South Dakotans who buy guns with regularity or exercise their right to conceal carry firearms should be excited for the new "gold card" permit that goes into effect starting January, 1 (2017) in the state.

The law change will speed up gun shopping for permit holders by bypassing mandatory background checks for every firearm purchased from a licensed gun dealer. Gun owners with the new gold card permit will instead, be able to present the permit which requires completing an FBI fingerprint background check on top of the standard obligations necessary to get a concealed carry permit.

The added benefits the gold card permit provides gun owners is contingent on federal approval by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KDLT TV is reporting that if approved in South Dakota, the state will join more than two dozen states with such an option.

The bill creating the gold card easily passed through the Legislature during the 2016 session. Only one person voted against it.

Those wishing to get the new gold card must complete the background check in addition to meeting normal age, criminal record, and mental competency requirements, among other necessities. Law enforcement officials also have the right to run periodic background checks on every permit holder to ensure they are still eligible to possess such a permit. The lifespan of the gold card permit is five years before it will need to be renewed.

Applicants will need to pay a $70 fee, plus the cost of a background check to obtain a gold card permit. The new card will also serve as a concealed carry permit in South Dakota.

Anyone familiar with the gun buying process knows there can be delays during background checks. These delays can cause problems for both vendors and customers. Especially if the person is attempting to purchase a firearm from a licensed gun dealer at gun show which may only be in town for a limited number of days. Having one of these new gold cards will be extremely beneficial in these type of situations.

A spokesperson with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says, the agency won’t make a final decision on the gold card permit until after the new law goes into effect on January 1st.

Source: KDLT TV/ The Edwardsville Intelligencer


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