The bill allowing open OR concealed carrying of firearms without a permit in South Carolina is on its way to the state Senate. The House passed the bill Wednesday voting 90 to 30 mostly along party lines - four Democrats voted for it.
The law would allow adults to carry handguns without having to complete a safety training course. However, the legislation also contains an amendment strengthening the state's felon-in-possession statute.
It would broaden law enforcement's ability to arrest people who should not carry or own a firearm. A statement from the House GOP caucus says -- quoting -- "This bill restores a fundamental and inalienable constitutional right and gives citizens more options to protect themselves and their families, all while keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals."