Senate Bill 100 Could Allow Concealed Carry on Public Universities

A South Dakota legislative bill is being referred to the House State Affairs Committee after passing in the Senate.  If it passes the House of Representatives and is signed into law, it would allow concealed carry on public college campuses across the state of South Dakota. 

Senate Bill 100 was first introduced at the meeting on Jan. 27, 2025, proposing that the Board of Regents or an institution under the board may not prohibit the carrying of a pistol, stun gun, mace, pepper spray or any other chemical irritant.

Since then, the bill has been voted on twice. The Senate State Affairs passed the bill 7-2. The bill then went to the Senate, where it passed 33-2. Jamie Smith, the Sen. Rep. of District 15, voted against the bill. Sen. Smith had clarified that there were restrictions to the bill. 

“People would have to have an enhanced permit to be able to carry in the boundaries of an institution,” Smith said. “Prior to this, the Board of Regents could limit and be in charge of the ban, but now they cannot do that.”

Smith added that numerous law enforcement workers, including police officers, highway patrol and campus safety surrounding college campuses, are opposed to the bill passing.

USD students have their own perspective on whether concealed carry should be allowed on public campuses. 

“I do not think it is necessary to carry a concealed firearm on campus,” junior Eleanor Dick said. “However, I do support being able to possess mace and pepper spray on campus.” 

Another junior, Hannah Meland, highlighted her concern on universities opening their doors to potentially allow more guns on campus. 

“Statistically, college is one of the hardest times on mental health and by allowing guns on campus, I feel we are allowing more opportunities for unsafe situations involving a firearm to occur,” Meland said. 

Sen. Smith stated that the bill is still in the process of growing and is now being referred to the House State Affairs. According to the South Dakota Legislature website, Bill 100 is scheduled for  hearing on March 5, 2025. The bill’s progress can be tracked through the South Dakota legislature website.