The bill would essentially eliminate the need for concealed weapon permits.GREENVILLE, S.C. -
An open forum will be held in Greenville Monday night to discuss a bill currently being discussed by South Carolina legislators, that would allow gun owners to openly carry their weapons. The bill, proposed by Senator Lee Bright of Spartanburg, would essentially eliminate the need for concealed weapon permits. "We believe it's a constitutional right that shall not be infringed," Bright told Seven on Your Side. "When you're require someone to get a permit, that's infringement."
Currently, to obtain a concealed weapons permit, you must pass an 8 hour course. If Bright's bill were to pass, it would eliminate the training requirement that goes along with that. "I think that's a bad idea," says CWP instructor Mark Bilicki. Over the years, Bilicki has taught thousands of people the responsibility of gun ownership. While he's a staunch 2nd Amendment supporter, he believes this legislation would not lessen crime. "You eliminate the element of surprise," he says. "If somebody walks into a business wanting to rob that place, that best thing is for that criminal not to know someone in the business has a gun."
The forum will be held at Greenville County Square from 7:00-9:00 pm Monday. The public is welcome to attend.
Bright told 7 On Your Side he has held similar forums in other parts of the state, and they have been "well received."
