South Carolina: 2013 Session Convenes With Pro-Gun Activity!
The South Carolina General Assembly convened on January 8 and your NRA is working closely with state legislators in Columbia to protect our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
Our legislative agenda this year includes making numerous improvements to the current Right-to-Carry law, improving the state Emergency Powers law to ensure our gun rights are not threatened during a declared state of emergency and passing a Fraudulent Firearms Purchase Prevention law. We will also work on a number of other areas as the session progresses. The following gun bills have already been introduced that, if passed and enacted, will positively impact your rights as a gun owner:
H. 3044, introduced by state Representative Mike Pitts (R-14), would establish a Fraudulent Firearms Purchase Prevention law that protects lawful firearm retailers from illegal gun sting operations such as those by anti-gun New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg has sent hired agents into other states to attempt illegal firearm purchases in an effort to blame federally licensed firearm retailers for gun crime in New York City and around the country.
H. 3053, introduced by state Representative Bill Taylor (R-86), would remove the prohibition on Right-to-Carry permit holders carrying a concealed firearm into any establishment licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption.
H. 3072, introduced by state Representative Garry R. Smith (R-27), would prohibit the establishment of any rules that would forbid the storing of firearms in a locked vehicle in parking lots. This bill would protect your right to keep a firearm in your car if you choose to hunt or target shoot before or after work. It would also allow an individual to keep a firearm in their vehicle for self-defense during their commute to and from work.
S. 249, introduced by state Senator Nikki Setzler (D-26), would designate state funding to pay for at least one School Resource Officer for every school in every public school district in South Carolina. This reasoned and rational response to the tragedy in Newtown would create a solid line of defense against any violent predator who seeks to harm children while they are in school.
While these are just a few of the bills already introduced, the NRA is working with lawmakers to introduce several other pro-gun reforms. Please take a moment to contact your state Senator and Representative and urge him to support the bills mentioned here, and to work with NRA to ensure our Right to Keep and Bear Arms is protected in the Palmetto State.
