SB 52 clarifies the process the South Dakota Retirement System uses to evaluate disability benefit applications by confirming that the executive director can request advice from a disability advisory committee, require medical exams or functional capacity assessments, and deny applications if members refuse these evaluations. The bill also specifies that disability benefits begin the month after a member stops contributing to the retirement system. These changes organize existing procedures into clearer written rules for how disability claims are handled.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
The amendment changes the procedural requirements for disability benefit determinations by requiring the executive director to issue formal written orders for both approvals and denials (rather than just sending notices), and extends the timeline for benefit termination from thirty days to sixty days after the order is mailed. These changes STRENGTHEN applicants' rights by providing clearer legal documentation and more time before benefits end.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 266
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 259
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 300
Signed by the President S.J. 236
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 65, NAYS 0. H.J. 262
Retirement Laws Certified uncontested, placed on consent H.J. 1
Retirement Laws Do Pass Passed, YEAS 4, NAYS 0. H.J. 1
Retirement Laws Scheduled for hearing H.J. 1
House of Representatives Referred to House Retirement Laws H.J. 137
First Reading House H.J. 125
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 34, NAYS 0. S.J. 83
Retirement Laws Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 1
Retirement Laws Do Pass Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 0. S.J. 1
Retirement Laws Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Retirement Laws S.J. 14
Do Pass
Retirement Laws — Do Pass
Do Pass
Retirement Laws — Do Pass