Open, permitless carry of firearms will take the next step to becoming reality in South Carolina on Tuesday.
A Senate judiciary subcommittee is taking up a measure that would loosen the state’s firearm regulations to allow gun owners to carry their weapons, openly or concealed, in most public places without applying to the state for a permit. Supporters call the measure the “constitutional carry” bill.
S.449 is similar to a measure that passed the House after Republican lawmakers voted to limit debate on the measure. Gov. Henry McMaster has said he would sign the bill should it reach his desk.
The same subcommittee will also discuss S.430 today. That bill would tighten the punishment for sale of a firearm that violates state or federal laws.