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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Senate has passed a bill to add dangerously mentally ill people to a national registry and keep them from obtaining guns.
The Senate voted 26-9 to support the measure. It passed the House on Feb. 20.
Under the measure, people who are involuntarily committed as dangerous would be added to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Firearm dealers conduct checks through NICS before finalizing sales, as do sheriffs before providing concealed carry permits.
Critics of the measure object to the use of a national registry. They argue the bill infringes on constitutional gun rights.
Supporters say it promotes public safety. They say people can be removed from the registry once they manage their mental illness.
It goes next to Gov. Dennis Daugaad for final approval.
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