Signed by Governor Nikki Haley

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that authorizes an individual who is not consuming alcohol to carry a concealed weapon into a business that serves alcohol.

Highlights:

• Authorizes an individual to carry a concealed weapon into a business that serves alcohol if the individual does not consume alcohol (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes a property owner, lease holder, or operator of a business to prohibit the carrying of a concealed weapon on the business’s premises by posting a sign that reads “No Concealable Weapons Allowed” (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes a property owner, lease holder, or operator of a business to request that an individual who is carrying a concealed weapon leave any portion of the business’s premises or remove the concealable weapon from any portion of the business’s premises (Sec 1). 

• Classifies a violation of the provisions of this bill as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of no more than $2,000, imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that an individual in violation of the provisions of this bill will have his or her concealed weapon permit revoked for 5 years (Sec. 1).

• Repeals the requirement that a basic or advanced handgun education course last a minimum of 8 hours (Sec. 2).

• Exempts certain individuals from aspects of the training each concealed weapon permit applicant is required to complete, including, but not limited to, the following individuals (Sec. 2): 
• An applicant who can provide proof of completion of basic military training provided by any branch of the United States military;
• An applicant who is a retired law enforcement officer and can provide proof of graduation from the Criminal Justice Academy; or
• An applicant who is a retired law enforcement officer and can provide proof of graduation from a federal or state academy that includes firearms training as a requirement of graduation. 

• Authorizes the concealed weapon permit application to be submitted online (Sec. 2).  

• Amends the concealed weapon permit renewal process as follows (Sec. 2): 
• The renewal period is increased to 5 years, whereas existing law set the period at 4 years; and
• The renewal requires an applicant to undergo a background check, whereas existing law required a fingerprint review.

• Repeals the requirement for a concealed weapon permit application to be considered endorsed if a sheriff fails to provide the necessary recommendation within the 10 day allotted period (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text