Tomorrow, two critical pieces of NRA-backed legislation, House Bill 1116 and House Bill 1096, will be heard at 8:00 A.M. in the state Senate Judiciary Committee. Both of these pro-gun bills are authored by Representative Jim Stalzer (R-11) and look to respect and expand your Second Amendment rights.

HB 1116 is permitless carry legislation which respects your right to legally carry a concealed firearm without the burdensome requirement of acquiring a concealed pistol permit. This necessary update to South Dakota law allows law-abiding gun owners the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones.

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 a woman prefers to carry a firearm for self-protection in her purse, one would need to possess a concealed pistol permit. This permitless carry legislation gives South Dakotans the freedom to choose the best method of carrying for them, based on their attire, gender and/or physical attributes. However, 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.

HB 1096 revises the procedure for issuing a permit to carry a concealed pistol. These changes, if enacted into law, will allow the state to apply for NICS exemption certification from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). If certified by the BATFE, this exemption would allow the initial background check done for a South Dakota concealed pistol permit to serve as a background check for all future firearm purchases, eliminating the duplicative process.

Using the contact information provided below, it is critical that you contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and respectfully ask them to support both HB 1116 and HB 1096. You can reach members by phone at 605-773-3821.

Senate Judiciary Committee:

Senator Craig Tieszen (R-34), Chairman

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Senator David Novstrup (R-03), Vice Chairman

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Senator Jim Bradford(D-27)

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Senator Troy Heinert (D-26)

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Senator Jeff Monroe (R-24)

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Senator Arthur Rusch (R-17)

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Senator Mike Vehle (R-20)

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