Gun rights legislators and activists are hoping a multi-year effort to remove permit requirements for concealed pistols will finally pay off.
Previous efforts to allow permit-less carry were vetoed by then-Governor Dennis Daugaard.
Lawmakers will decide between three bills that allow what’s often called “Constitutional Carry.” Current South Dakota law allows open carry of a pistol. But lawmakers in favor of removing the permit requirement to carry a concealed pistol say simply putting a jacket on would violate state law.
Governor Kristi Noem says Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden is meeting with interested parties over three separate permit-less carry bills. She says the meeting included legislators, law enforcement and gun rights groups.
Noem says no agreements are made, but that she supports the principle of constitutional carry.
“I’ve talked extensively about that,” Noem says. “We will look at specific language in each of these bills and see where the support is. I’ve also talked extensively about the fact that it’s important to me that we consult with law enforcement officers and that we have them at the table for this discussion, because their role is incredibly important with making sure that we are protecting people while protecting people’s rights.”
Noem says the talks are a starting point.
Both the South Dakota Sheriff’s Association and the State’s Attorneys Association oppose Senate Bill 47, one of three different which repeals and revises provisions on permits to carry a concealed pistol. Those two groups opposed similar bills in previous sessions.
Which bill passes may boil down to the issue of residency.
In addition to permit-less carry legislation, a bill that allows permit holders who’ve passed a background check to carry a pistol in the capitol building is making its way to the Senate floor.