S.C. Lawmakers Resurface Efforts To Carry Firearm Without Permit

The attempt to loosen gun restrictions became possible again when House Republicans reached a supermajority after the election last fall.

South Carolina Republican lawmakers have resurfaced efforts to allow firearm owners to carry handguns without a permit.

The legislation presented overcame another obstacle when the state’s House Judiciary Committee approved it by a 16 to 7 vote along party lines. The bill still has to pass in the House and then would proceed to the Senate.

The attempt to loosen gun restrictions became possible again when House Republicans reached a supermajority after the election last fall.

The new legislation would still ban carrying a gun into correctional facilities, courthouses, polling places on election day, preschools, religious sanctuaries, doctors offices, and other places.

It would also prohibit firearm possession for those convicted of a crime with a prison sentence of over one year.