The House State Affairs Committee defeated a bill to protect South Dakota gun owners from illegal federal weapons legislation. Senate Bill 207 puts in writing the state’s opposition to any attempt by the federal government to dilute gun rights.
State Attorney General Marty Jackley spoke in favor of the bill—prompting this exchange with Huron Representative Peggy Gibson.
Gibson: "You’ve stated that you’d be vigilant and proactive in protecting our Second Amendment rights in the first place. So, why do we need to put this in statute above all other rights that you protect?"
Jackley: "Mr. Chairman—I think two reasons: Number one is, I won’t always be your attorney general and number two—in the event that there is some type of action, this gives us direction or produces evidence on which a court can rely upon as to the position and stance of the State Legislature. Much like we’ve used in other litigation, relying upon the Legislature’s findings, and I go back to 12-17 as an example."
Gibson: "Do you not think this law, or this proposed bill, is absolutely unneccesary?"
Jackley: "Mr. Chairman—I would disagree with that. I think protecting and voicing respect for the individual and states’ rights in the Second Amendment is extremely important, Representative."
Gibson then moved to defer Senate Bill 207 to the 41 st Day. That motion passed on an eight-to-four vote.
?