South Carolina Legislative Update
April 2008
H. 4364 introduced by Mike Pitts, Lanny F. Littlejohn, McLain R. "Mac" Toole and Walton J. McLeod was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, ratified and signed into law by the Governor on April 2, 2008. Bill H4364 was supported by the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of South Carolina. This Bill prohibits the sale of handguns to persons under 18 years of age rather than under 21 years of age. The passage of this Bill brings South Carolina in line with Federal law as well as many other states.
We are following several other pieces of legislation and looking for action in the near future.
March 2008
H. 3528 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and is on the Senate Calendar. This legislation would restrict personal information regarding the holder of a valid concealable weapons permit (CWP) to be released only to a law enforcement agency to aid in an official investigation, or as part of a subpoena or court order. The Judiciary Committee amended the legislation to not only require the new restriction on releasing personal information of permit holders, but also require that any existing lists already released by SLED be destroyed. In addition, H. 3528 was amended to require SLED issue a statistical report on permits every quarter, but this report will be limited to contain information such as number of permits issued, number of applications denied, number of renewals, number of permits suspended or revoked, etc. The only personal information that can be released will be regarding individuals whose permits have been suspended or revoked. NRA supports this effort to help protect the privacy of valid CWP holders, and prevent, for example, newspapers from publishing a list of permit holders. Please contact your State Legislators and urge support for H. 3528 and opposition to any weakening amendments.
In addition, H. 3212 remains active on the Senate Calendar. This legislation would require South Carolina to recognize valid Right to Carry permits issued by other states. The NRA has been working for several years to improve the current reciprocity standard for permits, which are rather restrictive, and this bill would establish a straight recognition standard. NRA is working with South Carolina Senators to ensure the best possible language passes, and Senator Jim Ritchie has agreed to our request to keep the bill from being heard until we are prepared to make a final push*. In the meantime, please call your State Legislators and urge support for the NRA's efforts on H. 3212 and opposition to any attempts to render this legislation meaningless through overly restrictive amendments.
*We want to ensure folks understand that we are committed to passing the best language we can for recognition/reciprocity and that Sen. Ritchie is working with us on that front. Any delays on hearing the bill are because we want to line up all the support we can and for no other reason.
Not sure who your Legislators are? Locate them here.
2006 Legislative Victories for South Carolinians
Email your questions, comments, and concerns to the GOSC President .
