Panel OKs plan to allow concealed carry without permit

PIERRE – A legislative panel has approved a proposal that would allow people in South Dakota to carry a concealed pistol without a permit.

The House State Affairs Committee on Monday narrowly voted to pass the measure, which removes the requirement for a concealed pistol permit from state law.

Openly carrying a firearm in South Dakota is legal. Republican Rep. Jim Stalzer of Sioux Falls told the committee that he has a concealed pistol permit and has been in situations where he's been glad to have it.

But Stalzer says he knows people, including his wife, who accidentally let their permits expire and carried their weapons as criminals under state law.

South Dakota Sheriff's Association Executive Director Staci Ackerman says South Dakotans like getting a permit from law enforcement because it's reassuring.