South Dakota House Bill HB1219

South Dakota 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

Appoint an advisory committee for use of force and qualifying handgun course development.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend state laws to formalize the structure of training related to the use of force and handgun handling for law enforcement personnel in South Dakota. This could potentially standardize training practices across various law enforcement agencies, as the committee will be responsible for ensuring that the curriculum meets established guidelines and serves the needs of certified instructors effectively. The inclusion of NRA representatives raises discussions about the influence of gun advocacy groups on law enforcement training procedures.

Summary

House Bill 1219 seeks to establish an advisory committee to oversee the development and implementation of a use of force course for certified instructors as well as to provide recommendations for a qualifying handgun course. The bill mandates that the attorney general appoint the committee, which will include specific members such as a representative from the National Rifle Association and certified use of force instructors. The requirement for the committee to meet biannually is also specified, ensuring regular oversight and review of course content.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the composition of the advisory committee, particularly the inclusion of NRA-affiliated members. Critics might argue that this could lead to biased training materials that favor a particular perspective on firearm use. Moreover, concerns may be raised regarding how the established courses will address the broader context of use of force, including de-escalation techniques and mental health considerations in law enforcement practices.