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PIERRE, SD — Governor Larry Rhoden signed three pro-Second Amendment bills into law during a ceremony at Boyd’s Gunstock in Mitchell as part of his “Open for Opportunity” tour. The signing reflects the state’s continued efforts to protect and expand the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
“One of my favorite things about South Dakota is how free we are – especially when it comes to the freedom to keep and bear arms,” Governor Rhoden stated. “We have taken greater actions to defend our Second Amendment rights than any other state.”
The newly signed legislation includes:
Senate Bill 100 – Campus Carry Protections
This bill limits the ability of public higher education institutions in South Dakota to restrict the lawful carrying, possession, storage, or transportation of concealed pistols, stun guns, and chemical irritants by individuals with proper permits. Exceptions apply in sensitive areas such as labs with hazardous materials, high-security facilities, or during special events with active security and screening.
House Bill 1218 – Workplace Concealed Carry Protections
HB 1218 ensures that counties, municipalities, and townships cannot prohibit their employees, officers, or volunteers from lawfully carrying concealed firearms and compatible ammunition on government property or in government vehicles. Exceptions exist for secured detention facilities, crisis centers, and transportation situations involving detainees. The bill also protects these government entities from liability stemming from lawful concealed carry.
House Bill 1222 – Expanded Concealed Carry Near Schools
This bill amends current state law to broaden the situations in which a concealed carry permit holder can lawfully possess a pistol on or around public school grounds. Individuals with permits may now keep firearms in their vehicles or retrieve them from vehicles while on school property, expanding on previous limitations. Enhanced permit holders may also carry with school authorization.
With these additions, Governor Rhoden has signed a total of 157 bills during the current legislative session and vetoed one.
These laws reflect South Dakota’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens while providing commonsense boundaries for safety. Each bill carefully balances individual liberty with public security, reinforcing the principle that responsible firearm ownership is not incompatible with institutional safety.
As more states navigate the evolving landscape of Second Amendment rights, South Dakota’s legislation stands as a model for protecting those rights without compromising lawful governance or public safety. Responsible gun owners benefit from clear legal guidance and reduced arbitrary restrictions—core tenets of any sound firearm policy.
