PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden signed SB 2 into law Wednesday during a ceremony in Sioux Falls, making South Dakota the first state in the nation to remove firearm suppressors from the state-level definition of a controlled weapon.

The legislation aims to streamline the regulation of silencers by deferring to existing federal oversight rather than maintaining a redundant layer of state law. Supporters of the bill, including key officials and industry leaders, gathered at Silencer Central to witness the signing.

“South Dakota is the most Second Amendment-friendly state in America, and this is yet another opportunity for us to pave the way and set an example for the rest of the nation,” Rhoden said. “By removing unnecessary state-level restrictions, we are standing up for freedom and protecting the constitutional right of law-abiding citizens.”

The move marks a significant shift for firearm owners in Rapid City and across the state, particularly for those in the hunting and sport shooting communities. Advocates argue that suppressors are primarily safety equipment designed to prevent hearing loss and minimize noise pollution.

Representative Drew Peterson, one of the bill’s prime sponsors, emphasized the practical applications of the new law for South Dakota residents.

“Firearms Suppressor’s primary purpose is to protect hearing and reduce noise, which makes firearm use safer for hunters, sportsmen, and neighboring landowners alike,” Peterson said. “Senate Bill 2 is a clean, common-sense update. It reduces redundancy, respects federal oversight, and keeps our laws aligned with the actual purpose of suppressors as safety tools.”

Attorney General Marty Jackley joined the governor at the signing, noting that the removal of the state restriction does not compromise public safety, as federal regulations and background check requirements for suppressors remain in effect.

“There already are protections in place at the federal level for silencers and removing an extra layer of government that serves no public safety reason makes common sense,” Jackley said. “I have and will always protect the rights of lawful gun owners.”

State Senator Casey Crabtree, who also sponsored the bill, framed the legislation as a clarification of the equipment’s utility, stating that suppressors should be viewed as hearing protection rather than a weapon.

With the signing of SB 2, Rhoden has now signed 10 bills into law during the current legislative session. The move is expected to bolster the firearms manufacturing industry within the state while signaling a push for similar deregulation at the federal level.