The 2024 South Carolina Constitutional Carry Law changed firearm laws. Older adults can carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit under this law. South Carolina joins a growing number of states that recognize constitutional carry and seek to expand Second Amendment rights.
The law eliminates the permit requirement for carrying a firearm. The Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) system is still in place to maintain reciprocity with other states.
In this article, you will learn more about South Carolina’s Constitutional Carry Law, including its key provisions, eligibility requirements, restricted areas, and effects on gun ownership.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Constitutional Carry Law
The 2022 South Carolina Constitutional Carry Law allows anyone over 21 to carry a holstered gun at any time if they legally own one. The law gives citizens the right to arm themselves. People can now defend themselves more quickly without having to go through the time-consuming CWP process.
Knowing where you can legally carry your weapon is important to avoid violating local gun regulations.
To learn more about the legal implications of concealment, continue reading here: https://www.patrickmcnallylegal.com/
Eligibility Criteria for Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Here are the eligibility requirements for carrying a concealed weapon in South Carolina:
- Citizens or legal residents of the US must be 21 or older.
- You must have no criminal convictions to carry a concealed weapon. This category may include felony convictions, crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than a year, domestic violence misdemeanor or felony convictions, and final protective orders that forbid harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child.
- A person should not have been declared mentally incompetent to stand trial or involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.
If you want to legally purchase and register a weapon in South Carolina, you need to follow all the requirements listed above.
Implications for Public Safety and Law Enforcement
The safety and enforcement of South Carolina concealed carry laws are always debated.
Concealed carry makes it difficult for officers to determine whether the gun owner is legally permitted to carry a firearm. Officers assessing potential threats could quickly escalate tensions.
An increase in concealed guns could cause stray fires and public shootings.
At some point, the right to carry guns and community welfare must be balanced for citizens and law enforcement.
Comparison With Other States’ Gun Laws
It is beneficial to understand other states’ gun control laws, especially since South Carolina’s ‘permitless’ gun law is indicative of a growing trend in gun laws across states.
State laws in Texas and Florida allow anyone to carry guns concealed, regardless of a permit.
In contrast, California and New York require permits and background checks for concealed weapon carry.
Knowledge of these differences will help you exercise your rights and understand your responsibilities when crossing states.
Responsibilities of Gun Owners Under the New Law
South Carolina’s new constitutional carry law requires gun owners to carefully fulfill their duties to keep themselves and others safe.
Prioritize safety by handling and storing guns safely, especially around children.
Learn about self-defense laws so you know when and how to use your firearm.
Familiarize yourself with gun ethics to promote the responsible use of weapons.