A South Dakota Senate committee has rejected a bill that would have limited civil liability for gun ranges. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 6–1 on Thursday to defer Senate Bill 103 to the 41st legislative day, effectively killing the proposal for the session.
The bill, sponsored by Senator John Carley of Piedmont, would have clarified that people using shooting ranges assume “obvious and inherent” risks — including noise, firearm discharge, and equipment malfunctions not owned by the range. Carley argued the measure was meant to protect public and private ranges from what he called frivolous lawsuits as shooting sports grow in the state.
Supporters, including shooting‑sports groups and insurance representatives, said similar assumption‑of‑risk protections already exist for activities like fishing and rodeo. But opponents warned the bill’s language was too broad and could block lawsuits even in cases of negligent firearm handling.
After extended debate, the committee voted to end consideration of the bill for the year.
