H3665 IS A BILL THAT WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TO GET PASSED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
I have attended the House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing and given testimony. I have also attended the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing and given testimony to insure the passage of this legislation. The legislation has cleared the House and is currently on the docket for second reading in the Senate. Individuals working to secure the passage of H3665 and its amendments include R. T.Moore, GOSC member; Anthony Roullette, NRA ILA Liaison; and myself. This legislation has been in the planning stages for approximately 3 years with the help of Representative Mike Pitts (R-Laurens) and Neil Beers, Vice President, GOSC, along with myself and others.
The high points of this legislation will be the elimination of the requirement for a State Pistol Dealers License. It also eliminates the melting point or "Saturday Night Special" law.
Also, an amendment requires establishments that have alcohol licenses for on premise consumption to file with the Department of Revenue a financial statement that would determine whether they receive 50 percent or more of their income from alcohol sales. If 50 percent or more of their income is from alcohol sales, they would be considered a bar or tavern. If they qualify as a food service establishment under the new law and do not post the "No Concealed Weapon" signage, you would be allowed, with a concealed weapons permit, to carry a concealed weapon into their establishment. However, you could not consume alcohol while carrying a concealed weapon.
We believe that the Senate will pass this bill on second and third readings. Then there probably will be a Conference Committee where it will be ratified and go to the Governor for signature.
Anyone wanting to read this complete bill can go to the Legislative Website and click on 3665 where you will be able to read complete information on this bill.
Gerald W. Stoudemire
President, GOSC