NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) -- A chance for the public to make themselves heard on amending the concealed carry laws in the Palmetto State is scheduled for next week.
The Chairman of the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee has appointed a subcommittee to study Senate bill 115, known as the "South Carolina Constitutional Carry Act of 2013."
The subcommittee members are Sens. Lee Bright of Spartanburg, Brad Hutto of Orangeburg, Gerald Malloy of Darlington, Shane Martin of Spartanburg and Greg Hembree of Horry County.
If passed, the bill would let anyone carry a gun, openly or concealed, without a permit.
To see the proposed bill, click here.
Public hearings are scheduled for North Charleston, Rock Hill, Greenville and Myrtle Beach.
The South Carolina Constitutional Carry Act of 2013 would:
- Change the offense of unlawfully carrying a handgun to carrying a handgun with intent to commit a crime;
- Repeal the offence of carrying concealed;
- Remove references to concealed weapons permits and allow a private employer or owner to allow/prohibit anyone from carrying a weapon in his business by providing notice with a sign;
- Prohibit any person from entering a residence or dwelling of another with a weapon without permission;
- Amend the section dealing with people who are allowed to carry a weapon anywhere in the state while on duty, to include law enforcement officers.
Meeting Schedule:
North Charleston
Feb. 25 : 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
North Charleston City Hall, 2500 City Hall Lane
Rock Hill
March 4 : 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
York Technical College, 452 S. Anderson Rd.
Greenville
March 11 : 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Greenville County Council Chambers, 301 University Ridge
Myrtle Beach
March 18 : 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Ted C. Collins Law Enforcement Center, 1101 North Oaks St.
