Fred Fuller
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http://www.scnow.com/midatlantic/scp/local_news.apx.-content-articles-FMN-2007-04-25-0016.html
Bill would allow guns to be carried in schools
Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 - 10:41 PM
By Mackenzie Taylor
WBTW News13
[email protected]
A bill being considered at the Statehouse in Columbia would allow anyone with a concealable weapons permit to carry a concealed weapon while on the property of any public school — from elementary schools to universities.
Rep. Kris Crawford, R-Florence, is one of the bill’s sponsors, along with Reps. Denny Neilson of Darlington, Philip Lowe of Florence, Liston Barfield and Billy Witherspoon of Conway, Alan Clemmons of Myrtle Beach and Nelson Hardwick of Surfside Beach.
Crawford said the bill was drafted for several reasons, including in response to the Virginia Tech shootings last week.
According to the State Law Enforcement Division’s Web site, residents who wish to obtain a concealable weapons permit must be at least 21 years old and “not prohibited by state law from possessing the weapon.” Applicants must also, among other requirements, complete a special training course and pass a background check. Their fingerprints also are screened by law enforcement officers.
Jamie Norman, whose family owns Norman’s Guns and Sporting Goods in Florence County, holds a concealable weapons permit. He said he thinks the bill would be a good idea.
“That’s in our constitutional right to bear arms, and I feel like if they got a concealed weapons permit, they ought to be able to tote one,” Norman said Wednesday afternoon.
Sarah Richey of Florence said she thinks the bill is a bad idea. Richey has three children in public schools and said she often worries about their safety.
Richey said she doesn’t think the bill is the answer, though, to better school security.
“I don’t agree with that unless they’re law enforcement and are actually on duty,” she said. “I don’t think there’s any reason why they should carry a weapon into any school.”
Under current state law, there are restrictions on where permit holders can carry concealed weapons. Law enforcement facilities, courtrooms and daycare facilities are among those restricted locations.
The bill is being considered by the House Judiciary Committee.
Bill would allow guns to be carried in schools
Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 - 10:41 PM
By Mackenzie Taylor
WBTW News13
[email protected]
A bill being considered at the Statehouse in Columbia would allow anyone with a concealable weapons permit to carry a concealed weapon while on the property of any public school — from elementary schools to universities.
Rep. Kris Crawford, R-Florence, is one of the bill’s sponsors, along with Reps. Denny Neilson of Darlington, Philip Lowe of Florence, Liston Barfield and Billy Witherspoon of Conway, Alan Clemmons of Myrtle Beach and Nelson Hardwick of Surfside Beach.
Crawford said the bill was drafted for several reasons, including in response to the Virginia Tech shootings last week.
According to the State Law Enforcement Division’s Web site, residents who wish to obtain a concealable weapons permit must be at least 21 years old and “not prohibited by state law from possessing the weapon.” Applicants must also, among other requirements, complete a special training course and pass a background check. Their fingerprints also are screened by law enforcement officers.
Jamie Norman, whose family owns Norman’s Guns and Sporting Goods in Florence County, holds a concealable weapons permit. He said he thinks the bill would be a good idea.
“That’s in our constitutional right to bear arms, and I feel like if they got a concealed weapons permit, they ought to be able to tote one,” Norman said Wednesday afternoon.
Sarah Richey of Florence said she thinks the bill is a bad idea. Richey has three children in public schools and said she often worries about their safety.
Richey said she doesn’t think the bill is the answer, though, to better school security.
“I don’t agree with that unless they’re law enforcement and are actually on duty,” she said. “I don’t think there’s any reason why they should carry a weapon into any school.”
Under current state law, there are restrictions on where permit holders can carry concealed weapons. Law enforcement facilities, courtrooms and daycare facilities are among those restricted locations.
The bill is being considered by the House Judiciary Committee.
