As expected, Governor Dennis Daugaard on Friday vetoed two bills related to gun rights in South Dakota.
A key supporter of both bills, Republican State Representative Lee Qualm of Clark, seems cautiously optimistic that the State Legislature can cobble together enough votes to override the vetoes.
House Bill 1072, the so-called Constitutional Carry bill, would have allowed concealed carry of a gun without a permit.
In his veto explanation, Daugaard wrote that he was unaware of a single instance in which a person who could lawfully posses a gun was denied a permit to carry a concealed pistol.
Supporters argue that since the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, there is no need for permits for concealed carry.
The Governor also vetoed House Bill 1156, which would have allowed concealed carry in the Capitol Building with an enhanced permit.
“I am satisfied that our Highway Patrol is doing its job, and their important work would be made more difficult if others are allowed to carry weapons into the Capitol,” wrote Daugaard in his veto message.
Representative Qualm, arguing for the need for the Capitol Carry bill, says that sometimes lawmakers feel like fish in a barrel on the House floor.
(KELO)