Gov. Signs Bills Into Law
by Kenny Bass, Assignment Editor
March 08, 2013 11:43 AM
Governor Dennis Daugaard has signed HB 1087, the school sentinel bill, into law on Friday. The law will allow school boards to decide whether or not to arm administrators, teachers, volunteers and other staff.
Lawmakers who introduced the bill said it was intended to prevent tragedies such as the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Opponents argue that arming teachers could make schools more dangerous because it could lead to accidental shootings and put guns in the hands of people who have no extensive training in handling emergency situations.
Governor Daugaard also signed HB 1237. That bill changed the requirement on waiting periods for abortions. Under the law, weekends and holidays are no longer considered part of the 72-hour waiting period before a woman can get an abortion.
Those for the law said it would provide the pregnant mother with a reasonable opportunity to seek and obtain counseling. Those who opposed say it allows even more time for coercion and the mother's health could be in danger.
Friday is the final day of the main stretch of the 88th Legislative Session.
