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exempt firearms from retail sales tax and use tax.

HB 1078 removes firearms from South Dakota's retail sales tax and use tax, meaning buyers will no longer pay state sales tax when purchasing guns or ammunition. This change amends the state's tax code to create an exemption specifically for firearm sales.

repeal certain provisions regarding permits for concealed pistols.

HB 1094 eliminates South Dakota's legal requirements for obtaining permits to carry concealed pistols by repealing the state laws that governed how those permits were issued and managed. This change effectively removes the permit process entirely, allowing residents to carry concealed handguns without needing government approval or a permit document.

provide for the reissuance of certain enhanced permits to carry a concealed pistol and to declare an emergency.

HB 1242 allows South Dakota to reissue enhanced concealed carry permits that may have expired or been affected by previous legal changes, streamlining the process for permit holders to maintain their carrying privileges. The bill modifies the rules around permit applications and removes outdated provisions from state law that are no longer needed. The bill also declares the matter an emergency so these changes take effect immediately.

establish exceptions regarding the possession of a pistol by a minor.

South Dakota law currently prohibits minors from possessing pistols, but this bill creates several exceptions that allow minors to possess pistols with parental consent if they meet certain conditions—such as being in the presence of a parent, guardian, or certified gun safety instructor, or using the pistol for farming, ranching, hunting, or target shooting on property owned by the minor or their family. The bill also clarifies that these exceptions apply to minors who receive pistols through other legal transfers.

authorize the possession of a concealed pistol by employees in county courthouses.

SB 169 allows county courthouse employees to carry concealed pistols while at work, changing current law that prohibited weapons in courthouses. The bill amends the existing statute governing courthouse security and weapons policies to create this exception for authorized employees.

authorize the possession of a concealed pistol by employees in county courthouses.

SB 51 allows county courthouse employees to carry concealed handguns while working in the courthouse. This change removes the current prohibition that prevents these employees from possessing firearms in that workplace setting.

extend the notification period for possession of a concealed pistol in the state capitol.

SB98 allows people with enhanced concealed pistol permits to bring concealed handguns into the South Dakota state capitol building (except the Supreme Court chamber and secure offices), as long as they notify the capitol superintendent at least 24 hours in advance. This creates a new exception to the state's general ban on carrying concealed weapons in the capitol, giving permit holders access that wasn't previously allowed.

revise the requirements for an enhanced permit to carry a concealed pistol.

This bill changes how South Dakota residents apply for an enhanced permit to carry a concealed pistol by clarifying the application process and fee structure. Applicants must now submit fingerprints for a criminal background check (costing $43.25) along with a $100 application fee, with the fee split between the county sheriff and the state secretary of state's office. The bill also makes clear that the enhanced permit is optional rather than mandatory for concealed carry.

authorize the limited possession of a knife in the state capitol.

This bill allows people to carry knives with blades no longer than four inches inside the South Dakota state capitol building, whereas the previous law banned all dangerous weapons there. The change applies to anyone legally allowed to carry concealed pistols in the building under federal law. Courts, security-controlled offices, and the Supreme Court chamber are still excluded from this knife permission.

provide for the renewal of an enhanced permit to carry a concealed pistol.

This bill makes it harder to renew an enhanced concealed carry permit by shortening the grace period to renew from 60 days to 30 days after expiration, and by requiring permit holders to provide proof they completed a live fire handgun training course during the renewal window. The bill also extends the window to begin renewal from 90 days before expiration to 180 days before, giving people a longer period to complete the renewal process overall.

revise requirements regarding hunting mentors.

HB1095 eliminates two existing state laws (sections 2-5-2 and 2-5-3) that contained requirements for hunting mentors in South Dakota. Without seeing the full text of those repealed sections, the bill removes whatever qualifications, responsibilities, or rules previously applied to people who mentor new hunters in the state.

establish shooting course requirements for current or former law enforcement officers seeking an enhanced permit to carry a concealed pistol.

This bill adds a new requirement for current and former law enforcement officers applying for an enhanced concealed carry permit in South Dakota: they must complete a qualifying handgun course within the past twelve months or meet an alternative qualification. The change updates the existing application requirements for enhanced permits to include this shooting course standard for law enforcement applicants.

provide financial assistance for school sentinel training.

South Dakota will now reimburse school districts $1,500 for each employee who completes school sentinel training, with the reimbursement money available to help cover training and equipment costs. The bill caps the state's total spending on this reimbursement program at $45,000 per year and requires proportional reductions if more than 30 employees complete the training annually. The bill also removes the requirement that sentinels obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

revise the authority of the Governor in times of a disaster, act of terrorism, or emergency and to declare an emergency.

This bill clarifies the Governor's emergency powers by explicitly protecting firearm ownership during disasters—the Governor cannot seize guns without the owner's permission, even when exercising broad emergency authority. It also confirms the Governor can suspend normal state regulations and take control of emergency response when facing disasters, terrorism, or emergencies beyond local government's ability to handle.

To invite responsible gun owners from Virginia to relocate to South Dakota.

This resolution invites responsible gun owners from Virginia to relocate to South Dakota, positioning the state as a destination for those seeking a more gun-friendly environment. The resolution doesn't change any state laws but rather serves as a statement of welcome and recruitment effort by the South Dakota Legislature.

to revise provisions regarding group pheasant hunts for disabled veterans.

This bill expands who can participate in special pheasant hunts for disabled veterans by clarifying that both residents and nonresidents with service-connected disabilities of 20% or more can join these free hunts sponsored by nonprofit organizations. It also adds veterans with 40% or more disability for Social Security purposes as eligible participants, and confirms that these special hunts can occur before or during the regular pheasant season without charging any fees.