South Dakota Veers Towards Concealed Carry on Campus

Introduction to the Concealed Carry Debate

News recently broke from the traditionally quiet plains of South Dakota, specifically regarding the legislative moves made by the state’s Senate State Affairs Committee. Monday marked a significant shift within the committee, with the approval of Senate Bill 100, a measure that would permit the concealed transportation of weapons on public college campuses. This piece aims to dig into this development, examining the subtle parts of the legislation and untangle the tricky parts of the debate.

Understanding Senate Bill 100

Senate Bill 100, backed by Sen. Mykala Voita, spells out the prohibition of the Board of Regents (BOR) and Board of Technical Education (BOTE) from limiting or restricting the lawful transportation, storage, possession, or carry of concealed weapons – namely pistols, stun guns, mace, or pepper spray – on school grounds. The current policies of both the BOR and BOTE strongly forbid the possession of dangerous weapons on campus unless expressly authorized by the institution’s CEO.

The Second Amendment Rights Argument

As we dive in into this controversial piece of legislation, the argument in favour of Senate Bill 100 is rooted in an advocacy for Second Amendment rights. Voita, backed by lobbyists from both the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Association, held her position firmly, insisting that this was about preserving the right to personal protection. Her mission, as seen by the many supporters of this bill, is that this fight is about not denying others the right to arm themselves – a right she’s exercised since the age of 18.

The Campus Safety and Security Concerns

However, the move to allow concealed carry on campus doesn’t come without its confusing bits. Opposition against SB 100 has been particularly vocal from the leadership of BOR, the University of South Dakota, and the South Dakota State University among others. Their concerns echo sentiments that, while universities support second amendment rights, the unique security needs on campus should not be overlooked. With university grounds hosting sensitive areas such as research facilities and clean rooms, to the overall atmosphere of the campus, opponents argue these are all aspects that could potentially be compromised by the introduction of concealed carry.

Pivoting Conversations on Campus Safety

Many see this bill as a turning point. Not just in the given context of South Dakota, but in the wider debate that surrounds the presence of guns on school campuses across the nation. Those opposing the bill, such as BOR’s Nathan Lukkes, are urging for a ‘practical, logical’ conversation surrounding the issue, so as not to be shadowed by the overwhelming debate of gun advocacy in general.

The Senate’s Stand on SB 100

The majority of the committee, all seven Senators including Sen. Voita, backed the bill because they unanimously agreed it closely followed the state and U.S. Constitution. Alluding to the complicated pieces of drafting and passing legislation, it’s clear that the Senate has been finding way through this heated debate for many years, trying to balance between imposing restrictions and upholding freedom. The senators confirmed that this piece of legislation provides challenges, but nonetheless, they deem it as a necessary step in the right direction.

Concluding Thoughts

The twists and turns of the debate surrounding concealed carry on public college campuses is far from over, not just in South Dakota, but across the United States. Senate Bill 100, despite the division it has created, serves as another twist in the long and winding route to balancing personal rights versus collective safety. As this bill takes one step forward, it’s clear that it will remain front and center in future legislative talks and discussions. Both the opponents and supporters of the bill, each armed with their own strong arguments, will continue to passionately advocate for their cause as the debate rages on.

Originally Post From https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/education/2025/02/10/south-dakota-legislature-committee-oks-conceal-carry-on-campus-bill/78389898007/

South Dakota Committee Greenlights Conceal Carry on Campus Bill