SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – On July 1, pistols and handguns will be allowed on public college campuses and technical schools in South Dakota.
A senate bill that passed during this year’s legislative session prohibits universities from restricting firearms on school property.
According to the bill, universities are allowed to restrict weapons in certain situations like labs with flammable gases or during special events. At these events, weapons can only be restricted or prohibited if there are metal detectors and armed security at every entrance to confiscate weapons.
Bryant Jackson, the police chief for the University of South Dakota police department, said the BOR is still finalizing the policy for concealed carry at special events and cannot say whether there will be restrictions at athletic events yet.
He said USD does not currently use metal detectors for athletic events.
An example of an event where firearms and other weapons listed in the bill will be restricted is when the USD Knudson School of Law hosts the South Dakota Supreme Court on campus.
“They have a session every year on campus and so traditionally that’s been an event where weapons, firearms are not authorized by court policy. That’s something that we would expect potentially to continue even after July 1,” Jackson said.
Per the bill, firearms, pepper spray and mace will not be allowed in designated portions of a building – think lab settings – if there is flammable liquid, hazardous materials, cylinders containing explosive, corrosive and flammable gasses or MRI equipment.
“There are some locations throughout the campuses where those restrictions are necessary for medical reasons or research reasons,” Jackson added.
Enhanced and restricted enhanced permits are different than a basic concealed carry permit
To get a regular concealed carry permit, someone must be 18 years old, not guilty of any crimes or have unlawful use of weapons charges, no history of violence or drug abuse and is a U.S. citizen, according to the Secretary of State website.
Enhanced permits have the same requirements as a regular permit, except the permit holder must be 21 and undergo additional safety measures and training. Restricted enhanced permits are for 18-21-year-olds that have gone through the training.
Those with enhanced permits must submit their fingerprints to the FBI, run an extensive background check and complete a qualified handgun safety course.
Gunshots fired at apartment in west Sioux Falls
“Those courses include firearm safety, self-defense laws, live fire shooting as well,” Jackson said. “It’s a little different than that traditional concealed carry permit that doesn’t have those additional training requirements.”
The enhanced and restricted enhanced permits are strictly for pistols and handguns. Jackson said long guns like hunting rifles and shotguns can be stored in a locker at the university police department.
“We know that we have a lot of individuals that might be away from home, yet still want to hunt and fish and things like that,” he said. “We’ll still continue to provide safe storage for those long guns.”
For anyone worried about the potential increased presence of firearms on campus, Jackson wanted to remind people that those with enhanced permits go through additional safety training.
“I think it’s important to know that we’re talking about those enhanced permits for those individuals that obtain them are taking the necessary steps to do so in a safe manner and carry their firearms responsibly,” Jackson added.
The new concealed carry law will take effect July 1. School is back in session for Board of Regents universities on August 25.
