S.C. Reciprocity Update

[Rick Daniel]

Under a bill sponsored by Representative Mike Pitts of Laurens, South Carolina would begin recognizing concealed weapons permits issued to residents of other states. This bill (H.4529) was introduced at the request of the National Rifle Association and its state affiliate Gun Owners of South Carolina.

Under the current statute the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) may establish reciprocity only with states that have equal or stricter issuing standards. The NRA/GOSC backed proposal takes all discretion from SLED and gives blanket recognition to permit holders from other states.

 

[Kharn]

Sweet! SC's the only state South of VA (and East of NM) that doesnt currently recognize a Florida permit.

Kharn

 

[Rick Daniel]

Here is a link to the NRA/GOSC proposed reciprocity bill:

http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess115_2003-2004/bills/4529.htm

 

[CZ 75 BD]

Hey Rick...

that's good news. Reckon what are the bill's chances in the legislature? Please keep us posted. SC is the last on my must have list!

 

[Gray Peterson]

Well, I don't believe Mark Sanford would veto it. With my Oregon permit, my Washington Permit, and soon to be my Florida permit, I'll be able to carry throughout the south (Yes, this will include MO once everything gets settled there.

 

[Jeeper]

A little while longer and blanket reciprocity will be the norm. That will be nice.

 

[Rick Daniel]

After we secured a reciprocity agreement between North and South Carolina several legislators expressed interest in simplifying the process. We (NRA/GOSC) met with them and came up with the current proposal. We felt like a straight recognition system was best as it gains us the most states. I think this bill has an excellent chance. Realistically it may take a couple of years, however, I wouldn't be surprised if this thing caught fire and moved quickly.

 

[Gray Peterson]

Hey Rick,

The way the law will be written after the amending is that it'll be Michigan style recognition, meaning only permits from home states allowed. Granted, with the way things are going, every state except for Illinois is going to be an issuing state in the next year or so, but it would really suck for those who live in open carry but no CCW states, or those in the states that simply will not issue, like parts of California, Hawaii, and NJ/MD.

Would there be a consideration to remove the "Resident" requirement?

 

[Rick Daniel]

Lonnie,

Its something we discussed with numerous legislators and they all felt more comfortable with what was introduced. I'd like to remove the resident language and it could be amended in sub-committee. If enough legislators go along we'll make the change, otherwise we'll stick with what's currently proposed. Either way we'll be much better off than with the current law.

 

[Byron Quick]

Good deal, Rick.

I live in Georgia but work full-time in SC. SC will let me go to its colleges and charge me in state fees...but I can't get a CCW.

 

[Sportcat]

Byron,

I have my CWP in South Carolina, but that doesn't allow me to carry on college campuses (and I work for one). :banghead:

 

[HBK]

That's the biggest problem I have with CWPs. You get one, but some of the states are so restrictive that you have a permit to carry, but there's hardly a place you are able to legally carry, even with the permit.

 

[Byron Quick]

Now I have not read the pertinent SC statute but I've been told by a SC resident that the areas that are forbidden by statute to carry in are misdemeanours if you have no permit but felonies if you do...

Since he feels he might need to carry in these areas...he goes without a permit.