South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden signed a bill into law Monday that would allow concealed pistols on public college campuses.
Senate Bill 100 allows people with an enhanced permit, restricted enhanced permits or reciprocal permit holders to carry concealed pistols, stun guns and chemical sprays on public university and technical college campuses.
“One of my favorite things about South Dakota is how much we respect freedom — especially our Second Amendment freedom,” Rhoden said during a bill-signing ceremony, on Monday.
According to the bill, pistols and ammunition must be stored in a locked case or safe when it is not being carried. Institutions may restrict the carrying or possession of these items in air-quality-controlled labs, locations needing security clearance, special events with armed security and metal detectors and labs with flammable liquids, dangerous chemicals and hazardous gases.
In early February, the SDSU Students’ Association voted 17 to 6 to oppose the bill. Chief of Staff Rylee Sabo expressed her concern about the range of ages that could be affected by the change.
“There are people that are under the age of 18 coming onto this campus all the time, in addition to having the preschool on campus,” She said. “They have [firearm] restrictions for schools K through 12, so I just feel like there’s a lot of gray area there and it feels a little “ishy” to me. I also feel like a lot of the wording of the bill is kind of vague, where we don’t really see exactly what’s going to be prohibited and how.”
Chris W • Mar 25, 2025 at 5:41 pm
I’m very happy the South Dakota Legislature concurred with the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution.
This bill is an important step in allowing freedom on campuses across South Dakota.
Thank you Governor Rhoden for signing this legislation.
Chris W • Mar 25, 2025 at 5:06 pm
Excellent work by the South Dakota Legislature in passing this bill! Thank you Governor Rhoden for signing it into law.
I love the sound of freedom!
Mark A Baron • Mar 25, 2025 at 9:55 am
Having worked in SD higher education fir nearly 30 years, this bill concerns me greatly. While I support our Second Amendment rights, allowing a wide variety of individuals to carry concealed weapons on campus is, In my opinion, a recipe for disaster. I hope we don’t find out the hard way. Thank you.
Marsha Peterson • Mar 25, 2025 at 8:09 am
Are the politicians in South Dakota crazy? The only thing worse than this is allowing guns in bars! They don’t need to protect themselves from anything in the classroom. If they are so insecure that they need to pack their weapon, they are not mature enough to be in college (or a bar).