South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden is back at it again, proving that he understands the assignment: defending freedom, upholding personal responsibility, and safeguarding the fundamental right to self-defense. And in the process, he’s giving me yet another reason to call this state home. On March 24, Rhoden signed two powerhouse pro-Second Amendment bills into law—bills that not only expand concealed carry rights but also put political subdivisions in their place when they think they can trample on state law.
“One of my favorite things about South Dakota is how much we respect freedom—especially our Second Amendment freedom,” Rhoden declared while signing the bills at Boyds Gunstocks in Mitchell, South Dakota. I’d say it’s a breath of fresh air to hear a politician actually mean what he says about defending the Constitution, but this is South Dakota—we still believe in things like rights, common sense, and the idea that self-defense isn’t a privilege handed down by bureaucrats.
Campus Carry: Finally Treating Adults Like Adults
The first of the two bills, Senate Bill 100, expands the right to concealed carry on state university and technical college campuses. Sponsored by Senator Jensen, Senator Voita, Representative Gosch, and Representative Mulally, this bill allows those with enhanced concealed carry permits or reciprocal out-of-state permits to legally carry a concealed firearm on campus. Finally, we’re treating young adults like the legal adults they are. If an 18-year-old can vote, sign up for the military, and be held accountable for their actions in a court of law, then they sure as hell ought to have the ability to defend themselves.
For those unfamiliar, an enhanced concealed carry permit is similar to a standard one but comes with a few extra perks—namely, expanded carry rights in reciprocal states (looking at you, North Dakota) in exchange for a background check and completion of an NRA-certified handgun course. Not exactly a free-for-all, despite what the anti-gun crowd would have you believe.
Now, before the pearl-clutchers start hyperventilating, SB 100 does include some common-sense regulations. Handguns and ammunition must be stored in a locked case or safe when not being carried. Institutions can also restrict carry in certain areas like labs with hazardous materials, facilities requiring security clearances, and special events with metal detectors and armed security. You know, actual common-sense measures—not the knee-jerk, emotion-driven nonsense we usually see from anti-gun lawmakers.
The Usual Suspects Cry Foul
Naturally, not everyone is on board. Enter Representative Jim Halverson—a former state trooper who apparently forgot that South Dakota isn’t Chicago. Halverson fought against the bill, arguing that young adults can’t be trusted to carry firearms responsibly.
“I slept very little last night because I couldn’t make peace with my God if I didn’t stand up and speak against this bill today,” Halverson lamented. “A locked box in a dorm room just doesn’t seem like a good plan.”
Let’s unpack that, shall we? The problem with Halverson’s argument—and the one anti-gunners trot out at every opportunity—is the ridiculous notion that banning firearms somehow prevents crime. It’s the same tired logic that assumes a piece of paper with a “Gun-Free Zone” sign magically stops a bad guy. If someone is hell-bent on committing an atrocity, the absence of a firearm in a law-abiding citizen’s hands isn’t going to stop them. The only thing gun bans accomplish is disarming the people who actually follow the law.
Dismantling Local Gun-Free Zones: A Long Overdue Victory
The second bill, House Bill 1218, ensures that local governments don’t get to play activist and undermine state law when it comes to gun rights. Sponsored by Representative Aylward and Senator Voita, the bill prohibits political subdivisions from restricting employees, officers, and volunteers from carrying concealed firearms in government buildings, facilities, and vehicles.
But here’s where it gets even better: HB 1218 also repeals state laws that created gun-free zones in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. That’s right—South Dakota just did away with the ridiculous notion that carrying a firearm while grabbing a burger and a beer should be illegal.
Naturally, this part of the bill had its share of detractors, because some folks just can’t grasp the concept that criminals don’t follow the law. Nathan Sanderson of the South Dakota Retailers Association voiced his concerns, stating: “It’s unfortunate that this change didn’t even get a committee hearing… Small business owners deserved the opportunity to share how this law would impact them.”
You know what else is unfortunate, Nathan? That we’re even having a debate about whether or not Americans have the right to protect themselves while enjoying a meal. Funny how these same critics never seem to propose a law holding business owners liable for the safety of their patrons. If they did, I guarantee you’d see a whole lot more support for concealed carry overnight. But they won’t, because that would mean admitting that the police can’t be everywhere at once and that self-defense is a personal responsibility.
Governor Rhoden: Not Having Any of It
Governor Rhoden, to his credit, wasn’t having any of the usual fear-mongering. He pointed out that these same arguments were made back when constitutional carry was signed into law by Kristi Noem in 2019—and guess what? The sky didn’t fall.
“There was a lot of wringing of the hands and speculation about what could happen with constitutional carry,” Rhoden said. “None of that proved to be true.”
And he’s right. Despite all the doom-and-gloom predictions, South Dakota didn’t turn into the Wild West. Gun violence hasn’t skyrocketed, and law-abiding citizens have continued to exercise their rights responsibly. But facts never seem to get in the way of a good anti-gun narrative.
Final Thoughts: A State That Still Gets It
At the end of the day, this is why I live in South Dakota. It’s why I left a state that treated the Second Amendment like a suggestion rather than a fundamental right. Freedom and personal responsibility are valued here, and as long as leaders like Governor Rhoden continue to defend them, this is where I’ll stay.
SB 100 and HB 1218 aren’t just wins for South Dakota gun owners—they’re wins for common sense. They reinforce the idea that our right to self-defense isn’t up for debate, and they remind local politicians that they don’t get to override state law just because they don’t like it.
So, to Governor Rhoden and every legislator who stood up for the Second Amendment: hats off to you. You did right by South Dakotans. And to those still clutching their pearls over law-abiding citizens carrying guns? Maybe it’s time to start trusting the people, instead of fearing them.
