This comes on the heels of Louisiana on Tuesday becoming the 28th state to enact permitless carry.
It has not been without its travails as the House and Senate had to iron out differences. But the lower chamber recently swept the proposal forward with an overwhelming 86-33 vote in favor.
At the same time, the Senate discussed amendments to the measure that some insisted upon. If the sides can reach agreement, and it appears they will, the bill would move on to the governor’s desk.
Besides the expansion of carry rights, the legislation would enact more stringent punishments for those who repeatedly violate gun-free zones. It would also expand penalties for persons who commit gun-related offenses.
In another positive, funding would be provided for expanded gun safety training for South Carolina residents.
Both chambers passed their own versions of the bill earlier this year, with the Senate’s focus more on punishing repeat offenders. But even with the differences, three House members and three senators sat down Tuesday and worked out their differences.
The Senate’s insistence of tougher penalties was largely agreed to by the representatives, who acknowledged that the measure would likely fail without the tougher language.
Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey (R) noted that the reason the bill is not already law is that the votes were not there without the additional penalties. Specifically, senators want individuals punished for multiple offenses of possessing firearms where they are not allowed.
Massey explained, “If you do the same thing three times, it’s not an accident anymore. At some point, there’s got to be a graduated level of penalties to get people’s attention.”
The House apparently agreed, and South Carolina is another step closer to constitutional carry.
