South Dakota law creates immunity from lawsuits for people who help a lawyer or judge get treatment for substance abuse, gambling addiction, or medical conditions that impair their ability to practice law or judge fairly. The law protects those who report concerns about an impaired lawyer or judge to the State Bar or courts, as long as they act in good faith to help the person get help rather than to cause harm. Healthcare providers who are paid for their treatment services are excluded from this immunity protection.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 494
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 476
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 550
Signed by the President S.J. 470
Senate Concurred in amendments Passed, YEAS 35, NAYS 0. S.J. 460
House of Representatives Title amended H.J. 496
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 68, NAYS 0. H.J. 495
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent H.J. 1
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 11, NAYS 0. H.J. 1
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House Judiciary H.J. 213
First Reading House H.J. 195
Senate Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 34, NAYS 0. S.J. 158
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 2
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 2
Judiciary Motion to amend S.J. 2
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 95
Mike Stevens
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Timothy Johns
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Cosponsors
Concurred in amendments
Judiciary — Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass Amended