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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2026
Contact: Josie Harms
Gov. Rhoden Signs Bill to Protect Second Amendment Rights
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed SB 2, which fittingly protects the 2nd Amendment. SB 2 deregulates firearm suppressors at the state level by removing them from the definition of a “controlled weapon.”
“South Dakota is the most Second Amendment-friendly state in America, and this is yet another opportunity for us to pave the way and set an example for the rest of the nation,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “By removing unnecessary state-level restrictions, we are standing up for freedom and protecting the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens.”
South Dakota is the first state in the nation to remove suppressors from the list of controlled weapons, sending a message of support for further deregulation to happen at the national level.
SB 2 was signed at a signing ceremony at Silencer Central with the bill’s prime sponsors, Senator Casey Crabtree and Representative Drew Peterson; Attorney General Marty Jackley; and other stakeholders in the Second Amendment advocacy and firearms manufacturing industries. You can find a photo of the signing here.
“I am proud to stand with President Trump and Governor Rhoden to support the Second Amendment,” said Senator Casey Crabtree. “Gun suppressors are hearing protection, not a weapon, and I’m glad that South Dakota will no longer be regulating them.”
“Firearms Suppressor’s primary purpose is to protect hearing and reduce noise, which makes firearm use safer for hunters, sportsmen, and neighboring landowners alike,” said Representative Drew Peterson. “Senate Bill 2 is a clean, common‑sense update. It reduces redundancy, respects federal oversight, and keeps our laws aligned with the actual purpose of suppressors as safety tools.”
“There already are protections in place at the federal level for silencers and removing an extra layer of government that serves no public safety reason makes common sense,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “Thank you to Governor Rhoden for his leadership on this legislation. I have and will always protect the rights of lawful gun owners.”
Governor Rhoden has signed 10 bills into law and vetoed one this legislative session.
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