I am very pleased that the Constitutional Carry bill passed the General Assembly with the Governor’s signature. I sponsored the first Constitutional Carry bill in 2012 and every year since. My effort and my goal has always been about nothing more and nothing less than our God-given Constitutional rights.

South Carolina is now the 29th state in the country with constitutional carry. This bill recognizes the fundamental right of law-abiding adults to carry firearms for self-defense without having to navigate burdensome government regulations. Constitutional Carry does not change the criteria for eligibility to obtain a carry permit, nor does it affect previously issued permits. It also allows citizens who wish to obtain a permit for the purpose of carrying in other states that recognize South Carolina’s permits, to do so. The bill also includes increased penalties for repeat illegal gun use and possession by criminals.

This is a victory for all South Carolinians who respect the Constitution and respect the law. The act went into effect March 7, 2024.