Signed by Governor Henry McMaster

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that authorizes individuals with concealed carry permits to open carry firearms.

Highlights:

• Defines 'concealable weapon' as a firearm having a length of fewer than 12 inches measured along its greatest dimension that may be carried openly on one's person or in a manner that is hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self-defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property (Sec. 2).

• Specifies a person can carry a handgun in a vehicle if it is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; however, this item is not violated if the glove compartment, console, or trunk is opened in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of retrieving a driver's license, registration, or proof of insurance. If the person has been issued a concealed weapon permit then the person also may secure his weapon under a seat in a vehicle, or in any open or closed storage compartment within the vehicle's passenger compartment (Sec. 3).

• Specifies nothing contained in this article will in any way be construed to limit, diminish, or otherwise infringe upon (Sec. 4.a):

• The right of a public or private employer to prohibit a person who is licensed under this article from carrying a concealed or open carry weapon upon the premises of the business or workplace or while using any machinery, vehicle, or equipment owned or operated by the business;

• The right of a private property owner or person in legal possession or control to allow or prohibit the carrying of a concealable or open carry weapon upon his premises.

• Authorizes a public or private employer or the owner of a business to post a sign regarding the prohibition or allowance on those premises of concealable weapons, whether concealed or openly carried, which may be unique to that business (Sec. 4.c).

• Requires all handgun education courses to include the following information (Sec. 6):

• Information on the statutory and case law of this State relating to handguns and the use of deadly force;

• Information on handgun use and safety;

• Information on the proper storage practice for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that reduces the possibility of accidental injury to a child; and

• The actual firing of the handgun in the presence of the instructor;

• Properly securing a firearm in a holster;

• 'Cocked and locked' carrying of a firearm;

• How to respond to a person who attempts to take your firearm from your holster; and

• Deescalation techniques and strategies."

• Authorizes a person who holds a valid permit to carry a concealable weapon on the leased premises of an elementary or secondary school if a church leases the school premises or areas within the school for church services or official church activities. These provisions apply in the following ways (Sec. 7.A-1):

• Only during those times that the church has the use and enjoyment of the property according to its lease with the school; and

• Only to the areas of the school within the lease agreement, any related parking areas, or any reasonable ingress or egress between these areas.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes individuals with concealed carry permits to open carry firearms.

Highlights:

• Defines 'concealable weapon' as a firearm having a length of fewer than 12 inches measured along its greatest dimension that may be carried openly on one's person or in a manner that is hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self-defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property (Sec. 2).

• Specifies a person can carry a handgun in a vehicle if it is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; however, this item is not violated if the glove compartment, console, or trunk is opened in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of retrieving a driver's license, registration, or proof of insurance. If the person has been issued a concealed weapon permit then the person also may secure his weapon under a seat in a vehicle, or in any open or closed storage compartment within the vehicle's passenger compartment (Sec. 3).

• Specifies nothing contained in this article will in any way be construed to limit, diminish, or otherwise infringe upon (Sec. 4.a):

• The right of a public or private employer to prohibit a person who is licensed under this article from carrying a concealed or open carry weapon upon the premises of the business or workplace or while using any machinery, vehicle, or equipment owned or operated by the business;

• The right of a private property owner or person in legal possession or control to allow or prohibit the carrying of a concealable or open carry weapon upon his premises.

• Authorizes a public or private employer or the owner of a business to post a sign regarding the prohibition or allowance on those premises of concealable weapons, whether concealed or openly carried, which may be unique to that business (Sec. 4.c).

• Requires all handgun education courses to include the following information (Sec. 6):

• Information on the statutory and case law of this State relating to handguns and the use of deadly force;

• Information on handgun use and safety;

• Information on the proper storage practice for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices that reduces the possibility of accidental injury to a child; and

• The actual firing of the handgun in the presence of the instructor;

• Properly securing a firearm in a holster;

• 'Cocked and locked' carrying of a firearm;

• How to respond to a person who attempts to take your firearm from your holster; and

• Deescalation techniques and strategies."

• Authorizes a person who holds a valid permit to carry a concealable weapon on the leased premises of an elementary or secondary school if a church leases the school premises or areas within the school for church services or official church activities. These provisions apply in the following ways (Sec. 7.A-1):

• Only during those times that the church has the use and enjoyment of the property according to its lease with the school; and

• Only to the areas of the school within the lease agreement, any related parking areas, or any reasonable ingress or egress between these areas.

Full Bill Text