The Honorable G. Mark Mickelson
Speaker of the House
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
Dear Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives,
I respectfully return to you House Bill 1156, with my VETO.
House Bill 1156 is an Act to allow a concealed pistol in the Capitol with an enhanced concealed
pistol permit.
On any given day, the array of people found in our historic State Capitol building includes elected
officials, tourists, state employees, and school children. The protection we have in the building, from
law enforcement officers in uniform or plain clothes, provides a secure environment. I am satisfied
that our Highway Patrol is doing its job, and their important work would be made more difficult if
others are allowed to carry weapons into the Capitol.
The law enforcement officers who protect our Capitol building have specialized training which is
repeated on a regular basis. This ensures when called upon, they are ready to make split-second and
life-saving decisions. They prepare themselves mentally at the beginning of each shift, so they are
ready to react appropriately should the need arise.
In contrast, the 1,878 South Dakotans who hold an enhanced concealed pistol permit were required
to undertake approximately eight hours of instruction, just once. This training includes South Dakota
law relating to the use of force, the safe and responsible use of handguns, self-defense principles, and
live fire training. There is no training requirement for renewal, even after five years have passed.
During the legislative session, meaningful debates among the public and legislators are frequent and
oftentimes passionate. Where emotions can run high, it is important to be protected by people who
are routinely trained to manage dangerous situations. Law enforcement training focuses on knowing
when to pull the trigger-and when not to. Our law enforcement officers are uniquely able to protect
the public, and I believe this bill would complicate that work.
For these reasons, I ask that you sustain my veto.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis Daugaard
Governor