Recently passed Constitutional Carry Bill divides lawmakers and citizens in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Last week, South Carolina became the 29th state to allow for constitutional carry of a firearm.

While the bill passed both the House and the Senate, some in the state are not happy to see guns become easier to obtain.

“I’m very disappointed. I was hoping that common sense would win out in this case but it didn’t,” said Patty Tuttle with Moms Demand Action. “We now have 18 year olds who can now legally carry handguns in public with training and no background check.”

“What we’re basically saying is ‘It’s okay to carry a gun without any responsibility to anyone,’” said Sen. Margie Bright Matthews, a Democrat from Colleton County.

Despite concerns from groups like Moms Demand Actions as well as several lawmakers, the Constitutional Carry bill passed 28 to 18 in the Senate and 86 to 33 in the House.

“This bill is not just legislation. It’s a reaffirmation of our dedication to the principles of liberty and personal responsibility,” said Rep. Micah Caskey, a Republican from Lexington County. “It’s an inherent right of individuals to defend themselves and their loved ones.”

“It advances two things, our 2nd Amendment freedoms for law abiding citizens and also addresses gun crime,” said Rep. Bobby Cox, a Republican from Greenville County. “That’s something we can be proud to vote on.”

The bill creates tougher penalties for gun violations by convicted felons, which is something Governor Henry McMaster has been asking lawmakers to do for a while.

“We have to get illegal guns out of these career criminals that are on the street. It’s past time. It costs no money. All they have to do is vote yes,” said Gov. McMaster last month. “We know it will be effective. We know that guns are killing people. These are illegal guns in the hands of career criminals.”

McMaster signed the bill into law last week, making South Carolina the 29th state with constitutional carry.

Patty Tuttle with Moms Demand Action points to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research that says gun crime has gone up in states with constitutional carry laws.

“That’s what we’re expecting to see in the next few years,” Tuttle said. “It’s going to be a disappointment but it’s going to be on the governor and legislators who voted for this law.”

Even with constitutional carry passed, firearms are still banned in hospitals and schools. Business and property owners can also restrict people from coming onto their property with firearms as well.