BROOKINGS, S.D.(South Dakota Searchlight)- The South Dakota Board of Regents approved a policy on Thursday in Brookings allowing people with enhanced permits to carry concealed pistols on the state’s public university campuses.

“This is something that we don’t take lightly,” said Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes.

The policy was necessitated by a law that took effect July 1, after lawmakers approved it during this year’s winter legislative session in Pierre. The prior policy prohibited guns and other dangerous weapons on campuses.

Under the new policy, a person must have an enhanced concealed-carry permit to carry a concealed handgun on campus. The permits require a background check and completion of a handgun safety course, and are available to people as young as 18.

Pistols and ammunition must be stored in a locked case or safe when not being carried. The policy sets standards for schools to designate restricted spaces and rules for special events, establishes signage requirements, and addresses storage rules for dormitories. It also requires members of the public using campus facilities to adhere to the same regulations.

“The safety and well-being of our students and campus communities remains at the forefront, and we wanted to make sure that we were very thoughtful, very intentional, on the policy framework that we put together to do that to the best of our abilities,” Lukkes said.

Lukkes said the process was “onerous and involved,” citing extensive research into other states’ policies and consultation with campus stakeholders. The board opted for a first-and-final reading — rather than its usual two-reading process that allows for more public comment — citing the need to provide certainty ahead of the fall semester and the law already having gone into effect.