South Dakota: Permitless Carry Legislation Passes House Committee, Heads to House Floor

This morning, the South Dakota House State Affairs Committee heard and passed HB 1116, NRA-backed permitless carry legislation, by a 7-5 vote.  HB 1116 is expected to be considered as early as tomorrow by the full House of Representatives.

Authored by Representative Jim Stalzer (R-11), House Bill 1116 respects your right to legally carry a concealed firearm without the burdensome requirement of acquiring a concealed pistol permit, and is an important reform to South Dakota law.  This necessary update allows law-abiding gun owners the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones.  

In South Dakota, it is already legal to carry a firearm openly, as long as the individual is not prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.  However, under current law, if a firearm becomes covered by a coat or if a woman prefers to carry a firearm for self-protection in her purse, one would need to possess a concealed pistol permit. 

This permitless carry legislation gives South Dakotans the freedom to choose the best method of carrying for them, based on their attire, gender and/or physical attributes. However, this legislation would also keep in place the current permitting system so that people who obtain a permit could still enjoy the reciprocity agreements that South Dakota has with other states.   

Please contact your state Representative and respectfully request that he or she vote in support of HB 1116 when it comes to the House floor.

To identify who represents you, please click here.