Bill tweaks law on SC's 'unorganized militia'

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By SEANNA ADCOX
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A Senate panel advanced a bill designed to ensure that South Carolinians can hold on to their weapons regardless of what Congress does.

A 3-0 vote Wednesday sent the bill to full committee.

On the surface, the measure tweaks an obscure state law regarding the state's "unorganized militia" - to which all "able-bodied" South Carolinians over age 17 belong.

The bill says militia members have the right to buy and possess all types of firearms and ammunitions that are currently legal. It's geared as a pre-emptive move, should Congress pass gun restrictions.

Sponsoring Sen. Tom Corbin says it means South Carolinians wouldn't have to worry about anyone confiscating their guns.

Democratic Sen. Brad Hutto calls it a nonsense bill addressing a hypothetical situation that's never going to happen.

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