PIERRE, SD — A major step toward campus self-defense rights is underway in South Dakota as Senate Bill 100 moves through the legislature with strong support. This bill, introduced by Senator Voita, aims to prevent public colleges and technical institutions from prohibiting concealed carry by permit holders and ensures students and faculty have access to basic self-defense tools like pepper spray and stun guns.
The bill has gained significant traction, passing the Senate in a 33-2 vote on February 12, 2025, after amendments. It now heads to the House, where Second Amendment supporters hope it will continue to advance.
What SB 100 Does
If passed, the bill would prohibit public colleges and technical institutions from restricting the lawful carry of:
- Concealed firearms by those with a South Dakota enhanced permit or a recognized reciprocal permit.
- Stun guns for self-defense.
- Pepper spray and other chemical irritants for personal protection.
Limited Restrictions for Safety Reasons
While the bill broadly protects the right to carry on campus, limited exceptions exist. Schools may restrict weapons in specific areas that contain:
- Large quantities of hazardous materials.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or nuclear magnetic resonance equipment.
- Rooms used for controlled scientific research.
- Secure locations requiring federal security clearance.
Additionally, special events can temporarily restrict carry if metal detectors and armed security personnel are present at all public entrances.
Why This Bill Matters
This legislation is a critical step in protecting students, faculty, and staff from the ever-present risk of violent crime on college campuses. Colleges often restrict firearms and even non-lethal self-defense tools, leaving students—particularly young women—completely defenseless against threats like assault, robbery, and active shooter situations.
By allowing concealed carry permit holders to lawfully carry on campus, SB 100 ensures that responsible adults retain the ability to protect themselves and others. Additionally, permitting pepper spray and stun guns provides options for those who may not carry firearms but still want a means of self-defense.
The Path Forward
With strong backing in the Senate, SB 100 now moves to the South Dakota House of Representatives, where supporters hope for swift passage. If signed into law, this bill will make South Dakota one of the most pro-self-defense states in the nation, ensuring that students and faculty are no longer forced to be easy targets in “gun-free” zones.
Stay Informed and Take Action
If you support the right to self-defense on campus, now is the time to contact your state representatives and voice your support for SB 100. Self-defense is a fundamental right, and this bill ensures that law-abiding individuals can protect themselves no matter where they are.
