Know the New Law: H.3594
On March 7, 2024, Governor Henry McMaster signed H.3594 into law, making South Carolina the 29th state to adopt Constitutional Carry.
This law has raised concerns among many business owners and residents. With crime on the rise and firearms now more accessible, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and protect your property, employees, and customers.
What Changed Under H.3594
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Age lowered: Residents 18 and older may now legally open or conceal carry a handgun. They may also apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP), though a license is no longer required to carry.
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Business rights preserved: Firearms remain prohibited in locations with properly posted signage (§ 23-31-235 SC Code).
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Vehicles: There are no restrictions on where or how firearms may be stored in a vehicle.
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Law enforcement interaction: Carriers are not required to inform law enforcement if they are armed, and police may not stop someone solely for carrying.
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Bars and restaurants: Firearms may be carried inside bars or restaurants if the individual is not consuming alcohol.
How Island Security Services Protects You
Island Security Services is SLED-certified with the same authority granted to the Sheriff’s Department, including arrest powers in our contracted areas.
We help businesses and property managers stay compliant and secure by:
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Providing and posting legally compliant signage under § 23-31-235 SC Code.
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Offering armed and unarmed officers trained in de-escalation, firearms safety, and South Carolina law.
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Deploying our Special Response Team (SRT) for high-risk environments and events.
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Working closely with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office to ensure seamless cooperation and rapid response.
Why It Matters
With Constitutional Carry now in effect, every business and community faces new risks. Having trained, certified officers on-site ensures that your staff, customers, and residents are protected—legally and safely.