The committee also vetoed a Democratic proposal to allow sheriffs to block permits to those with a history of mental illness or violence. The most significant Senate change to the House version of the bill was to specify eight hours of actual firing exercises a condition of licensing. The NRA is currently lobbying to overturn the law that bans citizens from carrying assault weapons. Opponents of the bill are hoping it will not make it out of the Senate. Once a takings bill is passed, local governments find it easier to eliminate zoning rather than spend taxpayers' money fighting takings lawsuits.
Residents become powerless to stop large manufacturers from locating in their neighborhoods.
The legislation also greatly affects protections that environmental regulatory agencies have developed over the years. Bearers of the wise use torch in South Carolina include the Farm Bureau, the Forestry Association, the Poultry Federation, the home builders and realtors associations and the Tourism Council. Municipal and county governments and preservation groups were opposed. The legislation was drafted by local attorney Gerald Finkel, who wrote a similar bill that passed in Texas with the support of oil interests. The South Carolina bill has been in the House judiciary committee since last year, but Harrison seems determined to get something passed.