COLOMBIA, SC (AP) – Some South Carolina lawmakers want to allow people with permission to carry concealed weapons to openly carry them.
South Carolina is one of five states without so-called “open transport”, joining atypical partners such as Illinois, New York, California and Florida.
But in South Carolina, the opposition is not exclusively for gun control advocates. Local and state law enforcement leaders have said that allowing even trained people to carry weapons openly can make it difficult to determine who the criminals are in emergencies and cause fights to escalate.
A bill allowing open possession for people who already have a license to carry concealed weapons will be discussed on Wednesday at a hearing by the House subcommittee. Lawmakers are inviting the public to comment after having experts testify last week.
The proposal, which has about 40 sponsors in the Chamber, has already been made and failed. But supporters believe there is a better chance this year, after Republicans won seats in the House and Senate. A bill that would likely ban nearly all abortions in the state has had a similar boost from other Republican lawmakers.
“What we are asking is that you allow those with hidden luggage to take off their coat,” said DJ Spiker of the National Rifle Association at last week’s meeting.
Wednesday’s meeting is scheduled for 1 pm and will be streamed online on the Statehouse website.
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