South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem signed Tuesday legislation to repeal concealed carry permit fees.
Noem stated that three years ago, he took bold action and signed constitutional carry into law. This was to ensure South Dakotans had no barriers to their rights. “This week, the financial barrier was removed. You don’t have to pay a dime to exercise your Second Amendment rights. The government exists to protect our rights and not make money from them.”
According to the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, Senate Bill212 “reduces South Dakota’s carry permits costs to $0.”
“SB 212 permits those who want to use South Dakota’s reciprocity agreements to do so without being heavily burdened with what is essentially a tax upon their right to self defense,” the NRAILA wrote.
Noem also signed into law other measures to strengthen gun rights in the Mount Rushmore State. These include Senate Bill 195 which clarifies the state’s Stand Your Ground law and House Bill 1162 which updates the definition of “loaded firearm”.
South Dakota Statute 23-7-7 was in effect on July 1, 2019. Anyone 18 or older who is legally allowed to possess a firearm under federal and state law can carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit.
South Dakota is one the 24 Constitutional Carry States in the U.S. The concealed carry permit fee will be changed on July 1, 2022.