For over a month, state lawmakers were advancing a House proposal to prohibit certain governments from not allowing employees to carry a concealed pistol.
The bill was amended six times in total. One amendment was added on Monday, on the Senate floor, after all chances for public input had passed.
Republican State Sen. Mykala Voita brought a change that effects businesses—wiping a state provision prohibiting concealed carry of firearms in bars.
The Republican from Winner said the state already has laws on the books that say it’s illegal to carry under the influence.
“You can still post a sign that says no firearms allowed. You’re a private business. You have the authority to do that," Voita said. "If you catch somebody carrying and you have that sign posted, you could tell them to leave. If they don’t’ leave, it’s trespassing.”
“That kind of situation sets up a confrontation with alcohol, with firearms, that doesn’t currently exist," said Nathan Sanderson, the executive director of South Dakota Retailers.
He said he’s heard from a dozen bar owners who wanted to explain to lawmakers what the last-minute change on Monday would do to bars.
“They also had expressed some concerns about potential increases in things like insurance. About any potential liability they might have, legal liability, if there’s an incident. I think a lot of them really wanted just a little bit of time to figure out exactly what the impact of this was going to be on businesses.”
But that explanation won’t happen. A conference committee meeting was held Wednesday morning and House lawmakers agreed to the Senate changes. So, business owners will have to figure out that impact while the bill heads to Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden’s desk.
