Governor Signs South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024

Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina has signed the “constitutional carry” bill, allowing adults to openly carry loaded handguns without a permit or training. The law also increases penalties for crimes committed with stolen firearms. Despite concerns from law enforcement about the lack of mandatory training, the law maintains existing restrictions on carrying firearms in certain places like hospitals and schools.

The “South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024” is a significant amendment to the state’s firearm regulations.

It modifies several sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws, eliminating provisions that previously exempted persons with concealable weapons permits from certain restrictions. This change broadens the freedom for firearm possession.

The act also revises the conditions and locations where handguns may be carried, and who may carry them, providing more flexibility. Furthermore, it outlines exceptions to the unlawful carrying of handguns and revises penalties for specific violations.

Lastly, the act alters the requirements for concealed weapon permits, including the obligation to carry permits while carrying weapons and the need to identify oneself as a permit holder to law enforcement officers.

This act aims to preserve Second Amendment rights in South Carolina.