In a powerful show of support for Second Amendment rights, South Dakota’s Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden signed into law several landmark bills that radically expand gun freedoms across the state. From allowing concealed carry in bars to bringing firearms onto college campuses, these new laws are a massive win for anyone who believes in the right to defend themselves.
Rhoden’s rallying cry for these bills? “One of my favorite things about South Dakota is how much we respect freedom — especially our Second Amendment freedom.” And it’s clear he’s walking the walk, making it easier than ever for responsible citizens to exercise their rights.
Freedom on Campus and Beyond
One of the most headline-grabbing aspects of the new legislation is the expansion of concealed carry onto state university and technical college campuses. Now, those with enhanced permits or reciprocal permits from other states can carry their concealed pistols, provided they’ve passed background checks and completed a handgun course. And it’s not just for adults—this is open to individuals as young as 18, making sure the next generation has the freedom to protect themselves.
But, of course, there are safeguards in place. Pistols and ammunition must be stored in locked cases when not in use, and certain sensitive areas, like labs with hazardous materials or areas requiring security clearance, remain firearm-free zones. Still, the broader message is clear: freedom should be the default.
The Repeal of the Ban on Carrying in Bars: A Win for Personal Liberty
The other big shift? The repeal of the ban on concealed carry in bars. This change stirred up plenty of controversy, especially among small business owners who feel they weren’t given a fair chance to voice their concerns. Nathan Sanderson, of the South Dakota Retailers Association, pointed out that bar owners deserved more input before the law passed. But Gov. Rhoden, unwavering in his support of personal rights, wasn’t backing down.
“It’s unfortunate that this change didn’t even get a committee hearing,” Sanderson said. But Rhoden responded with confidence, recalling similar fears surrounding constitutional carry laws passed previously. Those laws, he pointed out, didn’t result in chaos or the disastrous consequences predicted by opponents. Instead, South Dakota continues to stand firm in its commitment to empowering individuals to protect themselves—and that means carrying in bars if they so choose.
The Stats and the Facts
After the constitutional carry law passed in 2019, gun-related deaths did rise for a time, with suicides being the leading cause of firearm fatalities. Still, Rhoden remains resolute. Just because gun rights expand doesn’t mean safety goes out the window. The fight for freedom is about the fundamental right to carry—something Rhoden and many South Dakotans hold sacred, even if it raises some tough questions along the way.
A Step Further: Guns in Vehicles on School Grounds
The new laws also allow concealed carry permit holders to keep their firearms in vehicles parked on school grounds. It’s just one more move that solidifies South Dakota’s stance on gun rights, making sure citizens can defend themselves no matter where they are.
Rhoden Takes On Federal Restrictions
Not stopping there, Rhoden also sent a bold message to Washington. He sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney General and the head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, urging them to do away with the seven-day waiting period for purchasing firearms and accessories across state lines. This is a direct challenge to federal gun laws that restrict freedom—and South Dakota is putting its foot down.
