COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Senators continued debate over a bill that would loosen gun restrictions.
The proposed legislation, which has already secured approval in the House with support from Republicans and the Governor, is now facing deliberation in the State Senate.
Right now, Handguns can be openly carried if the owner holds a concealed weapons permit obtained after completing a gun safety course. However, the bill challenges this requirement, seeking to allow individuals aged 18 or older to openly carry a handgun without the need for training or a permit.
Democrats find themselves unified against a bill. Meanwhile, Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, are split on the issue.
"The training class tells you what the law is, it tells you when you can shoot, when you can't. It tells you where you can carry, when you can't," Massey stated.
“When I hear us talking about the need to crack down on illegal gun ownership, illegal gun, can you help me make sense of why we put in code a change that makes it okay to leave a firearm in plain sight in an unoccupied vehicle?,” said Sen. Thomas Mclveen (D-Sumter).
If approved, senators must reconcile any differences with the House before sending it to the Governor.
Failure to pass the bill would force a restart of the legislative process next year.
The House tacked on increased penalties for people who illegally possess guns, which is something Gov. Henry McMaster has repeatedly called for.
Senators could vote on the bill as early as Feb. 1.