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House passes campus-carry measure for holders of enhanced concealed-carry permits
Summary
Lawmakers approved Senate Bill 100 to allow enhanced concealed-carry permit holders to carry concealed firearms on public college campuses in specified areas; debate split on campus safety, suicide risk, and students' rights.
The House approved Senate Bill 100, a measure that allows individuals who hold an enhanced concealed-carry permit to carry a concealed handgun on public institution of higher education campuses in certain locations, subject to restrictions outlined in the statute.
Supporters said the law recognizes the rights of adults and provides a way for trained permit holders to defend themselves in emergencies. Representative Gosch, sponsoring the bill on the floor, described the measure as the product of collaboration between the state Board of Regents and other stakeholders and said it protects “the freedoms of South Dakota” for people who obtain enhanced permits. Several backers emphasized the training and background checks tied to the enhanced permit.
Opponents raised concerns about campus safety and suicide risk. Representative Halverson, a former trooper who said he had served during periods of unrest, said he had “a really bad feeling about people in dorms with weapons” and urged a no vote. Representative Muckey, who has experience in college governance and in suicide-prevention work, said campus suicide rates and the heightened lethality of firearms made him oppose the bill.
Other lawmakers said existing campus policies and federal considerations vary; some student bodies had urged campuses not to allow weapons. Supporters responded that law-abiding students with enhanced permits would be a deterrent and noted similar laws in other states. Representative Baxter said campus-carry “limits it to those who have gone through use of force training, live fire training, fingerprints, and background checks.” Representative Healy, citing parental concern and student mental-health challenges, urged investment in campus safety and mental-health resources rather than expanding weapon access.
The House recorded the final vote as ayes 55, nays 14, excused 1 and declared Senate Bill 100 passed.
The law specifies where on campus a concealed weapon may and may not be carried (for example, it carves out areas such as certain laboratories and secured facilities) and requires firearms not actively carried to be secured. The bill leaves implementation details — such as cooperation with campus police and signage policies — to the institutions and the statute’s provisions.
