Higher education officials and law enforcement authorities raised concerns during the committee hearing about improperly stored guns in dorms and increased risks for students.

“A student living in a communal area could leave their gun sitting on their nightstand, could leave it on a dining room table when they are not actively carrying it, and we wouldn’t be able to place any constraints, restrictions,” said Nathan Lukkes, executive director of the South Dakota Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s six public universities.

The legislation would not only force the Board of Regents and Board of Technical Education to allow the possession of concealed pistols and ammunition, but also stun guns, mace and pepper spray.

Sen. Mykala Voita, R-Bonesteel, is the bill’s primary sponsor. She said the measure aligns with South Dakota’s other gun laws and ensures students can defend themselves.

“Is the security guard going to walk with you to the parking lot?” Voita asked rhetorically. “Are they going to be with you in every building?”

The National Shooting Sports Foundation and National Rifle Association spoke in favor of the bill.

Jenna Severyn, representing the South Dakota Police Chiefs Association, spoke against the bill and said the association is concerned about young people controlling their impulses while carrying concealed firearms.

“This is about, can my brain think quicker than my trigger finger?” she said. “And studies have shown that youth, specifically in the age we are talking about today, don’t have that.”

The bill passed the Senate State Affairs Committee 7-2 and now heads to the full Senate.

Meanwhile, the House Commerce and Energy Committee unanimously endorsed separate firearms legislation Monday morning. That bill would prohibit credit card companies and financial institutions from requiring retail tracking codes specifically for gun and ammunition sales. It’s already passed the Senate and will go to the House next.

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com.