South Dakota Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Call on Governor Larry Rhoden to Veto Legislation Limiting Local Authority on Concealed Carry Permits and Allows Guns in Bars and Restaurants 

PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement following the passage of HB 1218. The legislation that now sits on Governor Rhoden’s desk, would repeal South Dakota’s law prohibiting guns in bars and prevent local governments (such as boards of commissioners, boards of supervisors, or municipalities) from enacting laws or policies that prohibit or restrict local employees from carrying concealed firearms in government buildings or on property that is owned or leased by the locality. 

“The party of small government seems to be more interested in overruling local jurisdictions to flood the places we cherish with guns rather than keeping us safe,” said Julie Parker, a volunteer with the South Dakota chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Guns and alcohol don’t mix – we urge Governor Rhoden to veto this senseless bill and work with advocates and gun violence survivors on ways to keep our towns safe.” 

HB 1218 repeals a provision in state law that previously prohibited gun owners from carrying concealed pistols into establishments licensed to sell malt or alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption, thereby permitting this activity.

South Dakota ranks in the bottom ten on the strength of its gun safety laws. In an average year, 123 people die by guns. With a rate of 13.8 deaths per 100,000 people, South Dakota has the 30th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. 77% of gun deaths in South Dakota are by gun suicide. Gun violence costs South Dakota $1.7 billion each year, of which $16.8 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in South Dakota is available here.