The Palmetto State on Thursday became the 29th in the country to recognize that a permit is not needed to legally carry a concealed handgun.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) signed H. 3594, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," this week, which will allow those over age 18 who can legally possess a firearm to carry one concealed without a permit. The bill had passed the Republican-controlled state House by an 86-33 vote, while the Senate concurred 28-18 after a legislative process that saw the proposal morph via amendments no less than 15 times as it moved through the chambers. 

Even though numerous carve-outs remain as "no gun zones" and the new law has some 14th Amendment issues; the governor described it as "constitutional carry" in his remarks on signature this week.

"With my signature, South Carolina is now the 29th state in the country with constitutional carry," said McMaster. "This bill expands the Second Amendment rights of our law-abiding citizens and will keep violent criminals behind bars with increased penalties for illegal gun use and possession."

The new law will keep the state's Concealed Weapon Permit scheme in place for those who want one for reciprocal purposes. The five-year permits cost $50 and have a training requirement as a prerequisite. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division listed 526,793 active CWPs as of December. 

The U.S. Concealed Carry Association noted that "29 states now recognize the inherent right of every law-abiding citizen to defend themselves, their loved ones, and their communities with a firearm."

South Carolina’s permitless carry law will take effect immediately. Meanwhile, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a similar bill in his state earlier this week, which will take effect on July 4, 2024.

Banner image: Rost-Martin RM1C 9mm pistol with its extended magazine inserted. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com).