South Dakota: Pro-Gun Bills Advancing in the Legislature

This week, multiple pro-gun measures have either been scheduled for consideration or passed out of committee.  Those measures and their progression are outlined below.

Senate Bill 195 clarifies South Dakota’s current Stand your Ground law by establishing that the burden of proof, by clear and convincing evidence, lies on the party seeking to overcome the immunity provided under this law.  This measure clarifies the burden of proof and who bears the burden of proof in Stand your Ground self-defense cases.  Passed out of the House State Affairs Committee today by at 10 to 1 vote.  The measure will be heard on the House Floor this week and your Representatives need to hear from you!

House Bill 1162 updates the definition of “loaded firearm” under South Dakota law to designate that a firearm is considered loaded only if a round is chambered.  This update provides easier methods of storing firearms in an “unloaded” manner, while still maintaining utility in self-defense situations when seconds matter.  Scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee tomorrow morning, March 1st.

Senate Bill 212, as amended on the Senate Floor, reduces the cost of South Dakota carry permits to $0.  SB 212 allows those who wish to use South Dakota’s reciprocity agreements with other states, to do so and not be heavily burdened by what is essentially a tax on their right to self-defense.  Scheduled for a hearing in the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday, March 2.

Please contact your State Representative and ask them to SUPPORT Senate Bill 195.  Please continue to stay-tuned to NRA-ILA Alerts for more information and updates as these measures progress in the legislature.