A bill that allows concealed carry of a pistol without a permit is heading to Governor Kristi Noem’s desk.
Similar legislation in 2017 was vetoed by then-Governor Dennis Daugaard.
Republican Representative Lee Qualm is the majority leader and the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 47 in the house. He says this is a big deal for South Dakotans.
“Everybody has the right to defend themselves no matter what,” Qualm says. “I’m thoroughly convinced—as I said on the floor—that a good guy with a gun will beat a bad guy with a gun any day. It’s a deterrent. I firmly believe it’s a deterrent to crime, more than it adds to crime. It’s a deterrent because then the bad guy has no idea who is carrying and I think that’s good.”
The South Dakota Sheriff’s Association, Police Chiefs Association and States Attorneys Association all oppose the bill.
The legislation passed 47 to 23.
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Governor Kristi Noem has two weeks to decide whether to pass the legislation. She says her office is talking with law enforcement about their concerns.