Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Campus Carry topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves bill allowing concealed pistols on public college campuses with permit exceptions
Summary
On Feb. 12, 2025, the South Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 100, as amended, permitting the carrying of concealed pistols and other items of self-defense on public institution of higher education campuses with specified exceptions and permit processes. The bill passed 33-2.
Pierre — The South Dakota Senate on Feb. 12 passed Senate Bill 100, allowing the carrying of a concealed pistol and certain self-defense items on the campuses of public institutions of higher education, while creating exceptions for sensitive areas and a permit pathway for those who choose it.
The bill, as amended by Amendment 100E, passed on a roll-call vote of 33 yeas and 2 nays. The amendment added exceptions for certain lab and sensitive areas and added permit language developed in consultation with the Board of Regents and technical colleges.
Senator Jessi Vojta, the bill's prime sponsor, introduced the amendment and said negotiations with the Board of Regents produced exceptions for lab areas and other sensitive facilities while preserving the right of law-abiding adults to carry. "I think this gets us to a place where we can all agree and it gives us a path forward for people that do wish to carry," she said on the floor.
Supporters argued the bill restores and clarifies constitutional rights on campus and adds safety through permit training and background checks for those who seek permits. Senator Jensen and Senator Howard both supported the bill, noting that the permit route requires fingerprinting, FBI and state checks, proficiency demonstrations and additional training. Senator Howard said the measure was the product of broad stakeholder work and called it "a huge step forward." Senator Marty and other supporters recounted personal experiences to underscore the bill's intended public-safety benefits.
Opponents said they were concerned about campus safety and noted differing views among law enforcement and campus officials. Senator Smith urged caution and highlighted data she said shows higher firearm deaths in the U.S. compared with countries that have stricter firearm laws.
The final vote was 33 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate president declared Senate Bill 100 passed and the title deemed correct.
The bill text and Amendment 100E, according to remarks on the floor, create state-level requirements and carve out exceptions for designated sensitive areas; they also establish a permit process with training and fingerprinting for permit applicants. The amendment specifically referenced consultations with the Board of Regents and technical colleges to identify lab and equipment-sensitive zones where restrictions may apply.
Senate Bill 100 now proceeds to the next step in the legislative process after passage by the Senate.
Less critical details: supporters cited a recent Fifth Circuit opinion addressing federal handgun purchase restrictions for 18- to 20-year-olds in arguing the bill aligns with constitutional precedent; opponents cited public-health and safety data in urging caution.
