MORNING NEWSBREAK | State residents now have the right to carry firearms in most public places, creating what some advocates call a form of “constitutional carry.” Gov. Henry McMaster signed legislation on Thursday, just one day after it received legislative approval. That made South Carolina become the 29th state to allow open carrying of a firearm without a permit.
Gun supporters have long been pushing for the law, first allowing open carry for permitted gun owners three years ago. To get a permit under the old law, residents had to be at least 21, take eight hours of training and pass a background check. Now, none of that is required.
The law also provides stiffer penalties for people who repeatedly carry guns in places where they would still be banned, like schools or courthouses, or commit crimes while armed, whether they use the weapon or not. The penalties can be enhanced if the offender doesn’t have a concealed weapons permit.
“Even though training is not required, it is really encouraged in this [bill],” said S.C. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield.
As an additional incentive for gun owners to take an optional gun training class, free training will be offered at least twice a month in every county, a cost that taxpayer dollars will cover. With a concealed carry permit, your right to carry a handgun concealed will be guaranteed in 35 other states around the U.S., according to media outlets.
In City Paper news today:
CP OPINION: Protect yourself from scams. “In an age where we’re relying more on digital technology, scammers are getting so smart that they are spoofing numbers from banks, government agencies, Amazon and everything in between.”
CP CARTOONS:
CP FOCUS: How easy is it to eat ethically in S.C.? In this week’s new cover story, writer Helen Mitternight explores how easy it is to eat ethically in South Carolina — the perfect story as thousands descend upon the Lowcountry for Charleston Wine + Food weekend.
CP NEWS: Legislators propose bipartisan bills to protect IVF treatment. South Carolina women, physicians and legislators are vigorously moving to protect fertility care in the Palmetto State in the wake of a Feb. 16 decision by the Alabama Supreme Court to grant personhood to frozen embryos.
CP NEWS: Moore, Deford vie for Democratic congressional seats. Expect to hear a lot in coming months from two Mount Pleasant Democrats — Michael B. Moore and Mac Deford — about why they believe they can retake the First Congressional District seat currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace.
CP NEWS: Oscar Mayer Wienermobile stops in Charleston for the weekend. Two of Oscar Mayer’s official hotdoggers are making their way through the Lowcountry this weekend to get ahead on St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
CP NEWS: Foundation rebrands with new house and garden fundraiser. The Historic Charleston Foundation’s annual spring house and garden tours, which attracts thousands of tourists to the city, has a new name and a refreshed schedule to lure more local residents.
In other recent headlines:
Daylight saving time could affect your health. Losing an hour of sleep as daylight saving time kicks in can do more than leave you tired and cranky the next day — it also could harm your health.
MUSC sickle cell trial seeing success. Doctors at MUSC are already seeing improvements with the Ruby trial, a new transformative treatment option for sickle cell disease that uses a type of gene editing.
New 24/7 animal hospital opens in Mount Pleasant. The Veterinary Emergency Group opened their pet ER at 2183 N. Highway 17, providing the highest level of emergency care, including surgeries, ultrasounds, x-rays and more 24 hours a day.
Charleston Co. educators share insights in new survey. Teachers in Charleston County say compensation, benefits, and school climate are top factors when deciding to remain in the classroom.
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