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Gun-Running Big in South Dakota… So Let People Hide Heat Without Permit?

Another Pierre juxtaposition:

Today in the House, Rep. Nick Moser (18-R/Yankton) spoke in favor of Senate Bill 146, which would allow individuals charged with prostitution to defend themselves by proving they are victims of human trafficking. In his brief remarks, Rep. Moser said, "Trafficking is the number three illegal enterprise in South Dakota, behind gun-running and drugs." Fascinating... especially considering that globally, trafficking drugs and humans generates much more black-market revenue that trafficking arms.

Meanwhile, our Senators were busy nullifying South Dakota's concealed weapons permit laws with HB 1248. Following the Senate's 22-11 vote, all we need is the Governor's signature to turn our drivers licenses into de facto concealed weapons permits.

So will HB 1248 make it harder for us to tackle South Dakota's surprisingly large gun-running industry?

4 Comments

  1. Owen Reitzel 2012.02.29

    Still don't believe this bill is necessary. As a son who is in law enforcement I'm concerned for his safety and we should make it harder to carry a concealed weapon not easier.
    We should make people who want a concealed weapon to take a 2 week course to get a permit.
    My Rep Stace Nelson and myself have had a good discussion about this. Rep. Nelson unfortunately is for this bill, which is hard to understand since he was in law enforcement.

  2. WayneB 2012.02.29

    I would support requirements and legislation similar to Utah's Conceal Carry permit - at least they acknowlege one event in a person's mental health record does not constitute a tendency of violence / unstable behavior. It's much more forgiving for those who seek professional treatment than South Dakota is.

    Let's be frank, though. People who are going to cause trouble and put Mr. Reitzel's son (and some of my law enforcement friends) at risk are NOT going to care what laws are on the books. They'll carry anyway. All that means is there's one more thing to charge someone with after the fact.

    Just because people have their drivers licenses revoked for a DUI, it doesn't mean they won't drive to the bar anyway.

    To the topic - http://www.tracetheguns.org/report.pdf indicates we rank 28th in exporting guns used in crimes per 100k. Our rate is 14.8, so figure 120 guns were exported and used in crimes.

    I'm having a dickens of a time finding statistics on actual human trafficking taking place in South Dakota.

    Given the cash value of all the drugs interdicted in our borders, I would imagine that's the #1 illegal enterprise... anyone know where Rep. Moser is getting his data?

  3. Stan Gibilisco 2012.02.29

    Looks like this bill might go all the way into law. Oh, terrific. Someone I know likes to hit people when she gets mad at them. She's been in jail for assault several times. Under the old law she could never get a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Under the new law she can walk around with a Saturday night special in her jacket, all legal and proper. Not that she will, but if she wants to, the law can't do a thing until she uses it.

  4. Robert S Hausvik 2012.02.29

    I strongly oppose the passage of HB1248 and agree that we need stronger gun laws in South Dakota and not a weaker one. I am a handgun owner and currently hold a South Dakota Permit to Carry a Concealed Pistol. Owning a handgun is a huge responsibility and should not be considered lightly and possession of any weapon should be restricted to responsible law abiding citizens only. Since we already have too many irresponsible people who have possession of a South Dakota Driver's License, this would not be an acceptable means for granting possession of a handgun.

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