South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, conducted a ceremony on Tuesday to bring attention to a recently passed law. This law grants the right for any adult who is legally permitted to own a gun to openly carry it without needing a permit.
Just 12 days ago, McMaster wasted no time in signing the bill into law as soon as it reached his desk. Open carry was allowed even before the ink had dried. On Tuesday, a Statehouse event was held outside his office to celebrate the victory that all those who advocated for the law had achieved.
According to the Republican governor, this is a joyous occasion and a positive move in the right direction.
The new law has brought about a significant change in the way police officers carry out their duties. Under this legislation, firearms are now permitted to be carried anywhere within a vehicle, including the dashboard, a seat, or a cup holder. This marks a departure from the previous requirement of concealing firearms in a console or glove compartment.
Law enforcement officers are no longer authorized to detain individuals solely based on their possession of a firearm, and individuals who are carrying a concealed weapon are no longer obligated to disclose this information to an officer.
Concealed weapons permits are still accessible, and the bill ensures that training is provided free of charge throughout the state. The allocation of $4 million to $5 million will be necessary for budget writers to offer these classes in all 46 counties of South Carolina.
One of the major challenges in getting the new law passed was convincing police departments and lawmakers who typically advocate for fewer gun restrictions that training should be encouraged. They believed that individuals should undergo training before being allowed to carry a weapon in public.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 20, without any felony convictions or legal issues, is now permitted to carry a gun under the new law. Previously, the minimum age for carrying concealed weapons was 21.
“The age requirement is not specified in the Constitution,” stated Republican Representative Shane Martin, who played a key role in the bill’s passage through the Senate. “Regardless of personal opinions, it is only fair that individuals aged 18, 19, and 20 should be eligible.”
