Did they approve this pre-hostilities?
Post-"Hostilities".
December 27, 1860, an assault force of 150 men seized the Union-occupied Castle Pinckney fortification, in the harbor close to downtown Charleston, capturing 24 guns and mortars without bloodshed.
On December 30, the Federal arsenal in Charleston was captured, resulting in the acquisition of more than 22,000 weapons by the militia.
January 9, 1861, Star of the West was fired upon by a battery on Morris Island.
March 2, 1861, The Permanent Slave Act was approved by both Houses of the Northern Congress.
So yes, approved post-"hostilities".