South Dakota is changing who gets to decide how to handle a deceased person's remains and funeral arrangements. The new law adds two higher-priority options at the top of the decision-making order: first, someone the deceased person specifically named in a signed affidavit, and second, someone designated on a military form (DD 93) for active-duty service members—both taking priority over the surviving spouse, children, and parents who previously had first claim.
Signed by the Governor H.J. 398
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 378
Signed by the President S.J. 340
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 367
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 35, NAYS 0. S.J. 318
Commerce and Energy Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 34
Commerce and Energy Do Pass Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 0. S.J. 34
Commerce and Energy Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Commerce and Energy S.J. 192
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 70, NAYS 0. H.J. 213
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. 159
Greg Jamison
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Jim Mehlhaff
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Cosponsors
Commerce and Energy — Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass