The proposed bill, known as "The Kingston Act," aims to enhance firearm safety for children in South Carolina by establishing new regulations regarding access to firearms. It introduces Article 6 to Chapter 23, Title 16 of the South Carolina Code, which defines key terms such as "firearm," "child," "responsible adult," and "direct supervision." The act recognizes the historical context of responsible firearm use by parents and guardians while emphasizing the need for adult supervision to prevent firearm-related injuries and deaths among minors.

The bill creates two primary offenses: "unsecured firearm" and "unsupervised child firearm use," each with graduated penalties based on the severity of the incident. Leaving an unsecured firearm accessible to a child can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on whether the child merely displays the firearm or causes injury or death. Additionally, it is unlawful for a person to allow a child to use a firearm without direct supervision from a responsible adult, with similar penalties for violations. The act also clarifies that responsible adults can gift firearms to children, provided they ensure the firearms are secured and inaccessible without supervision.