COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Senate on Thursday gave its final vote on the ‘Constitutional Carry’ Bill, a measure that could allow individuals to carry handguns publicly without the need for a concealed weapons permit or training.
After days of deliberation, including late-night sessions, senators reached an agreement on the bill, which, in addition to its primary aim of permitting carrying without a permit, also introduces heightened penalties for illegal gun possession—a key request from Governor Henry McMaster.
With the final vote in the Senate, the Constitutional Carry Bill is now one step closer to becoming law.
Democrats have voiced strong opposition to the bill, expressing concerns that it could allow individuals to carry firearms without any required training.
"This isn’t about whether you like guns. This is a question about whether you want safe streets or guns on the streets," remarked Sen. Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg).
The legislation has caused a division among Republicans, with Senator Luke Rankin (R-Horry County) voting against the proposal.
"I rest at night knowing that I am standing not with the persuaders, not with the pushers, but I'm standing with the police officers in this state," stated Sen. Luke Rankin.
To address concerns raised during the debate, senators made significant adjustments to the bill. One notable change allows businesses to post signs prohibiting concealed weapons on their premises.
Another change introduces free training sessions in every county twice per month and adds a penalty for those carrying without a concealed weapons permit. It also included a provision for the state to launch an advertising campaign encouraging people to take the training.
"The idea frankly is to say look you don’t have to have a permit to carry in South Carolina. If you’re law-abiding, you do not need a permit, but we really want you to," explained Sen. Shane Massey (R-Edgefield).
Massey estimates the program would cost the state up to $5 million annually.
A crucial modification, particularly significant for law enforcement, is the inclusion of increased penalties for illegal possession, addressing concerns raised by Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster.
"I think the problem is the punishment factor and the fact that there's no graduated penalties. I mean, you could carry a pistol unlawfully a dozen times, and the penalty is going to be the same," said Foster.
Ultimately, the bill's sponsor, Senator Shane Martin (R-Greenville), expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
“I think today we ended up with a bill of what I wanted to accomplish– which is a law-abiding citizen being able to exercise his or her constitutional rights under the second amendment without interference from government,” said Martin.
If the House agrees to the Senate’s changes, it will head to Gov. McMaster’s desk for approval.
"Stricter increased penalties for repeat illegal gun use and possession will keep these criminals behind bars instead of shooting up our streets with impunity. It was a collaborative and cooperative effort by the Senate. My hope is that the House will concur with their improvements and send it to my desk immediately so we can begin saving lives," said McMaster in a statement.
Twenty-seven states do not require a permit to carry a concealed weapon.