The Senate Judiciary Committee on a 5-2 vote has passed a bill that would eliminate the need for a permit to carry a concealed pistol in South Dakota.
A similar bill passed in the legislature last year but was vetoed by the Governor. The bill is opposed by the Governor’s office again this year.
The sponsor of the bill this year is Senator Lance Russell of Hot Springs. He says some 21 other states allow this.
Dick Tieszen of the South Dakota Sheriff’s Association says they oppose the bill.
He says about 5 percent of those who apply for concealed permits are denied.
The measure now goes to the full Senate.