TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 23-31-30, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT A FIREARMS DEALER SHALL CONDUCT VARIOUS BACKGROUND CHECKS, EVALUATIONS, AND INTERVIEWS TO DETERMINE IF A PERSON IS MENTALLY FIT PRIOR TO SELLING OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRING AN ASSAULT RIFLE TO THE PERSON.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Article 1, Chapter 31, Title 23 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 23-31-30.    (A)    For purposes of this section:

(1)    'Assault rifle' means a selective-fire rifle chambered for a cartridge of intermediate power.

(2)    'Firearms dealer' means a person engaged in the business of selling firearms at retail.

(B)    A firearms dealer shall conduct:

(1)    a criminal background check;

(2)    a family background check;

(3)    a medical and psychological evaluation; and

(4)    a personal interview to determine if a person is mentally fit prior to selling or otherwise transferring an assault rifle to the person.

(C)    A firearms dealer who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or fined not more than five hundred dollars, or both."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.