Louisiana and South Carolina Permitless Carry – What You Need to Know
Last week saw two additional states join the ranks of “Constitutional Carry” states. Constitutional Carry, also known as Permitless Carry, is the name given to states that allow the concealed carry of a handgun in public without any license or permit.
There are some slight variances among states that claim Constitutional Carry such as age restrictions, if it applies to concealed carry only or open carry also if it only applies to residents of the states, and other minor differences as well.
That brings the total tally to 29 states. This map represents all those states with current and pending constitutional carry freedoms.
Louisiana
On March 5th, Governor Landry of Louisiana signed into law SB1. While the law will not go into effect until July 4th, 2024 there is much to celebrate for those who care about gun rights and freedom.
Previously, or I guess currently up until July 4th, Louisiana did allow for permitless carry for those in active military service. This change removes that restriction and extends this freedom to all adults.
Once in effect, this law allows for anyone 18 years of age or older who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a gun to carry it concealed without a permit.
This includes both residents and non-residents of Louisiana.
The concealed carry permit program will remain in place for those who are interested in obtaining the permit to have some increased freedoms including permit reciprocity outside the state.
South Carolina
On March 7th Governor McMaster signed HB 3594 into law. The law goes into effect immediately and like Louisiana, there is much to celebrate.
This new law allows for both open and concealed carry for anyone 18+ who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. This applies both to residents and non-residents.
Previously a permit was required to carry openly as well as concealed so this new law is a two-for-one special in extending open carry rights along with the concealed carry rights to all law-abiding adults.
As an additional bonus, this new law also extends the right to apply for a concealed carry permit in South Carolina to those ages 18-20 whereas previously you had to be 21 to apply.
So obviously, the SC concealed carry permit program will remain in place just as it has in other states where permitless carry has become the law.
Please help us in NY!!!
you live in new york your screwed.
So it a scam . Why IL have to pay every 5yrs to renew they CCL.
In Ohio we have Constitutional Carry but also Concealed carry permits’ that expire every 5 yrs also.
Most States do a renewal every 5 years.
Because it’s not about the money really, it’s about keeping updated contact information on you.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and some state representatives are discussing ways to provide free CWP training by one instructor per county. There may also be some SLED officers who will teach CWP courses. Other law changes include no duty to notify and not needing your CWP ID with you when you carry.
I live in Louisiana, and am excited for constitutional carry. Another law that was passed at the same time provided civil protection to those with a concealed carry permit, to the same level as law-enforcement. The author of the bill stated that he did not believe government should restrict the right to carry firearms, but that it should incentivize training.
https://youtu.be/m5KowFIjldQ?si=MeGGErD-SuOX_tx6. Check this link not for some I fo between the differences of constitional carry and having your permit. Might be good info to go by. I have my permit and plan to keep it.
Wow fat fingered that… check that link out for some good information. Just something to think about for constitutional carry. Sorry for the bad english.
Do be careful of the “sensitive areas” (prohibited areas) as these vary greatly from state to state. Things are much better, but still check the prohibitions in each state before entering.
Hate to burst your bubble, but unless your firearm ‘prints’, you blab, or there are metal detectors in use who in the world will know you carry concealed? Hint: you need your concealed carry weapon MORE THAN EVER in ‘prohibited areas’.
In NJ we have to renew every 2 years along with a qualification