Legislative Watch
~ 81st Legislative Session ~
No Access to Pistol Permit Information
For several years, the names of people who apply for a concealed pistol permit have been published by at least one major newspaper in South Dakota. In some ways, this is similar to the way sex offenders are treated in the Sex Offender Registry.
Every pistol permit system creates a government list of gun owners. This is one of the major problems with requiring citizens to obtain a government permit before exercising their constitutional Right to Carry. The only real solution to the myriad of problems caused by the permit requirement is to repeal it.
However, in some cases a stop-gap measure can provide temporary relief. House Bill 1199 prohibits the release of any information concerning applicants or holders of permits to carry a concealed pistol. This will keep newspapers from publishing lists that paint gun owners as dangerous simply because they want to legally carry a handgun for self-defense.
SDGO members supported HB 1199. It passed the state House 65-2 and the Senate 31-2, and will become law on July 1st, 2006.
Concealed Carry in State Parks Passed
Currently, it is illegal to possess a handgun for self-defense in any state park, campground, recreation area, or lakeside use area. House Bill 1173 was passed to open the South Dakota state park system to concealed carry by pistol permit holders (see article below).
The bill passed unanimously, thanks to strong support from gun owners.
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Self-Defense Laws Fortified
HB 1134 was passed to establish your right to stand your ground in self-defense. It is designed to put the law squarely on your side if you choose to use a firearm for self-defense (see page 1). The Right to Self-Defense bill was introduced by Rep. Alan Hanks (R-Rapid City). It passed the House 43-27. And while the Senate opposed the measure at first, they passed the bill 30-1 after SDGO members flooded the Senate with phone calls and emails.
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