PIERRE, S.D. – A new state law designed to deregulate firearm suppressors and expand Second Amendment protections is set to take effect on July 1. Senate Bill 2, which was signed into law earlier this year by Governor Larry Rhoden, removes suppressors from the state’s legal definition of a “controlled weapon.”

The legislative change aims to streamline local ownership and position the state at the forefront of national deregulation efforts. While federal regulations under the National Firearms Act still apply, the updated state statute removes independent state-level restrictions and statutory penalties previously associated with the devices. South Dakota gun owners will see these local barriers eliminated as the state adjusts its regulatory framework.

“The right to keep and bear arms is a cornerstone of our freedom, and removing unnecessary restrictions is essential to preserving that freedom,” Governor Rhoden said. “I am proud that South Dakota is the most Second Amendment-friendly state in our nation, and I will continue to work hard to ensure that remains true for generations to come.”

South Dakota is the first state in the nation to remove suppressors from its list of controlled weapons. Proponents of the legislation note that the change sends a clear message to federal lawmakers in favor of broader national deregulation. Following South Dakota’s legislative action, several other states have initiated similar efforts to reassess their local firearm policies.

Gun rights organizations have expressed strong support for the measure, noting that the law reduces administrative redundancies for law-abiding citizens.

“The NRA applauds Governor Rhoden’s steadfast support of the Second Amendment, and SB 2 was just the latest example of that in the legislature,” said Brian Gosch, National Rifle Association state director.

Governor Rhoden finalized the legislation during a formal signing ceremony held at the Silencer Central headquarters in Sioux Falls. The event was attended by the bill’s prime legislative sponsors, state officials, and various stakeholders from the regional firearms manufacturing and Second Amendment advocacy sectors.