The legislation (H. 3594) took effect immediately when it was signed on March 7 and aligns South Carolina with the 28 other states that recognize permitless open or concealed carry. A notable provision in the legislation alters how law enforcement officers interact with individuals carrying firearms who are not required to disclose to a police officer that they are carrying a weapon. Police are prohibited from conducting a stop solely because an individual is carrying a firearm, and guns may now be carried anywhere inside a vehicle openly or concealed. Despite the broadening of gun rights, the legislation maintains prohibitions on carrying firearms in several types of locations, including inside schools and churches; law enforcement facilities including detention and correctional facilities; anywhere medical procedures are performed; courthouses, public buildings, and any place clearly marked with a sign prohibiting the carrying of a firearm. In response to concerns about public safety, the law introduces stricter penalties for individuals who repeatedly violate these restrictions or commit crimes using firearms. “This bill expands the Second Amendment rights of our law-abiding citizens and will keep violent criminals behind bars with increased penalties for illegal gun use and possession,” McMaster said in a statement posted to X after signing the historic legislation. Sen. Rex Rice said the legislation is about the best gun rights law the state can achieve. “It gives law-abiding citizens the right to carry a gun with or without permit. And it also puts the bad guys in jail if they are carrying guns and shouldn’t,” Rice told the Associated Press (AP). Concealed carry permits are still available and the legislation has made training for the license free across the state, which is setting aside between $4 millions to $5 million to provide classes.In a move that underscores the ongoing national debate over gun rights and public safety, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster presided over a ceremonial signing this week for a landmark piece of legislation that substantially loosens the state's gun control laws.
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