After devoting three days of debate to gun and juvenile crime issues, the House of Representatives passed tougher juvenile crime measures and voted to protect the Second Amendment from further firearms restrictions. We've passed a bill that deters young criminals by putting the bite back into our juvenile justice system. The package of gun control measures brought to the floor failed to garner the support necessary for passage. The majority of House Democrats voted against the measure. We need to start by enforcing existing laws.
Law abiding citizens have a right to own firearms.
The culture of gun ownership in South Dakota is obviously very different than it is in New York City. I believe state and local governments should have the right to decide what kind of gun laws are appropriate for the culture of each state. The main bill now consists of juvenile crime legislation, which will be sent to a conference committee where differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill will be worked out. Both the House and Senate will vote one more time on a final version.