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02/23/2006

Pro-gun bills signed by Governor
CCW in parks rule change to be decided next week

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Congratulations once again to all who took action in support of the Right to Self-defense and CCW in parks bills. Thanks to your hard work, they will both become law on July 1, 2006.

Governor Rounds signed the self-defense bill (HB 1134) on Friday, Feb. 17. As many will recall, HB 1134 strengthens South Dakota’s existing self-defense laws and explicitly states that you do not have a duty to retreat from any place you have the right to be.

The concealed carry in parks bill (HB 1173) was signed by the Governor on Tuesday, Feb. 21. This bill limits the authority of state agencies to promulgate rules restricting concealed carry by pistol permit holders.

(For background on both these issues, please visit: www.SDGO.org)

Under the current administrative rules, not even folks who have a permit are allowed to carry a handgun for self-defense in any state park, campground, lakeside or recreational area. A change that would partially remedy this situation has been proposed. The following language would be added to the South Dakota Administrative Rules, Uses of Parks and Public Lands, chapter 41:03:01:16:

(5) An Individual who possesses a valid concealed pistol permit pursuant to SDCL 23-7-7 may carry a concealed pistol at any time.

By requiring the individual to obtain a government license before he can exercise his right to bear arms, this language stops short of recognizing the Right to Carry. However, it is definitely a step in the right direction.

The rule change will be considered at the Game, Fish and Parks Commission meeting on Thursday, March 2, one week from today. If you would like to voice your support, please email Chuck Schlueter with the GFP at chuck.schlueter@state.sd.us. He has been compiling the public input on this issue and will present it at the Commission meeting.

“Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself.  They are the American people’s liberty teeth and the keystone of independence.”         – George Washington