COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. Nikki Haley joined Senator Sean Bennett, Representative Mike Pitts, and Anthony Roulette, the South Carolina liaison for the National Rifle Association, at a bill signing for S.308, the Concealed Carry Reform Bill.
In an effort to preserve South Carolinians’ 2nd Amendment rights, the bill allows for gun owners with a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) to carry firearms in restaurants that serve alcohol, while also allowing an owner to ban individuals from carrying firearms in their establishment.
South Carolina is the 46th state to allow some form of legal carrying rights in these types of establishments.
To watch video of the event, click here: http://goo.gl/YFV4T8
Attached is a picture of the bill signing.
S.308 BACKGROUND:
- Allows a CWP holder to carry a firearm into an establishment that serves alcohol, although that person cannot consume alcohol if carrying.
- Allows an owner to ban individuals from carrying firearms in their establishment.
- Removes proof of residency requirements and expands the range of acceptable photo identification that may be used when applying for a CWP.
- Eliminates the 8-hour training requirement for a handgun course, but maintains the topics that must be covered in that class.
- Waives training requirements for individuals that can prove they have completed military basic training or is a retired law enforcement officer that proves graduation from the CJA.
- Deletes the assumption of applicant endorsement by a local sheriff if the sheriff chooses not to comment on a CWP application.
- Simplifies the permit renewal process, eliminates fingerprint checks for renewals, and increases the renewal time to five years.
- Allows SLED to engage in electronic communication with an applicant.
