S 848

Abstract

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA OMNIBUS FIREARM SAFETY ACT OF 2024" BY ADDING ARTICLE 2 TO CHAPTER 23, TITLE 16 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT ANY FIREARM TRANSFER MUST BE PRECEDED BY A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK PERFORMED BY A LICENSED FIREARMS DEALER WITH THE NATIONAL INSTANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM, AND TO PROVIDE FOR EXCEPTIONS, NOTICE, AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS PROVISION; BY ADDING ARTICLE 12 TO CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE AUTHORITY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO SEIZE A PERSON'S FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION IF THE PERSON POSES A RISK OF IMMINENT PERSONAL INJURY TO HIMSELF OR OTHER INDIVIDUALS, TO ESTABLISH CRITERIA ADDRESSING APPLICATION FOR AND ISSUANCE OF A WARRANT, TO REQUIRE THE PROBATE COURT TO HOLD A HEARING WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF EXECUTION OF THE WARRANT TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION MAY BE RETURNED TO THE PERSON, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; BY ADDING CHAPTER 24 TO TITLE 16 SO AS TO DEFINE NECESSARY TERMS, TO CREATE THE TIERED OFFENSES OF CRIMINAL STORAGE OF A FIREARM, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, TO MAKE CERTAIN PROVISIONS FOR WHEN AN INJURED CHILD IS RELATED TO THE PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE CHAPTER, AND TO REQUIRE UPON THE RETAIL SALE OR TRANSFER OF A FIREARM THAT THE SELLER GIVE NOTICE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A PERSON TO STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM WITHIN EASY REACH OF A CHILD; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 16-23-420 AND 16-23-430, RELATING TO POSSESSION OF A FIREARM ON SCHOOL PROPERTY AND CARRYING OF A WEAPON ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, RESPECTIVELY, BOTH SO AS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR THE OFFENSES; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 9 TO CHAPTER 31, TITLE 23 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT RESIDENTS OF THIS STATE WHO OWN OR POSSESS FIREARMS SHALL OBTAIN AND CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE THAT COVERS LOSSES OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY NEGLIGENT OR ACCIDENTAL USE OF THE FIREARM, TO PROVIDE THAT PROOF OF INSURANCE MUST BE DISPLAYED UPON DEMAND BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.