SC Gun Law Updates as of February 2026 by James Moffitt

James Moffitt (00:01.56)
Hello everybody. My name is James Moffat and this is Liberty and Gun Rights Podcast. And it's good to talk to you today. Welcome back to the show. Today we're taking a clear grounded look at the latest updates to gun laws here in South Carolina. What's already changed, what's being proposed and what these shifts mean for everyday citizens. My goal isn't to tell you what to think.

but to give you the facts, the context and the conversations happening around these laws so you can stay informed and engaged. Before we get into that though, I want to give you an update about the podcast. I created a website for the podcast and it's called, or the URL is www.libertygunrights.com.

James Moffitt (00:58.21)
That's www.libertyandgunrights.com. On this website, I will be sharing a lot of different types of information. One of the things I'll be doing is talking about upcoming episodes and sharing guest profiles with you so that you'll be able to stick those on your calendar and be sure to listen to them.

the last person we had on the podcast was, February the 6th when Liberty meets responsibility, Russell van Brocklin on the second amendment.

We have a gentleman named Ruben Booker of gearswitcher.com. That's gearswitcher.com. I'll be interviewing him on February the 27th. And that will be an interesting conversation that you want to stay tuned for. He'll be talking about his new company that he's starting called GearSwitcher and has the website.

that I just gave you and he is going to, or he has created a much easier web interface for you to go out and buy your, latest and greatest, self-defense gear, ammunition, leather goods, all sorts of stuff. So anyway, I'll be talking to him more about that on February the 27th, which is this coming Friday.

And I will probably release it the same day or actually release it on Saturday at 8 a.m. So stay tuned for that. The next episode that I will interview will be Tom Lee, who is a Texas sheriff's deputy. And he talks about the truth of what it's like to be a law enforcement officer.

James Moffitt (03:02.008)
somewhere along the lines of the truth behind the badge, PTSD, all of the different types of incidents that he has responded to. And he talks to large effect the same sort of things that a lot of first responders experience during their careers. And I'm very thankful for first responders and for those people out there that

wear a badge and a gun and all the 911 dispatchers and the EMS fire department, all those people that keep us safe and I'm very appreciative of them. So without, without further ado, let's get into the South Carolina gun law updates for February the 22nd, 2026.

So the biggest change happened in 2024, permitless carry. That's the biggest update when that's already in effect. In 2024, South Carolina passed constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry. This law allows anyone 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm to carry it openly or concealed without a permit or required training. Here's what that means in real life.

You no longer need a concealed weapons permit to carry in South Carolina. The CWP program still exists for reciprocity with other states. Police cannot stop someone just for having a firearm visible. And importantly, there are still places where guns are prohibited. Schools, courthouses, churches unless allowed, medical facilities, and any private property that posts a no firearm sign. This law

has been one of the most significant shifts in South Carolina gun policy in decades.

James Moffitt (05:04.088)
Proposed Assault Weapons and Magazine Ban Bill 3180 Now let's talk about one of the most debated proposals on the table, Bill 3180. This bill would expand the definition of assault weapons. Ban semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines over 21 rounds. Ban magazines over 15 rounds. Make possession, transport, sale, or transfer of these items unlawful.

Right now, this bill is still in committee. It has sparked strong reactions on both sides. Gun rights advocates calling it unnecessary and unconstitutional, and gun safety advocates calling it overdue. This is one to watch, because if it ever moves forward, it would represent a major shift in state policy. Again, that's bill 3180.

Second Amendment Financial Privacy Bill or H-3930 Another bill gaining traction is the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act. This bill would block the use of firearms-specific merchant codes, the codes credit card companies use to categorize purchases. Supporters say these codes could be used to track gun buyers. Opponents argue they help identify suspicious activity. This bill has passed out of the House Judiciary Committee

and is continuing through the legislative process. That's Bill H3930. Hunting Heritage Protection Act or H3872. South Carolina is also considering legislation aimed at protecting the state's hunting culture. The Hunting Heritage Protection Act would require the state to maintain or expand access to hunting lands. It has already passed the House and is now in the Senate.

This one has broad support among sportsmen and conservation groups.

James Moffitt (07:05.334)
Segment 5. The Charleston Loophole Debate. One issue that continues to surface, even though no new law has passed, is a push to close what's known as the Charleston Loophole. Under federal law, if a background check isn't completed within three days,

James Moffitt (07:25.918)
A gun sale can proceed. Let's try that again. Under federal law, if a background check isn't completed within three days, a gun sale can proceed. Gun safety groups argue this contributed to the 2015 Emanuel AME tragedy. Gun rights groups argue that extending the timeline would create unnecessary delays for lawful buyers.

This debate is ongoing, and while no bill has passed yet, it remains a major point of public pressure.

where guns are still restricted. Even with permitless carry, there are still clear restrictions. Firearms are still prohibited in courthouses, government buildings where official meetings occur, schools, colleges and universities, medical facilities, any private business that posts a no firearms sign. The Attorney General has clarified that these restrictions apply to buildings, not outdoor public spaces like parks or parking lots.

Local authority during public events. Cities and towns do have limited authority during permitted events. Local governments can temporarily restrict open carry during parades, festivals, protests, other permitted public gatherings. But they cannot restrict concealed carry during these events. If open carry is restricted, they must post clear signage.

Recent incidents shaping the conversation. A recent school firearm incident in Ridgeland in early 2026 has renewed conversations about youth access, school safety, and whether current laws are sufficient. While no new legislation has come directly from this incident yet, it has added urgency to ongoing debates.

James Moffitt (09:22.498)
South Carolina's gun laws are shifting. Some changes already in place, others still being debated, and more likely to come. Whether you're a gun owner, a parent, a hunter, or simply a citizen who wants to stay informed, understanding these updates helps you navigate your rights and responsibilities. As always, my goal is to bring clarity, not noise, to help you stay grounded in facts, not fear. Thank you for joining me today.

Stay safe, stay informed, and I'll see you in the next episode.

James Moffitt (10:01.005)
Uh-uh.