Gov. Kristi Noem commits to signing permitless concealed carry

PIERRE, S.D. — Gov. Kristi Noem has pledged to sign a bill that would allow gun owners to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.

The bill was passed by the South Dakota Senate last week, and the House on Tuesday. Noem then had five days to sign or veto it.

On Wednesday Noem tweeted, “Our Founding Fathers believed so firmly in our right to bear arms that they enshrined it into the Constitution. Tomorrow, I will sign SB47 into law. This constitutional carry legislation will further protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding South Dakotans.”

Our Founding Fathers believed so firmly in our right to bear arms that they enshrined it into the Constitution. Tomorrow, I will sign SB47 into law. This constitutional carry legislation will further protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding South Dakotans. — Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) January 30, 2019

Noem had said in a press conference last week that she supported the bill, but wanted to review it more closely and consult with law enforcement officials.

The bill does not permit individuals that aren’t allowed a possess a gun to conceal carry. Previously concealing a firearm without a permit was a misdemeanor.

Advocates of the measure say it eliminates an unnecessary burden for gun owners that want to practice their Second Amendment rights.

Opponents, including the South Dakota Sheriff’s Association, had argued that the concealed carry permit was a reasonable requirement.

The process involved a background check at the local sheriff’s office and a $10 fee. They also voiced concern that it will allow individuals to conceal carry that may have otherwise failed the background check.

The new law will take effect on July 1st.