Bill > H3596

This bill, known as "The Kingston Act," aims to address firearm safety concerning children in South Carolina by establishing legal requirements and penalties for firearm storage and supervision. The bill defines key terms like "firearm," "responsible adult," and "child" (anyone 17 or younger), and creates two primary offenses: unsecured firearm and unsupervised child firearm use. The law establishes graduated penalties based on the severity of incidents involving children accessing firearms, ranging from misdemeanors for minor infractions to felonies with up to 30 years imprisonment for incidents resulting in death. A "responsible adult" is carefully defined to exclude individuals with certain legal restrictions or impairments, and "direct supervision" is specified as being physically present with the child or, for children 14 and older in specific contexts like hunting, being available if needed. The bill explicitly recognizes the state constitution's right to bear arms while seeking to hold adults accountable for responsible firearm storage and supervision. The legislation allows firearm gifting to children with strict conditions, such as ensuring the firearm is locked and not accessible without direct adult supervision. The bill takes effect upon the Governor's approval and is designed to reduce firearm-related injuries and deaths involving minors by promoting responsible firearm management.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3596&session=126&summary=B