COLUMBIA, SC (WBTW) – Gov. Henry McMaster voiced his support Friday for a bill that would let people carry their weapons openly without having a permit.
“Governor McMaster appreciates the House’s hard work on this bill, believes it is constitutional, and will sign it if it reaches his desk,” said McMaster’s spokesperson, Brian Symmes.
That is unlikely to happen this year.
The House passed the bill 64-46 last week. Opponents included eight Republicans.
Similar proposals have died repeatedly in the Senate. The latest bill goes further by allowing people to carry their handgun openly, rather than concealed. It does maintain state law on where guns are banned, such as schools.
Its Republican supporters argue the government shouldn’t require a permit for a constitutional right.
Law enforcement officials have long opposed the idea of letting people carry a gun in public without training.
