A bill in the South Carolina House Judiciary Committee would allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Right now, anyone at least 21 years old must complete training courses to carry concealed weapons. If passed, the bill would no longer require the eight hour course.
Ronnie Roberts retired from law enforcement. He teaches concealed weapons permit classes now. He's worried the new law could open the door for many problems.
"The reason to have a permit is to give people the training and the knowledge of shooting and carrying a gun safely," says Roberts. "I'm concerned honest citizens will do something wrong not knowing the law."
As an example, he shared a misconception he heard from a former student. The student wanted to know if he could shoot someone for beating him up. "Of course you can't shoot someone for slapping you around," says Roberts, "but that is something that people think that have no training." He says if the law passes it will be like the "cowboy days" of the west.
National Rifle Association member Blaine Garrien of Murrells Inlet has mixed emotions about the bill.
"I don't believe in big government, and I'm a strong believer in the second amendment," says Garrien, "but I do think people need some sort of training before they're let loose."
The classes will still be offered for the permit even if the bill is passed. "With Horry County being a border county, people will still need this permit if they plan to travel into North Carolina. Because you will still be required by North Carolina law to have a permit if you plan to have a concealed weapon."
To pass the concealed weapons test, a person must complete a class approved by the State Law Enforcement Division. The course covers state weapons laws, the basic of guns, gun safety and child safety. Then, gun owners are required to hit at least 70 percent of their shooting range targets.
