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Bill

Bill

SB 100

limit the imposition of restrictions on the carrying of a concealed pistol and other items of self-defense while on the campus of a public institution of higher education.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Aylward and 14 co-sponsors

South Dakota law now allows concealed pistol carry on public college campuses, overriding institutional restrictions on firearms for students, faculty, and staff.

Signed by the Governor on 2025-03-31 S.J. 538
#education #firearms #highereducation
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Bill Summary · SB 100

Legislative bill overview

SB 100 prohibits South Dakota public colleges and universities from restricting students, faculty, and staff from carrying concealed pistols and other self-defense items on campus grounds. The bill limits institutional authority to establish gun-free zones, effectively overriding previous campus safety policies that banned firearms.

Why is this important

College campuses have historically maintained firearm restrictions as part of campus safety protocols. This legislation significantly alters the security landscape at public higher education institutions and affects how universities can manage safety policies, potentially impacting campus security planning, student and faculty sense of safety, and institutional liability frameworks.

Potential points of contention

  • Campus safety vs. Second Amendment rights: Universities argue restrictions protect against mass shootings; proponents argue concealed carry deters crime and protects constitutional rights
  • Institutional autonomy: The bill limits universities' ability to set independent safety policies for their campuses, raising questions about institutional control over campus security
  • Implementation challenges: Unclear how universities will manage security screening at events, mental health crisis interventions, and enforcement of existing federal prohibitions on certain individuals carrying firearms
  • Student and faculty concerns: Potential increased anxiety among some campus populations; questions about training requirements and liability for accidental discharge or misuse

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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