The proposed bill, known as "The Kingston Act," aims to enhance firearm safety for children in South Carolina by establishing regulations regarding access to firearms by minors. It introduces Article 6 to Chapter 23, Title 16 of the South Carolina Code, which defines key terms such as "firearm," "responsible adult," and "unsecured firearm." The act emphasizes the importance of adult supervision when children are handling firearms and outlines specific offenses related to unsecured firearms and unsupervised child firearm use, along with corresponding penalties.

Under the Kingston Act, it becomes unlawful to leave an unsecured firearm accessible to a child, with penalties escalating based on the consequences of a child's actions involving the firearm. For instance, if a child displays or discharges an unsecured firearm, the responsible adult may face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on whether the incident results in injury or death. The act also clarifies that responsible adults can gift firearms to children, provided that the firearms are secured and cannot be accessed without supervision. This legislation seeks to hold adults accountable for ensuring the safe handling of firearms around children, thereby aiming to reduce firearm-related accidents and injuries among minors.