S1030 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to Article I, Section 20 of the South Carolina Constitution, which addresses the right to keep and bear arms. The measure would restate that the right to bear arms in defense of oneself is a fundamental right held by each individual citizen and would require any restriction on that right to satisfy strict scrutiny.
The resolution also adds language providing that no citizen may be compelled by an international treaty or international law to take any action that prohibits, limits, or otherwise interferes with the personal right to keep and bear arms, if that treaty, law, or its adoption would violate the U.S. Constitution. It further preserves existing constitutional language about the militia, civilian control of the military, and quartering of soldiers, and directs that the proposed amendment be submitted to voters at the next general election for representatives.
Impact
If adopted by the electorate, the resolution would amend the South Carolina Constitution and strengthen the constitutional protection for firearm possession and carry by explicitly labeling the right as fundamental and subjecting restrictions to strict scrutiny. It would also add a state constitutional limitation on the effect of international treaties or international law in this area, potentially affecting how state officials interpret or apply any foreign or international obligations related to firearms. Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment, it would not change statutory law directly unless and until approved by voters, but it would supersede inconsistent state constitutional or statutory provisions.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be framed in strongly pro-Second Amendment terms. The caption and operative language suggest support for expanding and clarifying constitutional protections for gun rights, with an emphasis on individual rights and resistance to outside legal constraints. No contrary arguments are documented in the available record, so the overall sentiment cannot be measured from debate history, but the proposal itself reflects a clear pro-gun-rights posture.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the scope of the proposed constitutional protection for firearms, especially the addition of strict scrutiny and the statement that international treaties or international law cannot compel conduct that interferes with gun rights. Supporters would likely view this as a safeguard for individual liberty and state sovereignty, while opponents may see it as unnecessary, potentially duplicative of existing Second Amendment protections, or as creating confusion about the relationship between state law, federal constitutional law, and international obligations. No committee testimony or vote record was provided, so specific named opponents or supporters are not available.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to amend section 4 of the Kansas bill of rights to recognize the right to bear arms as a fundamental right that includes the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories and firearm components, and that any restrictions on such right are subject to the strict scrutiny standard.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
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