SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The House State Affairs Committee today sent to the floor a bill allowing an enhanced concealed pistol permit holder to wear it in the state capitol or any county courthouse.
South Dakota State Treasurer Rich Sattgast says security in the capitol is enhanced during session but is diminished after session. Sattagast says after session the Highway Patrol troopers return to working other parts of the state leaving behind a thinly stretched line of security. He says it would help if more weapons in the right hand could stand up to any threat.
Opponent Stacey Ackerman, with the South Dakota Sheriff's Association, says the legislation is not needed. She says judges can call up additional security with statutes that are already in place. She says judges, state's attorneys and sheriffs take the neccessary precautions whenever there's a headline making case.
Enhanced concealed permit requires D-C-I training and fingerprints to the F-B-I.
A similar piece of legislation was defeated in a state senate committee earlier this week.