A bill allowing county employees to carry guns in courthouses has won approval from the South Dakota Senate.
The Senate approved the bill 28-7 this week. It now heads to the House.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Lance Russell, R-Hot Springs. In a speech on the Senate floor, he said officials in Fall River County asked him to file it.
"The county commissioners took a survey of all of the ladies that work on the first floor of the courthouse and asked them if they wanted to carry in the courthouse,” Russell said. “More than half said that they would, and seven in fact said that they currently just leave their firearm in their vehicle, out in the parking lot.”
Since 1993, only certain people can carry guns in South Dakota county courthouses. They include judges, law enforcement officers, the military, and people involved with hunter-safety or gun-safety classes.
Russell’s bill adds county employees to that list. The bill says counties could opt-out if they wish and continue banning their employees from carrying guns.
Last year, the Legislature and Gov. Kristi Noem approved a law allowing people with permits to carry concealed guns in the state Capitol building in Pierre.