South Dakota House Bill HB1153

South Dakota 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

Impose a reporting requirement regarding a lost or stolen firearm and to provide a penalty therefor.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1153 will amend South Dakota's existing firearms statutes by establishing clear guidelines for reporting lost or stolen firearms. It compels owners to ensure timely reporting and includes measures for law enforcement to collect crucial information about the firearms involved when such incidents are reported. This could increase coordination between local law enforcement and firearm owners, thereby fostering a more regulated approach to firearm ownership within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1153 introduces a mandatory reporting requirement for lost or stolen firearms within the state of South Dakota. The bill stipulates that both individuals and entities who own firearms must report the loss or theft to the appropriate law enforcement agency within forty-eight hours from the time they became aware of the loss or theft. This aims to enhance tracking and accountability regarding firearms, which could help in mitigating gun-related crimes and accidents by ensuring that lost firearms are promptly reported and documented by law enforcement agencies. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1153 include concerns about its implications on personal privacy and the burden it places on firearm owners, particularly those who may be unaware of the reporting requirements or face exigent circumstances such as injury or unavailability during the required reporting period. Some argue that such regulations could lead to misinformation and accidental non-compliance, exposing individuals to criminal penalties. Additionally, there might be debates about whether this legislation adequately addresses the broader context of gun violence or merely serves as a punitive response to firearm loss.