South Dakota will now allow certain legal documents—including wills, powers of attorney, and cremation authorizations—to be witnessed remotely using video technology instead of requiring witnesses to be physically present. The witnesses and the person signing the document must all be able to see and hear each other in real-time through the video call, and the law includes accommodations for people with vision, hearing, or speech impairments. This change makes it easier for people to execute these important legal documents without gathering in person.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 544
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 495
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 635
Signed by the President S.J. 479
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 58, NAYS 9. H.J. 585
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 3. H.J. 1
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing H.J. 1
House of Representatives Referred to House Judiciary H.J. 325
First Reading House H.J. 196
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 34, NAYS 0. S.J. 163
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 104
David Wheeler
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Mike Stevens
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Cosponsors
Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass