South Dakota would create a new felony crime for trespassing at places of worship with intent to disrupt services, harass worshippers, or intimidate congregants through fear or political coercion. The law applies to anyone entering or remaining on a place of worship's premises or within 50 feet of its exits during the hour before or after services, with violators facing Class 5 felony charges. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
The amendment substantially NARROWS the bill's scope by reducing the protected perimeter around places of worship from one thousand feet to fifty feet and limiting the prohibition to one hour before or after worship services, while also clarifying that the ban applies to areas within fifty feet of "any egress" (exit). This makes the trespass law more targeted to active worship times and immediate building entrances rather than a broad general exclusion zone.
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Failed, YEAS 21, NAYS 48. H.J. 225
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 4. H.J. 6
Judiciary Motion to amend H.J. 6
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House Judiciary H.J. 136
First Reading House H.J. 124
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Do Pass Amended