This bill clarifies that a birth mother can only voluntarily end her legal relationship with a child through the adoption and termination of parental rights processes outlined in South Dakota law (chapters 25-5A and 25-6). By establishing these as the exclusive legal means, the bill prevents any other methods or informal arrangements from being recognized as valid terminations of that relationship.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Failed, YEAS 29, NAYS 38. H.J. 375
State Affairs Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 3.
State Affairs Motion to amend
State Affairs Scheduled for hearing
State Affairs Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House State Affairs H.J. 211
First Reading House H.J. 178
Bethany Soye
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Wayne Steinhauer
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Cosponsors
Do Pass Amended
State Affairs — Do Pass Amended