South Dakota boldly expands Second Amendment rights as Governor Larry Rhoden’s campus carry law takes effect, allowing concealed firearms on public college grounds despite vocal opposition from the same critics who once falsely predicted doom for constitutional carry.
Key Takeaways
- The campus carry law took effect on July 1, 2025, allowing concealed firearms on public colleges and technical schools in South Dakota
- Senate Bill 100, signed by Governor Larry Rhoden, permits students, visitors, and employees with enhanced permits to carry weapons
- The law includes provisions for both firearms and non-lethal self-defense items like mace and pepper spray
- Governor Rhoden dismissed critics’ concerns by comparing them to unfounded fears about constitutional carry from six years ago
- South Dakota joins the growing number of conservative states expanding Second Amendment protections on college campuses
South Dakota Empowers Citizens with Campus Carry Law
South Dakota has taken a decisive step in affirming Second Amendment rights with the implementation of campus carry legislation. As of July 1, 2025, the right to carry concealed firearms on public college campuses and technical schools is now protected by law throughout the state. This significant policy change comes as part of Senate Bill 100, which was signed into law by Governor Larry Rhoden. The legislation represents a victory for gun rights advocates who have long argued that law-abiding citizens should have the means to protect themselves regardless of location.
The new law specifically permits students, campus visitors, and school employees to carry concealed weapons on campus premises, provided they possess an enhanced or restricted enhanced concealed carry permit. This requirement ensures that those carrying firearms have undergone additional training and background checks beyond standard concealed carry permits. In addition to firearms, the legislation also authorizes the possession of non-lethal self-defense tools such as mace and pepper spray, providing multiple options for personal protection.
Governor Dismisses Critics’ Unfounded Concerns
In addressing opposition to the campus carry law, Governor Rhoden has drawn parallels to previous firearm legislation debates. He specifically referenced the unfounded fears that surrounded South Dakota’s constitutional carry law passed six years ago, noting that the dire predictions of increased violence never materialized. The governor’s comments highlight a pattern of overblown concerns from anti-gun activists that consistently fail to materialize when Second Amendment rights are expanded.
“There is a lot of concern that we’ll see in the coming time that it is unfounded and that we can get along just right, honoring and respecting our Second Amendment rights the way they were intended,” said Gov. Larry Rhoden.
The governor further reinforced his position by pointing to historical evidence from previous gun legislation in the state. “For years and years, law enforcement, there was a lot of wringing of the hands about what could happen with constitutional carry. None of that proved to be true. That was six years since we passed that law,” explained Gov. Larry Rhoden. This perspective aligns with data from other states that have implemented similar campus carry provisions without experiencing the catastrophic outcomes predicted by opponents.
Reinforcing Constitutional Rights in Higher Education
South Dakota’s campus carry law represents a significant shift in how Second Amendment rights are treated in educational settings. For decades, universities and colleges have been treated as special zones where constitutional rights are curtailed, often under the guise of safety. This legislation challenges that assumption, asserting that law-abiding citizens don’t surrender their right to self-defense when they enter a college campus. The enhanced permit requirement ensures that only those with proper training and background checks can carry, addressing legitimate safety concerns while respecting constitutional rights.
The passage of Senate Bill 100 places South Dakota among several conservative states that have recognized the importance of allowing responsible citizens to defend themselves in all locations. Unlike leftist approaches that leave potential victims defenseless while doing nothing to stop those with criminal intent, South Dakota’s campus carry law empowers law-abiding citizens while maintaining appropriate safeguards. As with constitutional carry before it, this legislation will likely prove critics wrong as students and faculty continue their educational pursuits with an additional layer of security and constitutional protection.
