Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) today applauded the passing of House Bill 3094, NRA-backed legislation bringing South Carolina in line with 45 other states to allow law-abiding gun owners to openly carry handguns.
“This critical step is long overdue in South Carolina, bringing the state in line with an overwhelming majority of the country,” said NRA-ILA South Carolina State Director D.J. Spiker. “With Gov. McMaster’s signature, law-abiding South Carolinians with concealed weapons permits will have the opportunity to carry their handguns in the manner that best fits their individual needs.”
HB 3094 allows law-abiding citizens with Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) to openly carry a handgun thus erasing the original South Carolina ban from 1962. The bill also eliminates the standard $50 CWP application fee.
“The elimination of the CWP application fee is almost as important as the right to open carry. After all, in these times of financial uncertainty, the right of self-protection shouldn’t be limited to the wealthy. We thank Rep. Bobby Cox and House and Senate leaderships for prioritizing this important policy,” Spiker concluded.
The law will go into effect 90 days from the date of signing.