Backed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the bill allows law-abiding citizens 18 and over to carry a firearm in public without needing to obtain a permit from the government.
The House was the first to consent, passing the bill through an 86-33 vote. Then the Senate, which insisted on amendments that were ultimately approved, on Wednesday gave its approval in a 28-18 vote.
McMaster was pleased that the legislature came together to protect the Second Amendment. He also lauded measures to strengthen penalties on violent criminals, which is what lawmakers should have focused on all along.
“This new law will provide strict increased penalties for illegal gun use and possession by criminals. Now, law enforcement, prosecutors and judges can keep career violent criminals behind bars where they belong, where they can no longer hurt innocent South Carolina citizens.”
Rep. Bobby J. Cox (R), the bill’s primary sponsor, told Fox News Digital that it was a long road to passage but worth the effort.
“Our God-given right to self-defense, as enshrined in the Second Amendment to the Constitution, is unequivocally affirmed, just as our founding fathers intended.”
McMaster’s signature made South Carolina the 27th state since 2010 to enact permitless carry. Supporters attempted in three previous legislative sessions to push constitutional carry through, but disputes between the House and Senate versions held the bills in limbo.
The wave of states adopting the gun rights policy is likely coming to an end for the near future.
Advocates note that South Carolina was the last remaining state that enjoyed a majority of lawmakers and a governor who favored entrenching Second Amendment rights, meaning there must be political changes elsewhere for the policy to expand.
