Bill to Allow Guns in Capitol, Courthouses Moves Forward
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A state House committee has approved a bill that would allow people to carry concealed weapons in the South Dakota Capitol or county courthouses if they have an enhanced permit.
The House State Affairs committee voted 7-6 to approve the bill. It now goes to the full chamber for consideration.
The recently created enhanced permit to carry requires background checks and firearms training.
Republican Rep. Jim Stalzer says the current restrictions deny citizens the right to defend themselves.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard policy adviser Matt Konenkamp says lawmakers should be allowed to protect spaces such as courthouses.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday voted down a separate plan that would have removed from state law a prohibition from carrying a concealed weapon in the state Capitol.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
See Also:
More From KXRB
