Bill allowing concealed carry-on school grounds advances in South Dakota Senate

A South Dakota Senate committee approved a school safety bill that would permit the concealed carry of firearms on school grounds under certain conditions.

Sponsored by Sen. Brent Hoffman, Senate Bill 208 aims to enhance safety measures within schools by expanding privileges for concealed carry permit holders.

“It allows an individual who is 21 years of age or older, holds an enhanced permit to carry a pistol, and to have written permission from the principal of school or other person that has general control of that facility,” Hoffman said, according to South Dakota Public Broadcasting. “I’d like the committee to consider this policy as a last-chance, reactive measure for an armed response to a violent threat.”

“Thirty-two states already allow some type of concealed carry-on school grounds with some restrictions,” Hoffman continued.

The measure passed the Senate Judiciary Committee 7-0 on Thursday.

To receive an enhanced permit, a person must submit to a fingerprint background check, take an NRA-sponsored handgun course and demonstrate comprehension of the state’s self-defense laws.

Rep. Kevin Jensen, a House co-sponsor, argued that allowing concealed carry will prevent schools from being soft targets.

“We know for a fact that the no gun zones don’t work,” Jensen said. “That’s where people go if they’re going to cause trouble.” 

Doug Wermedal, executive director of the state Associated School Boards, worries that more guns on campus, carried under the permit, could fall into the wrong hands and create more risks. 

Sen. Jim Mehlhaff countered with recent examples of school shootings.

“Recently, whenever you read of a school shooting, you always hear of a heroic principal, coach or janitor who confronted the gunman with their bare hands and were among the first to die as they went to protect the kids under their charge,” he said.  

“To me, I don’t think having responsible people who have been checked out, carrying a weapon, is a danger to public safety.”