Democrats and Republicans are at odds over a Senate bill that would stiffen sentences for people who carry a weapon while committing a crime. The bill by Sen. Joe Wilson, R-West Columbia, would add five years to the sentences of those convicted of possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The extra time also would be added in weapons cases, such as selling a weapon to a convicted felon, or crimes involving drug manufacturing or distribution. The five years would be mandatory and could not be served concurrently. It also would not be subject to parole eligibility, probation, work release or good behavior credit.
Supporters say it is a deterrent to crime and similar measures have reduced crime in other states.
But the bill already has faced opposition in committees and on the Senate floor. Some senators say it will lengthen sentences, particularly for black men who already face longer sentences and higher conviction rates. Opponents also say it will overburden an already strapped state corrections system. Sen. Clementa Pinckney, D-Ridgeland, took the floor for hours Wednesday and Thursday to attack wording in the bill that would have added five years to a sentence merely for the appearance of having a weapon during the commission of a crime. The bill was amended to address his concerns, but even in its amended form it faces a tough road.