TO AMEND CHAPTER 23, TITLE 16 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO OFFENSES INVOLVING WEAPONS; BY ADDING SECTION 16-23-54 TO PROVIDE THAT A HANDGUN OWNER OR DEALER MUST IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE LOSS OR THEFT OF A HANDGUN TO A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY; AND TO AMEND SECTION 16-23-50, TO PROVIDE FOR A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF SECTION 16-23-54.

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

SECTION    1.    Section 16-23-50 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 16-23-50.    (A)    A person, including a dealer, who violates the provisions of this article, except Section Sections 16-23-20 and 16-23-54, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

(B)    A person violating the provisions of Section 16-23-20 or Section 16-23-54 is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both."

SECTION    2.    Chapter 23, Title 16 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 16-23-54.    A handgun owner or dealer must immediately report the loss or theft of a handgun to a law enforcement agency."

SECTION    3.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.