Today, the South Dakota Senate passed House Bill 1229 by a 26 to 9 vote. HB 1229, introduced by state Representative Timothy Johns (R-31), would ensure that South Dakota state law meets the requirements set forth in the federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act (NIAA) of 2007 and would ensure a strong restoration of rights provision for South Dakotans. The NRA has supported and helped pass similar legislation across the country. These legislative advancements have allowed nearly half of the states in the nation to receive federal certification of their NIAA compliance programs, which have improved firearm rights and restoration pathways for many in those states.
Specifically, HB 1229 would require the reporting of records pursuant to an order of involuntary commitment, of persons who have been acquitted of a crime by reason of insanity and persons determined to be incompetent to stand trial. In addition to this reporting requirement, HB 1229 provides an open channel for restoration of an individual’s right to possess a firearm through the court system.
Your NRA supports this legislation and encourages you to thank those state Senators who voted for this bill. HB 1229 now goes to Governor Dennis Daugaard (R) for his signature.