This bill adds hair discrimination to South Dakota's existing unfair practice laws by explicitly protecting people from discrimination based on hair texture, hair type, and certain hairstyles like braids, locks, and twists when those characteristics are connected to race. The change clarifies that employers, landlords, and other covered entities cannot discriminate against someone because of how their hair naturally looks or how they style it in ways tied to their racial or ethnic identity.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
State Affairs Deferred to the 41st legislative day Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 1.
State Affairs Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate State Affairs S.J. 96
Erin Healy
Prime sponsor · Rep.
D
Reynold Nesiba
Prime sponsor · Sen.
D
Cosponsors
State Affairs — Deferred to the 41st legislative day