This bill creates a new crime in South Dakota targeting adults in positions of authority—such as teachers, coaches, clergy, or healthcare providers—who engage in sexual contact with minors under 18. An adult at least 18 years old and two years older than the victim commits a Class 3 felony if they have interacted with the minor in any authority role (even briefly) within the past 120 days and knowingly have sexual contact with them. The law also extends the statute of limitations, allowing prosecutors to bring charges until the victim turns 25 or within seven years of the crime, whichever is longer.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Signed by the Governor H.J. 570
Signed by the President S.J. 470
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 547
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 541
Senate Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 33, NAYS 2. S.J. 434
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 1
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 0. S.J. 1
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 365
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 66, NAYS 0. H.J. 424
House of Representatives Motion to amend H.J. 424
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 2. H.J. 1
Judiciary Motion to amend H.J. 1
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 139
Helene Duhamel
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Tim Reed
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Cosponsors
Judiciary — Do Pass
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Do Pass Amended