TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-31-232 SO AS TO PROVIDE A CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT HOLDER MAY CARRY A CONCEALABLE WEAPON ON SCHOOL PROPERTY LEASED BY A CHURCH FOR CHURCH SERVICES OR OFFICIAL CHURCH ACTIVITIES IF THE CHURCH OR ITS GOVERNING BODY PROVIDES EXPRESS PERMISSION TO THE PERMIT HOLDER, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS SECTION ONLY APPLIES DURING THE TIME THAT THE CHURCH HAS ACCESS TO THE PROPERTY FOR ITS SERVICES OR ACTIVITIES.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Article 4, Chapter 31, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-31-232.    Notwithstanding any provision of law, upon express permission given by the appropriate church official or governing body, a person who holds a permit issued pursuant to this article may carry a concealable weapon on school premises if a church leases the school premises for church services or official church activities. The provisions contained in this section apply only during those times that the church has the use and enjoyment of the property pursuant to its lease with the school."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.