SC Lawmaker Proposes Bill To Accept ALL Concealed Carry Permits — Who Else Is Planning Their Next Vacation To SC?

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — South Carolina acknowledges very few other states’ concealed carry permits. Its permit, however, enjoys a decent bit of reciprocity across the nation. Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Horry, is looking to change that for the better. For those with a love of the Palmetto State and wishing to travel freely from North Carolina to Georgia, a new bill entering into South Carolina’s General Assembly may just allow for it.

According to the new bill, cited through The State, South Carolina would acknowledge all state permits. So long as the concealed carrier is 21 years of age or older, he or she will be allowed to carry concealed with his or her resident concealed carry permit.  Exceptions would exist for active duty military service personnel serving in South Carolina.

With more than 50 co-sponsors to the bill, it’s expected to pass the General Assembly.

As a New Hampshire resident, I surely appreciate it. Those of us from the Northeast tend to gravitate to the warm beaches and scenic landscapes of the Carolinas. If this bill were to pass, it would be easy to drive down the coast and enjoy those beautiful southern climes.

Of course, as a New Englander, I’d still have to store my gun while I drive through Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland — but who really feels like stopping and taking a break until the outside temps hit 70°F?

Prior to that, as a law-abiding gun owner, I’d have to stop in a place like Wilmington, NC, and store my gun before driving to Charleston.

If this bill passes, I expect to be making another road trip down by those parts come fall. While the Southerners are putting on their winter sweaters, I’ll be soaking up the rays on the beach like the trashy Yankee I am.

All jokes aside, this bill, if passed, is a great move for South Carolina. It promotes and encourages law-abiding gun owners and concealed carriers to visit their state without fear of disarmament.

South Carolina doesn’t, in practice, issue too many non-resident permits. That leaves only resident permits as a traditional course for legally carrying concealed as an out-of-state traveler. This bill would remove that need and give those visiting the jewel of the Southeast an added sense of safety and security.