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," and "responsible adult." The act outlines two primary offenses: leaving an unsecured firearm accessible to a child and allowing a child to use a firearm without direct supervision from a responsible adult. The bill specifies graduated penalties for violations, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the consequences of the child's access to the firearm.

Under the Kingston Act, it is unlawful to leave an unsecured firearm in a location where a child can access it, with penalties escalating based on whether the child merely displays the firearm, causes bodily injury, or results in death. Additionally, the act mandates that children may only use firearms under the direct supervision of a responsible adult, with similar penalties for violations. The legislation emphasizes the importance of adult supervision in preventing firearm-related accidents involving minors and allows for the gifting of firearms to children, provided that the firearms are secured and inaccessible without adult supervision.