When getting married in South Dakota, couples can use their marriage license to legally change their surname, but this bill clarifies the limits on what name changes are allowed—couples can only adopt their spouse's last name, hyphenate both last names, or make other limited changes, but cannot change their first or middle names (except moving a middle name to become part of their new surname). The bill updates the language in the law to make these restrictions clearer and more consistent throughout the statute.
Signed by the Governor H.J. 688
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 626
Signed by the President S.J. 479
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 589
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 35, NAYS 0. S.J. 439
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 233
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 68, NAYS 0. H.J. 247
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 13, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 155
Becky Drury
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
David Wheeler
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Cosponsors
Judiciary — Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass