The South Dakota House defeats a measure that allows public officials to carry and conceal a weapon in state public buildings. Not many supported House Bill 1066.
Republican Representative Betty Olson wants state elected officials to expand their second amendment rights. Opponents though say it causes more harm then good because it puts people in unfamiliar situations. Representative Olson says her bill makes it optional for lawmakers who already have a conceal and carry permit.
"There are several of us here that do have concealed weapons permits, have had them for a long time, (and) know how to use them. There’s a chance that there would be some of those concealed weapons on our persons sitting in the gallery, might be the only deterrent that we need," Olson says.
House Democrats unified against the plan that allows lawmakers to carry guns. Democratic Representative Troy Heinert says he doesn’t see how this bill helps a dangerous situation.
"I want to remind people, the concealed weapon permit doesn’t protect you, it’s the gun that protects you. Now, to get a concealed weapon permit is not that hard. I know plenty of people who have concealed weapons permits and have never shot a pistol," Heinert says.
The House defeats this gun bill with a final vote of 49 against and 18 in favor.