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Search by bill number, title, description, or keyword
expand the availability of emergency services in state parks.
This bill expands conservation officers' authority to enforce more types of crimes in state parks and requires the Department of Game, Fish and Parks to provide 24-hour emergency dispatch services during the summer season (May 15 through September 30). The bill also gives conservation officers the power to investigate vehicle accidents on state park property and file required reports, treating them the same as other law enforcement officers when performing these duties. These changes aim to improve emergency response and public safety in South Dakota's state parks during peak visitor season.
establish a for-cause requirement for inspections of motor carriers on possible vehicle weight and load violations.
This bill limits when state enforcement officers can inspect motor carriers for weight and load violations—they now need "reason to believe" a vehicle is unlawfully weighted before stopping it, rather than being able to stop any vehicle for inspection. The change narrows the scope of routine inspections to focus on vehicles where officers have specific grounds for suspicion. Officers can still examine registration, licenses, and permits during any lawful stop.
establish use of force course standards.
HB1071 reduces how often the Division of Criminal Investigation must offer use-of-force training for NRA-certified pistol instructors, changing from at least twice yearly to at least once per year. The bill also allows the Division to set course standards for both initial instructor certification and renewal, establish fees up to $150, and create rules for how the training program operates.
provide for appropriate civil commitment of certain persons.
This bill changes the rules for committing people with developmental disabilities to state care when they've been accused of violent crimes. Previously, the county review board had to prove the person posed an immediate danger; now, if a violent crime charge was dismissed in court, the board can order commitment if it finds the person actually committed the crime, has difficulty controlling their behavior, and is likely to commit another violent crime in the future. The bill also allows law enforcement to physically take someone into custody if they refuse to comply with a commitment order.