Why It Matters: The legislative session in South Dakota provided no shortage of legislation that would have both positive and negative impacts on sportsmen and women. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) was active in supporting legislation that would ensure that responsible firearm owners can possess, transport, and use these important sporting tools, and was active in opposing legislation that would limit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) ability to purchase land.
Highlights:
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation was active in engaging on multiple pieces of legislation relevant to sportsmen and women during South Dakota’s legislative session.
- South Dakota House Bill 1180 (HB 1180) would have required GFP to seek legislative approval for all land purchases, ultimately crippling their ability to acquire land in a timely manner. Fortunately, HB 1180 was successfully killed.
- South Dakota Senate Bill 39 (SB 39), a form of firearm preemption legislation, prohibits homeowner’s associations from creating a patchwork of restrictions on firearms and ammunition. With support from CSF and partners in the sporting-conservation community, SB 39 passed and has been signed into law.
On March 26, the South Dakota Legislative Session adjourned for the year. Although this was a short session, CSF was active in engaging on and testifying on bills that were both positive and negative for sportsmen and women. While there were many opportunities for engagement this year, below are two of the most prominent highlights from the Mount Rushmore State.
As previously reported by CSF, HB 1180 would have required the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) to seek legislative approval for all land purchases, which would have ultimately hindered their ability to quickly and efficiently acquire land from willing sellers. CSF submitted testimony in opposition to HB 1180 to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. During the hearing, the Committee ultimately voted to table HB 1180, safeguarding GFP’s ability to acquire lands when opportunities become available and increase public land access, as well as increase their fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation efforts.
Also previously reported, CSF actively supported Senate Bill 39, a firearm preemption bill. SB 39 prohibits homeowner’s associations from restricting the possession and transportation of firearms or ammunition. Firearm preemption legislation, which has long been a priority for CSF, ensures that there is equal distribution of the law throughout the state, regardless of location. SB 39 moved quickly through the Senate and House, with overwhelming support, and was sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature. Governor Kristi Noem, a member and former Co-Chair of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, signed the bill into law, ensuring that responsible firearm owners can continue to confidently possess, transport, and use these important sporting tools.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation applauds the members of the South Dakota Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, GSC Member Governor Noem, and our in-state partners for the collaborative effort of promoting policy that benefits sportsmen and women.
The legislative session in South Dakota provided no shortage of legislation that would have both positive and negative impacts on sportsmen and women. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation was active in supporting legislation that would ensure that responsible firearm owners can possess, transport, and use these important sporting tools, and was active in opposing legislation that would limit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) ability to purchase land.
