The South Dakota Senate advanced legislation Wednesday allowing enhanced permit holders to carry concealed weapons on public university and technical college campuses after adopting amendments and adding safety restrictions.
The vote was 33 to 2.
Senate Bill 100, introduced by Sen. Mykala Voita, R-Bonesteel, would prevent public higher education institutions from restricting concealed pistols for enhanced permits, restricted enhanced permits, or reciprocal permit holders. The measure also protects the right to carry stun guns and chemical sprays.
“South Dakota is a constitutional carry state,” Voita said. “For far too long, we have allowed the constitutional rights of students and staff to be trampled on by policy.”
The amendment creates exceptions for areas containing hazardous materials, research facilities, and spaces with MRI equipment. It also requires armed security and metal detectors at special events where weapons would be prohibited.
Sen. Kevin Jensen, R-Canton, addressed concerns about age requirements.
“How many of our military are between 18 and 26? How many of our law enforcement officers are between 18 and 26?” he said.
Sen. Jamie Smith, D-Sioux Falls, opposed the measure.
“The level of death by firearm in the country, in the United States, is out of control,” Smith said. “Other countries that have more restrictive firearm laws have far fewer deaths by firearm.”
Under the legislation, permit holders must complete training and demonstrate proficiency with their firearm to obtain a permit.
The measure now moves to the House.
You can read the full article at KXLG.