Today, the House Judiciary Subcommittee voted to advance House Bill 3594, the constitutional carry bill. HB 3594 recognizes the right of law-abiding adults to carry a firearm for self-defense without having to first pay fees or obtain government permission, while also increasing penalties for criminals caught with firearms. HB 3594 is assigned to the Judiciary Committee, which will soon schedule a hearing for the bill.

This puts South Carolina one step closer to becoming the 26th constitutional carry state. Thank you to Representative Bobby Cox, who pre-filed HB 3594 and Speaker Murrell Smith for his leadership in ensuring this legislation moves forward.  HB 3594 strengthens South Carolinians’ right to self-defense.

HB 3594 does not change who is eligible to obtain a carry permit. It also does not affect previously issued permits and allows citizens who still wish to obtain a permit in order to carry in other states recognizing South Carolina’s permits, to do so.

NRA-ILA will keep you updated as HB 3594 is scheduled for a hearing.