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Bill

Bill

SB 2

provide that a firearm silencer is not a controlled weapon.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Aylward and 60 co-sponsors

South Dakota bill would legalize firearm silencers as non-controlled weapons, removing state restrictions while federal regulations remain in place.

Signed by the Governor on 2026-02-11 S.J. 240
#crimes #firearms
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Bill Summary · SB 2

Legislative bill overview

SB 2 would remove firearm silencers from South Dakota's list of controlled weapons, allowing their possession and use without the regulatory restrictions currently applied to them. This represents a deregulation effort that would align South Dakota law with federal law, where silencers are legal to own (though federally regulated and taxed).

Why is this important

Silencers are currently restricted in many states despite being legal at the federal level, creating a patchwork of regulations. This bill would affect gun owners' ability to purchase and use silencers for lawful purposes like hearing protection and reducing noise pollution, while also raising public safety questions about enforcement and detection of illegal gunfire.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Opponents argue silencers make it harder for law enforcement and bystanders to locate shooters, potentially hindering response to active threats or crimes
  • Hearing protection vs. weaponization debate: Supporters frame silencers as hearing protection devices; critics worry about facilitating undetected shootings or poaching
  • Enforcement inconsistency: Removing state-level restrictions while federal regulations remain could create confusion about legal status and complicate law enforcement operations

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

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