin' course, and a wee bit tougher punishments for them lily-livered scoundrels who dare tangle with a pirate and his trusty weapon.
If signed into law, South Carolina will join 27 other states that allow open carry without a permit. The Senate's amendments to the bill also include a required statewide advertising campaign to inform residents about the free concealed weapons permit training classes and the fact that guns can be carried openly by those over 18. The bill does not change the existing laws that prohibit convicted felons from carrying guns, and it still maintains gun-free zones in places like hospitals, schools, and the Statehouse.
The bill also includes new penalties for gun-related crimes, such as at least five years in prison for felons convicted of a crime using a gun, enhanced penalties for carrying a gun in prohibited areas, and up to three additional years in prison for someone convicted of a gun crime who has not taken the concealed weapons permit class.
Some lawmakers celebrated the passing of the bill, while others expressed concern. Republican Sen. Shane Martin, who has been advocating for open carry since 2008, believes the bill won't cause as many problems as some fear, as criminals will always be carrying guns. However, Sen. Mia McLeod, an independent, worries that the bill will turn South Carolina into the "Wild, Wild West" with inadequate background checks and training.
Law enforcement leaders have also expressed concerns about people carrying guns without training or experience, as well as the potential confusion during shooting incidents. Initially, these concerns caused some Republican lawmakers to question the bill.