Rhoden signs pro-Second Amendment legislation in Mitchell

MITCHELL, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Governor Larry Rhoden continues to travel across South Dakota as part of his Open for Opportunity Tour.

On Monday, he stopped by Boyd’s Hardwood Gunstocks in Mitchell to sign a handful of pro-Second Amendment legislation.

Senate Bill 100 will allow college students to conceal carry firearms on campus if they have an enhanced permit.

House Bill 1218 will allow for local government employees to conceal carry on property owned by that government.

“There is a lot of concern that we’ll see in coming time that it is unfounded and that we can get along just right honoring and respecting our second amendment rights the way they were intended,” Rhoden said.

When asked about the concern of individuals having more opportunity to conceal carry, Rhoden compared it to the concerns brought up when the state passed constitutional carry back in 2019.

“For years and years law enforcement, there was a lot of wringing of the hands about what could happen with constitutional carry, none of that proved to be true that was six years since we’ve passed that law.”

Boyd’s Gunstock Co-owner Rob Carstensen said today’s signing was a great showcase of South Dakota values.

“Anything to release regulations only helps our business longtime, South Dakota in general, it was nice to have them stop by, thank them, because South Dakota is a great place to run a business.”

The bills will take effect July 1st.

Rhoden also signed a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel asking them to help eliminate the seven-day waiting period to ship firearms and silencers. He also signed HB 1222, which expands the authorized carrying, possession and storage of a concealed pistol.

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