South Carolina Enacts Permitless Handgun Carry Law

Governor Henry McMaster signs legislation making South Carolina the 29th state to allow permitless handgun carry, effective immediately.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed a permitless handgun carry law into effect on March 7, 2024, allowing residents to carry handguns in public without a permit.
The new law marks a significant expansion of gun rights in the state, following the allowance of open carry for permitted gun owners three years prior.
Under the new legislation, handguns can be carried in most public places, with specific exceptions such as schools, courthouses, and polling places on election days.
Critics argue the law could lead to increased crime and gun-related deaths, while supporters claim it upholds constitutional rights and self-defense.
The law took effect immediately upon the governor's signature, making South Carolina the 29th state to enact such legislation.