Facing more federal gun controls, SC conservatives passed an open carry bill 69 47 this week.

The SC House bill is the 2nd expansion of firearms rights this year.

This bill will allow eligible gun owners to carry handguns openly without permits

We have asked Lexington County senators by email how they feel about the bill and are likely to vote on it. We will let you know how they respond.

State Rep. Micah Caskey, R-Lexington County said nothing in the bill will change your legal right to own guns.

This means convicted criminals and others banned from owning guns could not legally acquire them, he said

Nor does the bill allow gun owners to carry them where guns are banned.

Prodded by gun control advocates, President Biden plans new gun restrictions The Wall Street Journal reported.

The Democratic President plans to:

• Ban untraceable weapons known as ghost guns made from parts bought online.

• Nominate gun-control advocate David Chipman to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and

Explosives.

Opponents argued the bill will make South Carolina unsafe and discourage families and businesses from moving here.

Several Republicans voted against the bill.

Supporters argue the Constitution gives gun owners the right to carry weapons.

They say an earlier bill to allow for open carry with a permit does not go far enough to protect 2nd Amendment rights.

The bill may face stiffer opposition in the state Senate.

Republican senators told The State newspaper they are more likely to pass a similar bill to allow gun owners to carry openly in public with a permit.

Republican Gov. Henry McMaster told reporters he will sign into law any bill protecting the right to have and bear arms.

State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel said he opposes open carry with a permit as it can cause serious problems for police.

He said he’s concerned it will create tragic confrontations with police that “we’re not having” with the current concealed weapons permit.

To avoid federal interference, the House agreed to change the bill to ensure Washington could not interfere with the state’s gun laws or regulate South Carolinian’s right to own a gun.