SOUTH CAROLINA — A new state law has taken effect that places a specific legal obligation on gun owners across South Carolina. Under the newly enacted S.C. Code § 23-31-215, owners are now required to report any lost or stolen handgun to law enforcement within 10 days of discovering the weapon is missing.
The legislation represents a shift in how the state handles missing firearms, aiming to increase accountability and assist police in tracking weapons that may have entered the black market.
According to the statute, the 10-day reporting window begins the moment the owner realizes the firearm is gone. Failure to comply with this requirement is not just an administrative oversight; it can now lead to criminal charges.
Law enforcement officials state that the primary goal of this legislation is to recover stolen firearms more rapidly and prevent them from being used in the commission of other crimes. By creating a timely record of stolen weapons, officers hope to better track the flow of illegal guns and return recovered property to their rightful owners.
The law also emphasizes the importance of responsible gun ownership, encouraging residents to keep close track of their inventory and secure their weapons.
Residents are advised that if they discover a handgun is missing, they should contact their local law enforcement agency immediately to file a report. Early reporting not only ensures compliance with the new law but also increases the likelihood of the firearm being recovered before it can be used for criminal activity.
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