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PIERRE, SD — The South Dakota Legislature has passed House Bill 1218, a measure that would allow individuals to carry concealed pistols in establishments where more than half of the income is derived from the sale of alcoholic beverages. This bill seeks to repeal the existing prohibition on concealed firearms in such venues, a restriction that has been in place since 2019.
The bill’s progression saw significant amendments, notably by Republican Senator Mykala Voita, who introduced the provision permitting concealed carry in bars. The Senate approved this amendment with a 30-4 vote, sending the bill back to the House. After some deliberation, including the formation of a conference committee to reconcile differences, the House concurred with the Senate’s version, passing it with a 56-14 vote.
Proponents of the bill, such as Republican Representative Aaron Aylward, emphasized that while the legislation permits concealed carry in bars, individual establishments retain the authority to prohibit firearms on their premises. This ensures that business owners can make decisions best suited to their specific environments.
The bill aligns South Dakota’s laws with neighboring states like Minnesota and Montana, where concealed carry in establishments serving alcohol is permitted. Allowing concealed carry in these venues enhances personal protection and deters potential threats, challenging the effectiveness of designated “gun-free zones.”
Opponents, including representatives from the South Dakota Retailers Association, expressed concerns about the sudden nature of the amendment and the potential implications for business owners and patrons. They called for more time to discuss and review the bill’s impact.
The bill now awaits the governor’s decision to be signed into law. If enacted, it would mark a significant shift in South Dakota’s firearm regulations, expanding the rights of concealed carry permit holders within the state.
This move is part of a broader effort by South Dakota lawmakers to strengthen gun rights. Another key piece of legislation, House Bill 100, seeks to allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms, pepper spray, and stun guns on public college campuses. These efforts reflect an ongoing reassessment of firearm regulations to better align with self-defense rights and public safety considerations.
