Yesterday, the South Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 47 by a 23 to 11 vote. This legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Please contact your state Representative and strongly urge them to SUPPORT Senate Bill 47 when it comes up for a vote.
Senate Bill 47 would remove the requirement to obtain a permit in order to lawfully carry a firearm for self-defense. 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 an individual prefers to carry a firearm for self-protection in a bag, they would need to possess a CCHL. This legislation gives South Dakotans the freedom to choose the best method of carrying for them, based on their attire, and/or physical attributes. 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.
Again, please contact your state Representative and strongly urge them to SUPPORT Senate Bill 47.