SD lawmakers move to open concealed weapons law

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota lawmakers have proposed changing the state's concealed weapons law to allow permits to all legal residents, weeks after an immigrant living in Sioux Falls sued the state.

A handful of lawmakers from both parties introduced a bill Tuesday to make that change. The group includes Senate Republican Leader Russell Olson, who signed onto the bill after saying earlier this month that he didn't see a need to change the law.

Legal immigrants were allowed to get concealed weapons permits until 2002, when the legislature changed the law after the 9/11 attacks. When British national Wayne Smith was denied a permit, he sued the state with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union. The case is pending in federal court.

National gun-rights advocates say they support Smith's lawsuit.