5 bills on firearm legislation in South Dakota

Yahoo

12-02-2025

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Five bills relating to gun regulations and restrictions in South Dakota have been introduced during this year's legislative session. They range from prohibiting firearm restrictions on college campuses and allowing them for employees in government buildings.
Here's a breakdown of the bills and where they are at:
SB 100 prohibits the restriction of carrying concealed pistols on college campuses.
If passed, no Board of Regents or public technical education institutions could restrict the lawful carrying of a concealed pistol, stun gun or pepper spray.
The bill's prime sponsor, Sen. Mykala Voita, has proposed two amendments to the bill, although they haven't been voted on yet. The first amendment would require that the individual carrying a concealed pistol has an enhanced or restricted enhanced permit.
The second would amend the bill to limit restrictions rather than prohibit them: Board of Regents or public technical education institutions could restrict concealed pistols in a designated portion of the building only if:
Significant hazardous materials, more than 55 gallons of flammable liquid, or cylinders containing corrosive gasses are present
A room is used for scientific research or manufacturing and has concentrated airborne particles
Areas where federal security clearance is required
During a special event where metal detectors are present
SB 100 passed with a 7-2 vote in the Senate State Affairs Committee and is scheduled for debate on the Senate floor February 12.
SB 81 would prohibit financial institutions from using firearms codes to flag transactions involving firearms, ammunition and other accessories.
A firearms code is an indicator that financial institutions such as banks put on a transaction that identifies whether the seller is a firearms dealer or whether the transaction was for firearms or ammunition.
The bill also says no government agency or person can keep a record of privately owned firearms except its owner. The exception is records kept during a criminal investigation.
If a financial institution is found using firearms codes, they may be subject to a civil penalty of $25,000.
Republican Sen. Jim Mehlhaff introduced the bill and worked with financial institutions, the National Rifle Association and retailers in the state to create the legislation.
SB 81 passed through the Senate as well as the House and Senate Commerce and Energy Committees with little opposition. It heads next to the House and if passed, will go to Gov. Larry Rhoden's desk.
HB 1222 expands who is allowed to carry a gun on school grounds.
Currently, anyone who carries a weapon onto school property is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The exceptions include law enforcement officers, a starting gun for sporting events, supervised firearm training, and individuals who hold an advanced concealed carry permit and have written permission from the principal.
HB 1222 aims to include individuals with a concealed carry permit who could then carry on school property, but not in buildings used for class instruction.
The bill is scheduled for its first hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on February 12. Republican Rep. Kaley Nolz introduced the bill.
Under HB 1218, county commissioners, township supervisors or government municipalities wouldn't be allowed to prohibit or restrict a county, township or municipal employee, officer or volunteer from lawfully carrying a concealed firearm in a government building.
Republican Rep. Aaron Aylward from Lincoln County introduced HB 1218. It was referred to the House Local Government Committee, but does not have a hearing date set.
HB 1080 would void any agreements that prohibit or restrict the possession or use of firearms and ammunition.
A 'covenant running with the land,' per the language in the bill, is an agreement that transfers to future owners of the same property. For example, there may be a covenant requiring certain yard maintenance; these agreements are common in home owners associations (HOAs).
In this instance, if a covenant was made that restricted future land owners from the types of firearms used on that land, those agreements would be void if the legislation becomes law.
'I as a land owner cannot write a covenant on the land I own to tell an owner years or decades or centuries from now, 'They can't hunt on that land or have a gun in their house to protect themselves and their families,'' said the bill's prime sponsor, Republican Rep. Drew Peterson, in a committee hearing.
The bill unanimously passed in House Judiciary and had one 'nay' vote on the House floor. It now goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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