Gov. Dennis Daugaard says the measure sent to him this week is dangerous and he has promised a veto (Photo: South Dakota Public Broadcasting)
State lawmakers have forwarded a permitless carry measure endorsed by South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs to Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who has promised a veto.
The proposal, HB 1072, passed the House 37-30 and the Senate 23-11, arriving on the Governor’s desk on March 9. An override would need 47 votes in the House and 24 in the Senate.
Daugaard, a Republican, vetoed a similar bill in 2012 and is promising to do the same if given the opportunity.
“House Bill 1072 would eliminate the permit requirement in order to carry a concealed weapon,” said Daugaard on the measure last month. “Under this bill, the vetting process would be removed. Individuals with a proven history of violence or substance abuse and those who have been identified as a danger to the public or to themselves could not be restricted from carrying a firearm.”
The legislation, introduced by House Majority Whip Rep. Lynne DiSanto, R-Box Elder, would keep in place the current permitting system, which issues five-year licenses for concealed carry for $10. Under its current language, South Dakota law would change to allow concealed carry by those lawfully able to possess a handgun without having to first have a permit.
On record as supporting the measure are the National Rifle Association and South Dakota Secretary of State Shantel Krebs. Opponents include gun control groups, the state attorneys association and police lobby organizations such as the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police, South Dakota Sheriff’s Association, and the SD Police Chiefs’ Association.
DiSanto delivered 2,000 letters from South Dakota gun owners to Daugaard’s office this week urging his signature on her sponsored bill.
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