Yemassee This Week March 15, 2024

Understanding South Carolina's

New Open Carry Handgun Legislation: A Comprehensive Breakdown

The Constitutional Carry Bill (H.3594) was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster on March 7th, 2024.

SAFETY is our top priority; we would like to ask you to please familiarize yourself with this bill.

Since 2021, carrying a handgun in South Carolina has been legal for people with a concealed weapons permit.

The requirement for such a permit previously required applicants to be at least 21 years old, undergo 8 hours of training, and pass a background check.

The new law overrides those requirements, and the following is in effect immediately:

• Any adult who can legally own a gun can now carry one openly or concealed in South Carolina with or without a permit.
• This bill allows anyone 18 or older to carry firearms.
• Establish state-funded firearms training administered by SLED and CWP instructors.
• There are no restrictions on guns inside of vehicles.
• Establishes Real Felon in Possession of a Firearm with Graduated Mandatory Minimum Penalties.
• Establishes a requirement to Report a Lost or Stolen Firearm.
• Firearms are PROHIBITED at the locations listed below:
  • A law enforcement, correctional, or detention facility.
  • A courthouse, courtroom, or other publicly owned building, whether owned by the State, a county, a municipality, or other political subdivision, is where the court is held and when the court is in session.
  • A polling place on election days.
  • An office of or business meeting of the governing body of a county or public school district.
  • School or college athletic events not related to firearms.
  • A daycare facility or preschool facility.
  • A place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
  • Church or other established religious sanctuary unless the appropriate church official or governing body gives express permission.
  • Hospital, Medical Clinic, Doctors' Office, or any other facility where medical services or procedures are performed unless expressly authorized by the appropriate entity.
  • The residence or dwelling place of another person without the express permission of the owner or person in legal control or possession of the residence or dwelling place, as appropriate.
  • Any place marked with a sign prohibiting carrying a concealable weapon on the premises in compliance with Section 23-31-235.