PA Bill Number: HB777
Title: In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions and providing for the offense of sale of firearm or firearm parts without ...
Description: In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions and providing for the offense of sale of firearm or firearm parts without ...
Last Action: Referred to JUDICIARY
Last Action Date: Apr 12, 2024
Constitutional Carry: South Dakota - Supporters Press State Lawmakers to Overturn Gun Bill Veto :: 03/24/2017
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gun rights supporters are urging state lawmakers to overturn Gov. Dennis Daugaard's veto of a bill to allow people who can legally carry a concealed handgun in South Dakota to do so without a permit.
The Republican-held Legislature is to gather Monday for the final day of the 2017 session to accept or override vetoes from the GOP governor. Lawmakers are hearing "loud and clear" from gun owners in their districts that the veto should be overridden, said Zach Lautenschlager, a vice president at the National Association for Gun Rights.
The organization claims about 18,000 members in South Dakota together with its state affiliate, South Dakota Gun Owners. Lautenschlager said the groups have also provided letters to lawmakers making their case and explaining that a vote not to override is an "anti-gun vote."
But, he acknowledged it'll be a tough task to overcome Daugaard's rejection. The bill didn't get the two-thirds support that suggests an override would succeed, falling far short in the state House.
The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action has contacted South Dakota members and lawmakers with the message that the group strongly supports efforts to override the veto, spokesman Lars Dalseide said in an email. The push included a Wednesday memo to lawmakers saying it's a "top priority bill for the NRA."
Republican Rep. Lynne DiSanto, who sponsored the bill, said that she and a few other lawmakers are calling House legislators asking for their support. She said that it's difficult to know if the efforts will be successful.
"It's pretty disappointing with a Republican supermajority that I can't be more confident," DiSanto said.
Right now, it's a misdemeanor for someone to carry a concealed pistol or to have one concealed in a vehicle without a permit.
Daugaard said in his veto message that he disagrees with the idea that the state's current concealed carry laws infringe on Second Amendment rights. He said that South Dakota's permit process is simple and straightforward.
"It is paramount that our state protect the rights of our citizens while at the same time protecting the lives of our citizens," Daugaard said. "I believe our current laws appropriately protect both interests, and I ask that you sustain my veto."
The North Dakota Legislature has passed a similar bill, but it's not clear whether Republican Gov. Doug Burgum will support the move.
