A Senate panel on Thursday approved a measure that would allow people to carry concealed handguns without a permit in South Dakota, advancing a conservative priority that supporters hope will be achieved under new Gov. Kristi Noem's administration.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-3 to send the bill to the full chamber. A similar proposal passed the Legislature in 2017 before being vetoed by former Gov. Dennis Daugaard, but Noem offered support for a so-called constitutional carry law during her campaign.
Noem said Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden met Thursday at her request with gun-rights advocates, law enforcement, community leaders and lawmakers about firearms legislation. The meeting was intended to discuss priorities and how to find agreement by the end of the 2019 session, she said.
"I've supported the principle of constitutional carry, and ... I've talked extensively about that, so we will look at specific language in each of these bills and see where the support is," Noem said. "I've also talked extensively about the fact that it's important to me that we consult with law enforcement officers ... because their role is incredibly important with making sure that we're protecting people while protecting people's rights."
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It is now a misdemeanor for someone to carry a concealed pistol or to have one concealed in a vehicle without a permit; openly carrying a firearm in South Dakota is legal.
Senate President Pro Tempore Brock Greenfield, the permitless carry bill's sponsor, said people are being asked to "lease back"
