South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) recently signed into law a bill that removes all fees associated with concealed-carry permits, strengthening South Dakotans’ ability to exercise their Second Amendment freedoms.
“Three years ago, I took a bold stand by signing constitutional carry into law to ensure there were no barriers between South Dakotans and their rights,” Noem told Fox News. “This week, I took the step to remove a financial barrier. It shouldn’t cost you a penny to exercise your Second Amendment rights. Government exists to protect our rights, not profit from them.”
The bill “allows those who wish to use South Dakota’s reciprocity agreements with other states, to do so and not be heavily burdened by what is essentially a tax on their right to self-defense,” reported the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
Gov. Noem, it should be noted, has long been a proponent of your right to keep and bear arms. In 2019, she signed into law constitutional carry, making South Dakota the 14th state to do so. That bill was actually the first she signed as governor, something Noem said that she was “proud” of.
In an interview with America’s 1st Freedom last year, Noem said, “I think more and more people are understanding the need to feel safe in their homes and on their property and in their day-to-day lives … . I think, even though people don’t live their day-to-day lives necessarily scared, they’re recognizing the importance of being prepared and exercising their rights.”
The South Dakota governor also recently signed two other pro-Second Amendment bills, including one that clarifies the state’s Stand your Ground laws and another that updates the definition of a “loaded firearm.” Both of these updates further strengthen the right to self-defense in the Mount Rushmore State.
These measures, along with the removal of concealed-carry permit fees, will go into effect on July 1 of this year.
