South Dakota Lawmakers Reject Dangerous Legislation to Nullify Federal Gun Laws After Testimony From Moms Demand Action Volunteers, Law Enforcement Officers

The South Dakota chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement after the South Dakota legislature rejected HB 1052, legislation that would make it illegal for any public officer or employee of the state, including state and local law enforcement officers, to assist with the enforcement of federal gun safety laws and penalize those who attempt to enforce them. 

Lawmakers rejected HB 1052 after hearing testimony from South Dakota Moms Demand Action volunteers, law enforcement officers and public safety advocates, including the South Dakota Sheriffs’ Association, the Department of Public Safety, South Dakota Network Against Family Violence, State’s Attorneys Association, South Dakota Police Chiefs Association, and the Association of County Commissioners. 

“We’re grateful that our lawmakers listened to the community and those whose job it is to keep us safe and rejected this dangerous bill,” said Emily Thomas, a volunteer with the South Dakota chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Our state is experiencing a gun violence crisis. We need common sense solutions that will keep us safe, not measures that would dismantle some of the few gun safety measures we have left. We will keep fighting against any attempts to weaken gun safety laws.”

The South Dakota legislature also recently rejected SB 182, legislation that would limit the state’s ability to make basic business decisions and expose the state to costly investigations by prohibiting state and local governments from contracting with companies unless a company provides written verification that they do not “discriminate” against firearm businesses or the gun lobby.

According to Everytown’s new gun law rankings report, South Dakota has the fifth-weakest gun laws in the country, with essentially no foundational gun laws, like the requirement of a background check for firearm purchases or a permit to carry a concealed handgun in public. 

Learn more about gun violence in South Dakota here.