TO AMEND SECTION 23-31-215, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF CONCEALED WEAPON PERMITS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A CHURCH OR RELIGIOUS SANCTUARY THAT ALLOWS A PERMIT HOLDER TO CARRY A WEAPON UPON ITS PREMISES IS NOT CIVILLY OR CRIMINALLY LIABLE FOR THE ACT OF GRANTING SUCH PERMISSION IN THE EVENT OF AN INCIDENT INVOLVING A HOLDER OF A PERMIT.

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

SECTION    1.    Section 23-31-215(M)(8) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(8)    church or other established religious sanctuary unless express permission is given by the appropriate church official or governing body. Such permission shall not expose the church, religious sanctuary, its officials, or governing body to civil or criminal liability for the act of granting such permission in the event of an incident involving a holder of a permit issued pursuant to this section;"

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