TO AMEND CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO FIREARMS, BY ADDING SECTION 23-31-218 TO PROVIDE THAT A VALID PERMIT TO CARRY CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ISSUED BY A STATE THAT SOUTH CAROLINA RECOGNIZES RECIPROCALLY SHALL REMAIN VALID UNTIL ITS EXPIRATION DATE SHOULD THE HOLDER BECOME A RESIDENT OF THIS STATE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Chapter 31, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-31-218.    Valid out-of-state permits to carry concealable weapons held by a person of a reciprocal state must be honored by this State, provided, that the reciprocal state requires an applicant to successfully pass a criminal background check and a course in firearm training and safety, and the permit shall remain valid until its expiration date should the permit holder become a resident of this State. A permit holder of a reciprocal state carrying a concealable weapon in South Carolina is subject to and must abide by the laws of this State regarding concealable weapons."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.