Search Bills

Supporting the acknowledgement of the Lake Traverse Reservation boundaries as provided in federal law.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 603 is a legislative statement supporting federal recognition of the Lake Traverse Reservation's boundaries as established under federal law. This resolution modifies South Dakota's official acknowledgement of the reservation's territory, aligning state recognition with existing federal designations. The change affirms the state's position on tribal land boundaries within South Dakota.

Supporting Tribal Nation members' access to fish on lands adjacent to tribal lands without a fishing license.

This resolution expresses the South Dakota Senate's support for allowing enrolled members of Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota tribes to fish on lands adjacent to tribal lands without needing a state fishing license, based on hunting and fishing rights reserved under the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty. The resolution acknowledges that the treaty is the supreme law of the land and recognizes tribal nations' cultural connection to these traditional hunting and fishing grounds. This is a symbolic statement of support rather than a law that changes current regulations, though it advocates for the state to honor tribal treaty rights.

Honoring E. Royce Williams for his life, achievement, and heroism as he is awarded the Navy Cross.

This is a ceremonial resolution honoring E. Royce Williams for receiving the Navy Cross, South Dakota's highest military honor. The resolution does not change any state law—it is simply the legislature's formal recognition of his heroism and achievement.

ensure the proper labeling of American Indian arts and crafts.

This bill updates South Dakota's law against selling fake American Indian arts and crafts by clarifying language and modernizing the wording. The law still requires anyone selling items that aren't authentic American Indian-made goods to display a warning sign (at least 24 by 16 inches with half-inch lettering) stating the item is not genuine, with violations remaining a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan.

South Dakota's House recognizes Taiwan as a sister state and celebrates the relationship between the two regions. This resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or change existing state regulations—it simply expresses the legislature's support for strengthening ties with Taiwan.

establish the Commission on Truth and Reconciliation.

South Dakota creates a new Commission on Truth and Reconciliation with seven members appointed by the Governor to examine how federal and state policies have affected the state's nine federally recognized tribes. The commission will gather testimony from affected Native Americans, document the impacts of government policies, and recommend steps toward healing and improved tribal-state relations. Once the commission completes its report to the Governor and Legislature, it will be dissolved.

Celebrating the Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies Football Team.

HC 8003 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies football team. This bill does not change any state law—it simply honors the team's achievements through a House resolution.

Recognizing the De Smet Bulldogs as the 2021 and 2022 boys basketball Class B state champions.

This resolution officially recognizes the De Smet Bulldogs as the 2021 and 2022 boys basketball Class B state champions. It's a ceremonial measure that honors the team's achievements and doesn't change any state laws or regulations.

authorize enrolled tribal members to attend certain institutions of higher education without payment of tuition and mandatory fees.

Enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes located in or partially in South Dakota can now attend any state university or technical college tuition-free for up to four academic years. The state will only cover these costs after the student has used any federal tuition benefits they qualify for, such as tribal scholarships or federal aid.

establish the task force to address the welfare of Indian children in South Dakota.

South Dakota creates a new Indian Child Welfare Task Force made up of representatives from state government, tribal governments, and the legislature to examine issues affecting Indian children in the state. The task force must meet at least eight times before dissolving on March 31, 2024, and will include two social services officials, one representative from each of the nine South Dakota tribes, two state court judges, and four state legislators.