Cracker Barrel Gun Debate

Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008

The commission room at city hall was packed on Saturday as the Madison Chamber of Commerce held their Legislative Cracker Barrel. Representatives Dave Gassman, Russ Olsen, and Senator Dan Sutton were on hand to answer the crowds questions.

The first item discussed was House Bill 1261, a bill that would prevent colleges and technical schools from restricting the right to carry or possess a firearm. The South Dakota House passed that bill last week on a 63-3 vote.

Dakota State University President Dr. Douglas Knowlton told the legislators, the bill doesn't make sense.

Senator Sutton says the issue started with the Board of Regents bill to ban guns on campus. That bill was defeated, and House Bill 1261 was put forward in retaliation. Sutton says many members of the Legislature simply don't want to get in the way of the NRA.

District 8 Representatives Russell Olsen and Dave Gassman voted for the bill. Olsen said the State should not interfere with students rights to carry guns.

Dr. Knowlton pointed out that lawmakers do ban guns on the grounds of the State Capital.

The Senate is expected to begin discussion on that bill this week.