Bill > S0129

This bill adds a new section to South Carolina law that creates legal protections for federal firearms licensees (FFLs) who enter into voluntary firearm hold agreements with individual gun owners. The bill defines a "firearms hold agreement" as a written contract where a gun owner temporarily transfers possession of their lawfully owned firearms to an FFL for a predetermined period, with the understanding that they can reclaim the firearms later. Under this legislation, FFLs are granted criminal and civil immunity for any death or personal injury that might occur in connection with these agreements, with a key exception: this immunity does not apply if the FFL's actions involve unlawful conduct, gross negligence, or recklessness. The bill specifically clarifies that a "federal firearms licensee" is someone licensed under federal law to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms or ammunition. The law explicitly excludes firearm transfers related to domestic violence situations. The bill would take effect immediately upon the Governor's approval, providing a legal framework for temporary firearm storage arrangements that protects licensed firearms businesses from potential liability while they are holding someone else's firearms.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=129&session=126&summary=B