South Carolina Legislature Protecting Your Pro-Gun Friends: I have good news to report on this year's pro-gun legislative agenda. The two main issues that NRA and GOSC were pushing this year have passed both the House and Senate. Both H4681 and H4301 reached final passage yesterday. H4681 is the "New Orleans/Emergency Powers" bill that Representative Mike Pitts (R-14) initiated on our behalf earlier this year. Under Mike's bill, local governments would not be able to restrict the use, sale, or transportation of firearms during a state of emergency. This became necessary after New Orleans officials began confiscating guns and restricting their use following Hurricane Katrina. Now, in the event of an disaster like a hurricane, South Carolinians need not fear similar encroachment of our Second Amendment rights. H4301 is the "Castle Doctrine" bill also spearheaded by Rep. Pitts. This new law essentially removes the "duty to retreat" when a citizen is attacked anywhere that person may lawfully be. In other words, if they have a right to be there, they can stand their ground. This is a major change and a great addition to our self-defense rights. Also, on a related note, (again thanks largely to Mike Pitts) South Carolina now joins most other states in forming a Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus. This move required legislation (H3402) which the Governor vetoed, but yesterday both the House and Senate voted to override the veto. This move will greatly benefit gun owners. In fact, I have the personal honor and privilege of serving on the Sportsmen's Caucus Advisory Board, so you can be assured that gun owner rights will continue to be a central focus. Gun owners and sportsmen around the state owe a big thanks to Representative Mike Pitts. He is truly a hero and champion for gun rights. Thanks Mike! Rick Daniel The general phone number for the State Senate is (803) 212-6200. |
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