CWP Reciprocity (SC)

[Rick Daniel]

Good News! South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster has issued an opinion indicating that CWP reciprocity between South Carolina and North Carolina is indeed possible.

Until now the practical definition of South Carolina's legal standard of "equal to or stricter" has been unclear. SLED has used a strict interpretation of the phrase making it difficult to have agreements with other states. The Attorney General has now made it clear that "equal to" does not mean "exactly the same". This means that minor differences in issuance procedures are not necessarily a roadbock to reciprocity/recognition.

The Attorney General says that a court applying the standard would likely say that the two laws are similar enough to allow reciprocity. It is now up to SLED to consider the AG's legal analysis and decide whether or not to finally enter into a reciprocity/recognition agreement with North Carolina. If SLED agrees it could open up other states as well.

South Carolina gun owners owe a big thanks to Representative Bill Sandifer who brought the problem to the Attorney General's attention and requested the opinion. Also thanks to our fine AG Henry McMaster who has shown a willingness to help gun owners.

 

[Wild Bill]

Agreed.

And, with all due respect, lets not forget the folks at GRSC who have been tirelessly pushing AG McMaster for just such an opinion all along.

 

[Rick Daniel]

I don't mind giving credit where credit is due, however, GRSC had nothing to do with this.

Private citizens or organizations can not request opinions from the Attorney General. Only elected officials or state agencies can request such. In this case it was a member of the House of Representatives (Bill Sandifer).

Having said this, GRSC is an outstanding group with many fine members. Their president is a good man and a proven leader. I'm sure they are concerned about this issue and that they are prepared to help if asked.

 

[Wild Bill]

Don’t meant to start a bodily function contest with ya Rick, but to say GRSC had nothing to do with this is just flat out wrong.

The AG is an elected official. As such JQ Public can and do make a variety of requests. Sure, he’s under no obligation to issue an opinion, but there is no legislative or procedural bar on either the private request or his responding to the same. You might have missed it, but former AG Condon issued gun-related opinions at the request of GRSC in the past.

Certainly Rep. Sandifer is to be commended for using the force of his office to push the issue. However ignoring the efforts of others either supporting or independently pursuing the issue, and flatly stating they “had nothing to do with this†is presumptuous, divisive, misleading at best, and certainly erroneous.

Also, to suggest that GRSC is waiting on the sidelines simply “prepared to help if asked†is patently ridiculous. Pay attention Rick. IMHO these folks are the most proactive group in pushing gun rights that I’ve seen here (and elsewhere for that matter). I respect your efforts and those of the local NRA Rick; but GRSC isn’t waiting around to be asked to join the fray. To suggest so is a disservice to the fine folks here at THR.

 

[Rick Daniel]

Wild Bill:

You brought it up and I am simply correcting your error. I know what I'm talking about, they were not involved. You are quite right though, its not worth arguing about.

BTW, I have been paying attention and as I said earlier GRSC is a fine group and they have an outstanding leader in Ed Kelleher. We can all be proud of GRSC. They started as a committee of the Gun Owners of South Carolina just after we got right to carry passed. Ed later took the ball and ran with it. He (and they) have done quite well.

Also, I don't think GRSC is waiting by the sidelines for anything and sure didn't mean to imply such. What I meant to convey was that altough they had nothing to do with this opinion, I'm sure they are interested in the issue and would be ready to put the shoulder to the wheel if needed. That's all.

Finally, not to be contentious, but Charlie Condon never issued an opinion to GRSC or at their request. Again, I know what I'm talking about.

 

[Gray Peterson]

I will say one thing:

SC's reciprocity law sucks. A simple one or two word change would allow me to get a permit in UT to carry in SC. Personally, I would support unconditional recognition of all CWP's from other states. You have Mark Sanford as governor. Why hasn't this been done before?

 

[Rick Daniel]

Lonnie I agree with you. NRA and GOSC have drafted a simple change like you suggest. A bill will be introduced by Rep. Mike Pitts in January. If all goes well the change will be in effect by this time next year.

 

[Wild Bill]

Sorry Rick, doesn’t matter what spin you put on it you’re still factually wrong.

I know what I'm talking about, they were not involved.

Nope. GRSC was indeed involved. Many members sent requests to the AG for an opinion in the hope that a favorable opinion would influence SLED. We may not have legal standing to demand an opinion, but I'm sure you’re aware of the concept of political pressure. I can give you a copy of my letter if you like.

Finally, not to be contentious, but Charlie Condon never issued an opinion to GRSC or at their request. Again, I know what I'm talking about.

Wrong again. Did the same thing with AG Condon on the issue of carry into serving restaurants. Interestingly, GOSC’s opposition to that nearly cost us the reforms we did mange to get through - coincidentally written chapter and verse by GRSC. The AG’s opinion didn’t favor our position, but it is on record.

You are right in congratulating Rep. Sandifer for pushing the AG for this opinion. And I’ll gladly give GOSC and any others that contribute to the RKBA cause due credit. But lets not paint the wrong picture here. GRSC isn’t just “interested in the issue and would be ready to put the shoulder to the wheel if needed â€. We’ve been shouldering that wheel (with others of course) all along.

 

[Gray Peterson]

Lonnie I agree with you. NRA and GOSC have drafted a simple change like you suggest. A bill will be introduced by Rep. Mike Pitts in January. If all goes well the change will be in effect by this time next year.

Maybe, but I still prefer unlimited recognition like Oklahoma and Tennessee does. Makes my Oregon permit more valuable.

 

[Rick Daniel]

Wild Bill:

This is really quite pointless and counterproductive. As I said I'm very glad to see GRSC and others involved. However, I stand by what I've said. I do know what I'm talking about. I have very good reasons for knowing what I know about the issues concerned here. Send me a private e-mail and I'll gladly lay them out.

BTW, thanks for what you do in the fight to preserve the Second Amendment. I can tell you're a solid and compassionate activist and supporter. We need many more like you.

Rick Daniel

 

[scbair]

Good news indeed!

I am a member of GRSC, and can confirm that GRSC's Rob Butler, with active support of some true representatives of the people (Sen. Jake Knotts deserves special recognition) enabled passage of some very beneficial legislation in the past session, expanding significantly the areas where CWP holders can legally carry.

Having allowed my GOSC membership to lapse some years ago, I am unaware of the GOSC initiatives in this vein

The newly elected Attorney General, Henry McMaster, appears to be much more responsive to the needs of the people than was his predecessor (who refused to issue opinions in many instances where they were needed, in my opinion).

GRSC and GOSC: Work together!! Present a united front to the people and legislature of SC. The anti-gun lobby prefers to divide & conquer (duck hunters vs. collectors vs. target shooters vs. handgun hunters vs. CWP holders vs . . .). We must not allow turf wars and petty jealousy to divide our efforts. We are in the spotlight, and will be known by our efforts.

Any organization that allows petty issues to dilute its efforts in support of RKBA should be rewarded by a mass exodus of its members. All members of GRSC and GOSC deserve an accounting of these efforts by these organizations.

 

[Rick Daniel]

GRSC and GOSC: Work together!!

I couldn't agree more. Thanks for refocusing the issue. We have a lot of work to do and together we can make a huge impact. In the end it doesn't matter who gets credit, what matters are the results.

Let's celebrate this latest victory and hope that SLED quickly comes along.

 

[Wild Bill]

I agree - except that we must be working for the same ends and that hasn't always been the case.

I have no interest in "turf wars and petty jealousy". Completely counter productive wastes of time. I just don't think it's right to mislead folks with non-factual information, self-aggrandizing statements, and veiled references to "insider information".

Gang, I welcome any group that can bring something to the fight. I couldn't care less who gets the credit as long as we win. But anyone who even suggests that others are somehow marginalized does a reals dis-service to the folks who are out there stumping.

Need an example - try here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=449015#post449015

Nuff said.

 

[ScottsGT]

Well, I'm not going to start stirring the pot her, but I am going to say that I really appreciate Grass Roots efforts and I joined up. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about dropping my NRA membership eversince they brought a lawsuit against GR of North Carolina. I'm sure I could split my NRA dues between NC and SC GR.
Rick Daniels, where have I heard your name before? How about private E-mail me and fill me in.

Scott.

 

[Rick Daniel]

I just don't think it's right to mislead folks with non-factual information, self-aggrandizing statements, and veiled references to "insider information".

Again I appreciate your passion. No self-aggrandizing here, I'm simply telling the truth. What's wrong with "insider information"? Its not a veiled reference.

We agree that credit is expendable. I don't care who gets it as long as its deserved. Politicians on the other hand are all about credit.

I don't want to detract in any way from the two elected officials who earned and deserve the credit in this case. Its that simple.