March 26, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The public would not have access to the names of people who can carry concealed weapons in South Carolina under a proposal that appears to be headed to the governor's desk.

The House made a small change to the proposal Tuesday and returned it to the Senate, which passed a similar measure earlier this month. Senators are expected to approve the change and send
the bill to the governor's desk.

The South Carolina House passed the bill unanimously last May after a Virginia newspaper put a link on its Web site with the names and addresses of that state's concealed carry permit holders.

Gun enthusiasts say publishing the gun owners' names violates their privacy. Open government advocates say the government should never issue licenses in secret.

Under the House change, the state will wait until a permit is revoked before publishing that person's name, address and reason for the revocation.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.