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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.

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.

require schools to provide instruction on South Dakota's tribal history, culture, and government.

South Dakota schools must now teach students about tribal history, culture, and government using course materials developed by the state Department of Education. Schools can adapt these materials to fit their region or blend them into existing classes, and are encouraged to work with nearby tribes to improve the instruction and create cultural exchange programs between classrooms and communities.

modify the composition of the State-Tribal Relations Committee.

SB 69 changes how members are appointed to the State-Tribal Relations Committee by replacing a rule that limits one party to three seats with a new requirement that committee appointments reflect each party's actual representation in the House and Senate. The bill guarantees the minority party at least one seat on the committee from each legislative body.

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.

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.

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.

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.

revise provisions related to emergency and involuntary commitment for alcohol and drug abuse.

SB 67 expands the list of organizations that can accredit alcohol and drug treatment facilities in South Dakota to include the Indian Health Service's quality assurance reviews and the Council on Accreditation, in addition to existing accreditors like The Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. This change allows more types of facilities—particularly those serving tribal communities—to meet state standards for emergency and involuntary commitment programs related to substance abuse treatment.

identify child placement preferences.

This bill updates South Dakota's adoption law to establish a clear order of placement preferences for children in foster care and adoption cases. Courts and the Department of Social Services must now prioritize placing children with relatives first, then with adoptive families who can maintain the child's connection to their community (including religious or cultural communities), and for Native American children, must prioritize placement with members of their Indian tribe. These new preferences ensure that children's existing family ties and cultural identities are considered alongside other factors when deciding where they should be placed.

Celebrating the life, legacy, and accomplishments of Lionel Bordeaux.

HC8002 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Lionel Bordeaux and celebrating his life, legacy, and accomplishments—it does not change any state laws. This type of resolution is a formal recognition passed by the House of Representatives to acknowledge an individual's contributions.

designate a portion of U.S. Highway 83 as Sicangu Lakota Code Talker Highway.

SB 190 designates a portion of U.S. Highway 83 as the "Sicangu Lakota Code Talker Highway" to honor Sicangu Lakota members who served as Code Talkers during World War II. This is a ceremonial naming that does not change any operational aspects of the highway but recognizes the historical contributions of these Native American military veterans.

extend the termination date of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council and modify its membership requirements.

This bill extends the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council's expiration date from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2031, keeping the council in operation for an additional six years to monitor juvenile justice reforms in South Dakota. The council will continue reviewing performance measures across state agencies and tracking outcomes for youth in the justice system, particularly for Native American children and rural treatment delivery.

Recognizing and honoring Kevin Locke, a world-famous Hoop Dancer, player of the North American Indigenous flute, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, and educator.

This is a ceremonial resolution honoring Kevin Locke, a renowned Lakota hoop dancer, flute player, storyteller, and cultural educator. The bill makes technical updates to various sections of South Dakota's codified laws but does not substantively change legal requirements or policies. It formally recognizes Locke's contributions to Indigenous culture and education in South Dakota.

Encouraging the Executive Board of the Legislature to authorize an interim study of the licensure and nomenclature of emergency medical and advanced life support personnel.

This resolution asks the Legislature's executive board to authorize a study examining how emergency medical personnel (like EMTs and paramedics) are licensed and what they're called in South Dakota. The study would review whether current licensing and job titles for these emergency responders need updating or changes.

prevent the enforcement of federal laws and directives related to firearms, accessories, and ammunition.

HB 1173 prohibits South Dakota state agencies, local governments, and their employees from helping enforce federal gun laws or regulations that are stricter than South Dakota's own laws. State and local officials who violate this ban face a $1,000 civil penalty for the first offense and criminal charges for any repeat violations.