PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applaud lawmakers for voting against SB 122, dangerous legislation that would have forced public colleges and universities to allow people, including 18- and 19-year-olds, to carry loaded guns on their campuses. During last week’s hearing, the South Dakota Police Chiefs Association came out in opposition to SB 122, along with the South Dakota Education Association and the Board of Regents.
Governor Noem recently signed a law that will allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without a permit. In combination with this new law, which will take effect in July, SB 122 would have allowed people as young as 18-years-old to carry loaded guns, both openly and concealed, without a permit on campuses across South Dakota.
“We commend our lawmakers today for making the reasonable decision,” said Shannon Hoime, volunteer chapter leader with the South Dakota chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Our colleges and universities are places of learning and there’s no doubt in my mind that forcing them to allow guns on campus would detract from that. Our students and professors will appreciate that this dangerous legislation has been defeated.”