South Dakota: Senate Passes Constitutional Carry Legislation

Fairfax, VA –  Last week, 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. 

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.