South Dakota to Become First State to Repeal Concealed Carry Fees

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem announced Wednesday the state would become the first in America to repeal concealed carry fees.

“On July 1, South Dakota will become the first state in America to eliminate concealed carry fees! It will not cost you a penny to exercise your #2A rights in South Dakota. We will even pay for your federal background check,” Noem tweeted. 

On July 1, South Dakota will become the first state in America to eliminate concealed carry fees!

It will not cost you a penny to exercise your #2A rights in South Dakota. We will even pay for your federal background check. https://t.co/QJqfTkiKTp

— Governor Kristi Noem (@GovKristiNoem) June 29, 2022

On Friday, July 1, SB 212, which eliminates all concealed carry permitting fees in South Dakota, becomes law.

“With this legislation, South Dakota becomes the first state in America to eliminate fees for its concealed carry permitting system. The only other state without fees – Vermont – does not operate a concealed carry permitting system,” South Dakota State News reported.

AP News noted in March:

The Republican governor brought the proposal this year as a way to both tout her support for gun ownership rights and cut government fees. She initially proposed eliminating state business filing fees as part of the bill, but lawmakers struck that portion from the legislation. They argued it would have created a flood of out-of-state entities applying for business registrations in South Dakota.

“The bill is estimated to cost the state about $110,000 annually in lost revenue,” AP added.