S.C. looks to halt access to concealed weapons permit holders

South Carolina lawmakers are considering legislation, HB 4243, which would keep the list of state gun permit holders a secret. 

Advocates of the bill argue that the public list might reveal the addresses of victims of abuse or lead criminals to the whereabouts of guns. Critics, however, contend that the information should be available to the public with exclusions for extenuating circumstances.

The bill would exclude permit holders’ information (names and addresses) from the public, allowing access strictly to law enforcement or through an order from the court.

The House, which passed the bill last May, is expected to take up Senate changes on Tuesday.