Many in SC worried about "open carry" firearm bill The act, which still needs to pass the Senate before it becomes law, would allow anyone 18 and over to openly carry a firearm without needing a CWP. Author: Eleanor Tabone (WLTX) Updated: 11:13 PM EDT April 7, 2021 COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolinians could be seeing people openly carrying firearms in the next year. The act, which still needs to pass the Senate before it becomes law, would allow anyone 18 and over to openly carry a firearm without needing a concealed weapons permit, currently required in South Carolina to carry a gun on your person.