Governor Noem Welcomes NRA to Bill Signing Ceremony

Fairfax, Va. - The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action applauds South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for signing NRA-backed House Bill 1212 into law, providing more protection for the self-defense rights of law-abiding South Dakotans.

"I would like to thank Gov. Noem for her leadership on this critical self-defense initiative. Today was a celebration of freedom for the law-abiding gun owners of South Dakota," said Gosch. "These additions clarify South Dakota's existing stand your ground law and recognize the importance of defending our inalienable right to self-defense."

Monday's ceremonial signing was attended by sponsors and supporters of the legislation including Sen. John Wiik, Rep. Kevin Jensen, and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden. Noem officially signed the bill into law last week.

South Dakota is one of 36 states that do not require gun owners to retreat before acting in lawful self-defense. Those states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming

"NRA members in South Dakota should thank Gov. Noem, the sponsors of the legislation, and all those who voted to make it safer for law-abiding South Dakotans to protect themselves and their families," concluded Gosch.​

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.