Search Bills

provisionally repeal capital punishment.

SB 109 temporarily suspends South Dakota's death penalty by amending the state's capital punishment statute. The bill does not permanently eliminate capital punishment but rather puts it on hold, meaning executions cannot be carried out during the suspension period. This is a provisional repeal, so the death penalty could potentially be reinstated in the future if the legislature votes to do so.

create a presumption of workers' compensation coverage for occupational cancer for firefighters.

SB 114 creates a legal presumption that firefighters who develop occupational cancer contracted it because of their job, making it easier for them to qualify for workers' compensation benefits without having to prove the cancer came from their work exposure. This changes South Dakota's workers' compensation law by shifting the burden so firefighters don't have to prove a direct link between their job duties and their cancer diagnosis.

permit the use of an online management and communication platform to be used by homeowners who are governed by a restrictive contract.

SB118 allows homeowners associations and other groups governed by restrictive covenants to use online platforms for managing communications and community business instead of requiring in-person meetings or traditional mail. The bill amends laws governing homeowners associations and adds new provisions to clarify how these digital platforms can be used while still protecting homeowners' rights to participate in decisions affecting their properties.

establish reporting requirements for future fund awards or grants and to make technical changes.

SB208 requires organizations that receive awards or grants from South Dakota's Future Fund to report on how they use those funds, establishing new accountability measures for state grant recipients. The bill also makes technical updates to existing grant-related laws to clarify reporting procedures and requirements.

provide for the disclosure of a cast vote record as a public record and make an appropriation therefor.

SB213 makes cast vote records—the electronic records showing how voting machines tallied individual ballots—available to the public as a matter of public record. The bill amends existing election law and includes funding to cover the costs of disclosing these records. This change increases transparency in South Dakota elections by allowing citizens to access detailed voting data from electronic voting systems.

establish public use criteria for purposes of condemnation proceedings.

HB1190 requires entities seeking to take private property through eminent domain to provide more detailed information when filing their court petition, including a description of good faith efforts to negotiate with the landowner and a detailed explanation of how the project serves the public. The bill adds these new documentation requirements to South Dakota's condemnation process to give property owners and courts better information about whether a taking truly meets the legal standard for public use.

require the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council to establish an interim study committee on minors' access to pornographic material.

HB1257 requires South Dakota's Legislative Research Council to create a temporary study committee to examine how minors are accessing pornographic material and what can be done about it. This establishes a fact-finding effort rather than creating new laws immediately, giving lawmakers time to research the issue before deciding whether to pass stricter regulations.

void covenants that prohibit or restrict the possession or use of firearms and ammunition.

SB 110 makes any deed restrictions or covenants that ban or limit firearm and ammunition possession on private property void and unenforceable in South Dakota. This means homeowners and property owners can no longer be prevented by neighborhood covenants from owning or using guns and ammunition on their property.

require disclosure of certain information prior to the sale of property bound by a homeowners' association.

SB217 requires sellers of properties in homeowners' associations to disclose specific information to buyers before the sale closes. The bill amends existing disclosure requirements and adds new rules about what HOA-related details must be shared, giving buyers better access to information about their potential HOA obligations and fees before they commit to purchasing the property.

Opposing the adoption and development of a central bank digital currency.

# SCR 603 Summary This resolution expresses South Dakota's official opposition to the federal government adopting or developing a central bank digital currency (a government-controlled digital form of money). The resolution does not change state law itself, but rather communicates the state's policy position against this potential federal financial system.

require the consideration of certain definitions when investigating unfair or discriminatory practices.

HB1155 adds new definitions to South Dakota's unfair and discriminatory practices law, specifically defining what counts as "anti-black sentiment," "anti-immigrant sentiment," and "anti-Indian sentiment" so investigators have clear guidance when reviewing discrimination complaints. The bill reorganizes existing definitions in the law and renumbers them to make room for these new categories that will be considered when the State Commission of Human Rights investigates potential violations.

require legislative approval for the purchase of real property by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

# HB 1180 Summary The Department of Game, Fish and Parks must now get approval from the South Dakota Legislature before purchasing any real property. This change gives lawmakers a say in when and where the department expands its land holdings, rather than allowing the department to make these purchases on its own.

create requirements for the disclosure of certain information relating to health care sharing arrangements.

This bill requires health care sharing ministries (faith-based nonprofits where members contribute to help pay each other's medical costs) to provide clearer information to participants, including monthly statements showing total needs submitted and amounts assigned for contribution, plus a written disclaimer on all application materials. The bill clarifies that these arrangements are not considered insurance under South Dakota law, but now imposes specific disclosure requirements to make sure participants understand how the system works.

require the placement of informational signs explaining works of art accepted by the state and displayed at a rest area or facility operated by the Department of Transportation.

South Dakota's Department of Transportation must now create and display informational signs next to any artwork that's donated and displayed at state rest areas or facilities. These signs will explain who created the artwork, how it was made, and why it's important to South Dakota. This is a new requirement that applies whenever the department accepts art as a gift for public display.

Recognizing Jack Cochrane for his achievements as a collegiate athlete at the University of South Dakota and congratulating him on his success as a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs.

HC8026 is a ceremonial resolution that honors Jack Cochrane for his accomplishments as a University of South Dakota athlete and his success as a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs. This bill does not change any state law; it is simply a formal recognition by the South Dakota House of Representatives.

revise a provision related to retrocession of jurisdiction over federal enclaves.

South Dakota is updating the process for accepting control over federal lands within the state, like military bases or other federal properties. The bill clarifies what information must be included when the Governor accepts jurisdiction over these lands—specifically requiring detailed boundary descriptions and a statement about whether future military land expansions are included—and allows state and local agencies to create agreements with federal agencies to coordinate responsibilities after the transfer.

rescind rule-making authority for the annual report of the number of voters removed from a county's voter registration list.

SB21 removes the requirement that counties file annual reports showing how many voters were removed from their registration lists and eliminates the state's rule-making authority over those reports. The bill repeals several sections of state law that governed voter removal procedures and reporting requirements. This change reduces voter registration record-keeping obligations for county election officials.

prohibit discrimination based on military status.

SB30 adds protections against discrimination based on military status in South Dakota law, preventing employers, housing providers, and other covered entities from treating people unfairly because of their military service or veteran status. The bill repeals several outdated provisions and updates existing anti-discrimination statutes to include military status alongside other protected categories like race and gender.

make an appropriation for the establishment of a Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology and to declare an emergency.

South Dakota will establish a Center for Quantum Information Science and Technology and provide funding for it through this appropriation bill. The legislation repeals several outdated statutory provisions and declares an emergency to allow the center to be created immediately rather than waiting for the standard implementation timeline. This represents a new state investment in quantum computing research and development.

modify provisions pertaining to the designation of a legal newspaper.

SB75 updates South Dakota's rules for what qualifies as a legal newspaper by allowing digital-first publications to serve as legal newspapers if they maintain at least 200 paid online subscribers and publish a print edition at least weekly with 500+ copies. The bill also clarifies that legal newspapers must devote at least 25% of their space to original news content and have been in circulation for at least one year before publishing official legal notices.

prohibit the act of collusion during the procurement process and provide a penalty therefor.

This bill creates a new crime of collusion during government procurement (the process of buying goods and services) and adds it to existing penalties for misconduct by state officers and employees. State workers who knowingly participate in collusion during procurement now face removal from their job, criminal charges as a Class 1 misdemeanor, and any contracts made through collusion can be canceled and benefits forfeited. The bill also clarifies what "administering a contract" means to prevent certain routine tasks from being misused as cover for corrupt dealings.

amend provisions regarding reports to be done for a guardianship or conservatorship and to provide a penalty therefor.

HB1230 clarifies the requirements for temporary guardians and conservators by specifying they must follow court-ordered powers and duties, and adds a penalty of a Class 2 misdemeanor for violations. The bill also refines the rules for petition reports by requiring guardianship or conservatorship appointment petitions to include evaluations of the person needing protection based on the signers' best knowledge.

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, authorizing the state to impose work requirements on certain individuals who are eligible for expanded Medicaid.

SJR 501 asks South Dakota voters to approve a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to require certain people receiving expanded Medicaid to work or meet other work-related conditions in order to keep their benefits. The amendment would also repeal existing provisions related to the voter-approved Medicaid expansion program.

exclude certain habitual DUI offenders from eligibility for presumptive probation.

# HB1038 Summary People convicted of multiple DUI offenses will no longer be eligible for presumptive probation (automatic probation without serving prison time) under this bill. The law also removes certain outdated probation-related provisions from South Dakota statutes while clarifying which habitual DUI offenders are excluded from this lenient sentencing option.

make technical changes to provisions regarding the compensation of agents.

HB1051 updates South Dakota law governing how agents are paid by revising the rules in sections 1-33-3 and 1-33-9 and eliminating outdated compensation provisions from sections 1-14-2, 1-14-3, 1-14-12, and 1-33-10. These changes streamline the state's agent compensation system by removing redundant or conflicting requirements and clarifying how compensation should be handled.

make an appropriation for costs related to the suppression of wildfires impacting the state and to declare an emergency.

HB 1062 appropriates state funds to pay for wildfire suppression costs that have affected South Dakota and declares an emergency to expedite this spending. The bill modifies the state's emergency appropriations process and repeals several outdated emergency-related provisions from state law.

revise a provision providing authority to the Governor to enter into agreements with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

This bill clarifies that the Governor can negotiate agreements specifically with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (rather than vaguely "the federal government") to take over state radiation safety regulations that the federal government previously handled. The bill also requires that the state must have adequate funding and an established radiation protection program in place before the Governor can sign any such agreement.

permit a person convicted of certain driving under the influence offenses to drive for certain purposes.

HB1083 allows people convicted of certain driving under the influence offenses to obtain a limited driving permit for essential purposes like work, medical appointments, or school. The bill modifies South Dakota's DUI laws and vehicle code to create this exception to the normal driving restrictions that apply to DUI convicts.

modify the definitions of a child in need of supervision and a delinquent child.

HB 1087 modifies the legal definitions of children who fall under South Dakota's juvenile justice system by updating what qualifies as a "child in need of supervision" and a "delinquent child" in state law. The bill makes changes to chapters 36-32 and 11-15 of South Dakota Codified Laws, which govern juvenile court proceedings and child welfare matters. These definitional changes will affect how courts determine which young people require state intervention or supervision.

prohibit the use of paid petition circulators to collect signatures for a statewide ballot measure.

# HB1114 Summary This bill bans the use of paid petition circulators—people hired to collect signatures—for statewide ballot measures in South Dakota. Currently, campaigns can hire people to gather signatures to get measures on the ballot; this law would require all signature collection to be done by volunteers instead. The change makes it harder for ballot measure campaigns to gather the large number of signatures typically needed to qualify for the statewide ballot.

revise unclaimed property provisions.

HB 1118 clarifies how South Dakota handles unclaimed property by allowing the state to keep up to $50,000 in a separate trust fund to pay legitimate claims, with any remaining funds going into the general state budget. The bill also specifies that money in this trust fund can be used to cover administrative costs like selling abandoned property, mailing notices, and examining holder records. These changes streamline the process for both handling citizen claims and managing the state's unclaimed property operations.

require legislative authorization for the construction of new campgrounds and additional camping sites.

This bill requires the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks to get specific approval from the legislature before building new campgrounds or adding camping sites to existing ones, rather than allowing the department to make those decisions on its own. Currently, the department can construct recreational facilities in state parks if it gets approval from the Governor and commissioner of administration, but this bill removes campgrounds and camping sites from that authority and moves that decision-making power to the legislature.

prohibit the use of public funds for campaigning or other partisan activity.

This bill strengthens South Dakota's ban on using taxpayer money for political campaigns and partisan activities by government employees, officials, and candidates. The law now explicitly prohibits using public funds or facilities to influence elections, conduct partisan surveys, pay dues to political organizations, or direct employee pay to political entities—with violations treated as a Class 2 misdemeanor. It also bans candidates, political committees, and political parties from accepting contributions from any government agency, foreign government, Indian tribe, or federal entity.

require the publication of measures taken to restrict the access of obscene materials by minors.

South Dakota public schools and libraries must now publish their policies for restricting minors' access to obscene online materials on their website or in a legal newspaper, updating an outdated 2001 deadline to January 1, 2025. The bill clarifies that schools and libraries can meet this requirement either by using filtering software or internet services, or by developing and publicly sharing a local policy—they no longer need to do both.

Urging the members of South Dakota's congressional delegation to sponsor and support an amendment to the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Act.

HCR 6006 is a resolution urging South Dakota's members of Congress to support changes to the federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Act, which compensates states and counties for federal lands within their borders that cannot be taxed. The resolution does not change any South Dakota state law itself, but rather calls on the state's congressional delegation to advocate for amendments to this federal program.

Encouraging the United States Department of Veteran Affairs to allow veterans to receive long-term care services at facilities that do not otherwise meet the requirements set by the department.

This is a resolution that asks the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to allow veterans to receive long-term care services at facilities that don't fully meet the department's standard requirements. The resolution doesn't change South Dakota state law itself; instead, it's an expression of support asking the federal government to be more flexible about where veterans can access care services.

require the Department of Social Services to conduct a state-wide study on child care, to provide an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

South Dakota's Department of Social Services must conduct a statewide study examining child care needs, availability, and costs across the state. The bill provides funding for this study and declares it an emergency measure, allowing the study to move forward quickly without the usual legislative delays.

increase oversight of pool arrangements.

South Dakota's pool arrangements (insurance programs that multiple public agencies join together) must now receive approval from the state's Division of Insurance director before operating, and pool agents must submit detailed financial and management plans showing how the pool will handle claims, maintain cash reserves, and operate. This creates a new oversight requirement that didn't previously exist, giving the state regulator control over which pool arrangements can legally form and operate.

provide that certain personal information of a lottery prize winner may only be used for advertising or promotion with the winner's consent.

Lottery winners in South Dakota can no longer have their personal information used for advertising or promotion without their permission. The bill updates lottery prize winner privacy protections and removes outdated provisions from state law related to lottery administration. This gives lottery winners control over whether their names and details can be used in marketing or promotional materials.

establish a criminal background check requirement for licensure as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.

This bill requires occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to pass a criminal background check before receiving a state license to practice. The bill removes several outdated licensing provisions and consolidates the occupational therapy licensing requirements into updated regulations.

revise provisions related to the State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners and its appointed professional councils.

This bill expands the State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners from 9 members to 17 members by adding representatives from physician assistants, emergency medical services, respiratory care, nutrition/dietetics, athletic training, occupational therapy, and genetic counseling professions. The bill also increases public representatives on the board from one to two members, giving more diverse professional voices in medical licensing decisions.

provide information to an injured employee about eligibility in a program offered by a nonprofit organization.

South Dakota's workers' compensation department can now inform injured workers and their families about nonprofit programs that offer benefits related to work injuries—but only if the injured worker or family member consents in writing before the department shares their contact information with the nonprofit. This adds a new exception to state law's strict confidentiality rules for workers' comp information while protecting workers' privacy by preventing the department from sharing contact details without permission.

further limit applications for clemency for violent crime offenders sentenced to life imprisonment.

# SB 9 Summary This bill makes it harder for people sentenced to life in prison for violent crimes to apply for clemency by eliminating or restricting their ability to request forgiveness from the governor. The changes remove several existing pathways for these offenders to seek clemency and tighten the rules around who can apply and when.

Honoring the life and service of Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges.

SC809 is a ceremonial bill that honors the life and service of Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges by making various technical amendments to South Dakota law across multiple chapters related to law enforcement, courts, and other state operations. The bill adds new sections to state code and revises existing language in sheriff and judicial statutes, though the specific substantive policy changes are not detailed in the excerpt provided.

Honoring the Slovek Ranch as the 2023 Leopold Conservation Award recipient.

This is a ceremonial resolution that honors the Slovek Ranch as the 2023 recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award, which recognizes outstanding conservation practices on private land in South Dakota. The resolution does not change any state law, but rather formally acknowledges the ranch's conservation achievements through the state Senate.

modify the eligibility for admission to the state veterans' home and repeal the residency requirement.

This bill removes the requirement that veterans must be South Dakota residents to be admitted to the state veterans' home, making the facility available to veterans from other states. The bill also modifies eligibility rules for admission to the home and repeals several outdated statutory sections related to residency restrictions and admission requirements. These changes make it easier for any U.S. veteran to access South Dakota's veterans' home services regardless of where they live.

revise provisions relating to the possession, manufacture, and distribution of child pornography.

HB1045 revises South Dakota's laws on child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by updating penalties and definitions related to possession, manufacturing, and distribution of such material. The bill repeals several outdated provisions while expanding and clarifying the remaining statutes to strengthen protections against these crimes. These changes modernize the state's approach to prosecuting offenses involving child exploitation.

require the consideration of the definition of antisemitism when investigating unfair or discriminatory practices.

This bill adds antisemitism to South Dakota's list of unfair and discriminatory practices that the Division of Human Rights can investigate and enforce. When investigating discrimination complaints, the Division must now consider a specific definition of antisemitism that includes hatred toward Jewish people expressed through words or actions targeting individuals, property, or Jewish institutions. The bill includes a safeguard stating it doesn't restrict free speech or religious freedom protections.

provide an appropriation to construct a community center in the community of Lead.

HB 1103 directs state funding to build a new community center in the town of Lead. The bill appropriates money from the state budget specifically for this construction project.

repeal the session law authorizing the Board of Regents to contract for the design and construction of a new dairy research and extension farm on the campus of South Dakota State University, and to declare an emergency.

HB 1129 cancels a previous authorization that allowed the Board of Regents to design and build a new dairy research and extension farm at South Dakota State University. The bill repeals the earlier law that gave the Board of Regents permission to move forward with this project.

revise certain provisions relating to petitions containing illegal actions and to declare an emergency.

This bill appears to be a framework bill that revises rules about petitions containing illegal actions, though the specific changes aren't detailed in the excerpt provided. The bill declares an emergency, which typically means the legislature believes the changes need to take effect immediately rather than waiting for the standard effective date. Without seeing the full text, it's unclear exactly what petition rules are being modified or what illegal actions are being addressed.

prohibit the dissemination of incorrect or misleading ballot information and to provide a penalty therefor.

This bill creates two new crimes in South Dakota election law. First, it prohibits anyone from distributing fake ballot samples in campaign materials unless they are identical to the official sample ballot posted by the county auditor. Second, it makes it illegal to knowingly spread false or misleading information about how elections are conducted, or to make false claims that such information comes from an official source—both violations carry a Class 2 misdemeanor penalty.

remove irreconcilable differences as a cause for divorce.

This bill eliminates "irreconcilable differences" as a ground for divorce in South Dakota and removes the legal procedures associated with it. Going forward, divorces can only be granted for specific reasons like adultery, cruelty, desertion, neglect, habitual drinking, or conviction of a felony—plus a new ground of being incarcerated due to a crime conviction. The change eliminates the current process where courts could dissolve marriages based simply on substantial reasons that make continuation unworkable.

Celebrating the scoring of 1000 points by Justin "Cash" Albers.

HC 8027 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating Justin "Cash" Albers for scoring 1,000 points, rather than a bill that changes state law. This type of resolution honors an individual achievement and does not create, modify, or repeal any laws in South Dakota.

To create the One Hundredth Session Planning Committee of the South Dakota Legislature.

HCR 6003 establishes a committee to plan and prepare for South Dakota's One Hundredth Legislative Session, which will occur in the future. The resolution creates a joint planning committee made up of members from both the House and Senate to coordinate preparations for this milestone session.

recognize geographic place names containing the word scalp as offensive.

South Dakota will prohibit the use of the words "scalp" and "squaw" in official geographic place names throughout the state, recognizing these terms as offensive. State and local government agencies must update their maps and reference materials to replace any existing geographic features that contain these words with names that better reflect South Dakota's people, history, and heritage.

create the Commission on Indian Affairs.

South Dakota is creating a new Commission on Indian Affairs to improve services for American Indians in the state and strengthen communication between the state government and the nine federally recognized tribes. The commission will have ten voting members—one from the Department of Tribal Relations and one representative from each of the nine tribes, selected by each tribe's own governing body. The commission cannot override or interfere with any tribe's existing negotiations or relationships with state, federal, local, or other tribal governments.

require a comparison of reemployment assistance recipients against death records for reemployment assistance eligibility integrity.

South Dakota's Department of Labor and Regulation must now check unemployment benefits recipients against death records each month to prevent deceased individuals from continuing to receive reemployment assistance payments. The bill adds this death record verification requirement to the department's existing monthly checks against new hire records and incarcerated individuals' records to ensure only eligible people receive benefits.

revise provisions pertaining to the consolidation or boundary changes of counties.

SB 199 updates South Dakota's rules for when counties want to merge with each other or change their boundaries, making revisions to the existing consolidation process. The bill modifies the procedures counties must follow and adds new requirements to Chapter 12-4 of state law governing these boundary changes. These changes streamline how counties can reorganize their borders and combine operations when voters approve such measures.

revise notarial acts.

SB 211 updates South Dakota's rules for notarized documents by allowing electronic signatures and printed copies of electronically signed documents to be recorded without requiring original paper signatures. The bill also clarifies that documents attached as exhibits to signed affidavits and certain financing statements no longer need original signatures to be filed with the register of deeds.

prohibit an employer from withholding compensation from an employee who quits without notice.

SB220 prohibits employers from withholding an employee's earned wages or compensation if the employee quits their job without providing notice. The bill amends existing wage payment law to ensure workers receive all compensation they've already earned, regardless of how they leave their job.

revise the incentive program for juvenile diversion opportunities.

South Dakota is revising its program that gives counties money to encourage them to use juvenile diversion (keeping young offenders out of the court system) instead of prosecution. The bill changes the payment structure so counties receive $750 per child who successfully completes a diversion program, and it requires counties to submit detailed annual reports on how many youth they refer to diversion and whether those youth complete the programs.

modify provisions pertaining to the appointment of vacant positions on a board or commission.

This bill establishes new timelines and procedures for filling vacant positions on state boards and commissions appointed by the Governor. For boards that don't require Senate approval, the Governor must fill vacancies within 120 days, and if a term expires without a new appointment within that timeframe, the current member automatically stays on for another term (unless they've hit a term limit). The bill applies similar rules to boards requiring Senate consent, ensuring these positions don't sit empty for extended periods.

Recognizing Coach Ben Irlbeck for his coaching success and exemplary service to his community.

SC811 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Coach Ben Irlbeck for his successful coaching career and contributions to his community—it does not change any state law. This type of bill is purely honorary and simply expresses the South Dakota Senate's appreciation for his service.

repeal the expiration of a reduction in certain gross receipts and use tax rates.

HB1001 makes permanent a temporary reduction in South Dakota's gross receipts and use tax rates by repealing the laws that were set to expire this reduction. Instead of letting these lower tax rates end as originally scheduled, the bill keeps them in place indefinitely for businesses and consumers paying these taxes.

require property owner permission or a siting permit prior to entry for an examination and survey.

This bill restricts when companies can enter private property to conduct surveys and examinations—they now need either the property owner's written permission or a siting permit from the Public Utilities Commission. If permission is denied, the company must file a siting permit application, give the owner at least 30 days' written notice, and either pay for any property damage or provide security for it before entering. The bill essentially adds new requirements to protect property owners' rights before allowing entry onto their land.

remove the option for a court services officer to prepare documentation in an adoption proceeding.

HB 1088 removes the ability of court services officers to prepare legal documents for adoption cases in South Dakota courts. Instead, adoption documentation will need to be prepared through other means, likely requiring adoptive families or their attorneys to handle the paperwork directly. This change affects how adoptions are processed in both family court (Chapter 36-32) and the judicial system (Chapter 11-15).

require members of the Legislature to attend a course on the federal and state constitutions.

Starting in 2025, all newly elected or newly appointed South Dakota lawmakers must complete a two-hour course on the U.S. and state constitutions before their first regular legislative session, either in person or online. Members who already took the course in a previous term don't have to take it again, and the Legislative Research Council director will organize and oversee the training.

require the creation of an informational video and other materials describing the state's abortion law and medical care for a pregnant woman experiencing life-threatening or health-threatening medical conditions.

South Dakota's Department of Health must create a video and educational materials explaining the state's abortion law, common medical conditions that threaten a pregnant woman's life or health, and standard medical care practices for treating those conditions. The materials will be written in plain language for the public and made available on the department's website, developed in consultation with the attorney general and medical and legal experts.

create the Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council.

South Dakota will create a new Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council within the Department of Social Services to improve coordination between state government, the nine tribal nations, and child welfare experts. The council will include representatives from each tribe, the Department of Social Services, and the state legislature, and must meet at least four times yearly to discuss Indian child welfare issues and report progress to the Governor and Legislature annually.

extend deadlines for action by the Public Utilities Commission upon the request of any party.

HB1243 expands who can request deadline extensions from the Public Utilities Commission by allowing any party involved in a case (not just the applicant) to ask for more time. The bill modifies an existing law that previously only let applicants request these extensions, making the deadline extension process available to all parties in a Public Utilities Commission proceeding.

Congratulating Eric Schroeder for becoming the new fire chief of the Wessington Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

HC8014 is a congratulatory resolution that honors Eric Schroeder for becoming the new fire chief of the Wessington Springs Volunteer Fire Department. This is a ceremonial bill that does not change any state laws or regulations.

Supporting the Electoral College.

This concurrent resolution expresses South Dakota's support for keeping the Electoral College system for presidential elections. The bill removes existing laws that would have South Dakota join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would have allocated the state's electoral votes to the national popular vote winner instead of the statewide winner.

prohibit the dissemination of materially deceptive media without disclosure and to provide a penalty therefor.

South Dakota would make it illegal to share fake or manipulated images, videos, or audio recordings without clearly labeling them as altered—such as with a visible "This image/video/audio has been manipulated" disclosure. The disclosure must be easy to read or hear and stay visible or audible throughout the entire recording. Violating this rule would be a Class 1 misdemeanor.

revise provisions pertaining to voter registration requirements and the state board of elections.

SB 123 requires South Dakota's State Board of Elections to meet annually to review state election laws and recommend any needed changes to the Secretary of State. The bill changes the current requirement that the board meet only before each legislative session, making these review meetings a regular annual occurrence regardless of the legislative calendar.

consider certain goods when given as a prize through a redemption store as purchases for resale.

SB 130 treats merchandise given away as prizes in redemption stores (like arcade or gaming establishments) as purchases for resale, which affects how those businesses are taxed and regulated under state law. This change means redemption store operators will need to report and potentially pay sales tax on prize merchandise the same way traditional retailers do for inventory purchased for resale. The bill modifies tax and business licensing rules across multiple chapters of South Dakota law to implement this new classification.

Celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan.

This resolution expresses South Dakota's support for establishing a sister-state relationship with Taiwan, acknowledging Taiwan as a valued international partner. The resolution does not change existing state law but rather serves as a formal statement of the legislature's position on fostering diplomatic and cultural ties with Taiwan.

merge the Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission and the Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission.

South Dakota will combine two separate oversight boards—one for teachers and one for school administrators—into a single commission that handles professional standards and practices for both groups. This merger eliminates the separate Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission and consolidates its duties into the existing teachers commission, streamlining state oversight of educator credentials and conduct.

provide for the payment of legal expenses originating from crime committed at a facility maintained by the Department of Corrections.

HB1039 changes how South Dakota pays for legal expenses when crimes occur at state Department of Corrections facilities, consolidating rules that were previously scattered across multiple sections of law. The bill repeals four outdated legal provisions and updates two others to establish a clearer process for covering these legal costs. This reorganizes existing law without fundamentally changing who pays or under what circumstances, but streamlines the procedure for handling such expenses.

make an appropriation to improve visitation to and awareness of the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

South Dakota is allocating $1.3 million to improve the South Hall of Fame through the Department of Education, with $800,000 going toward new and improved exhibits and $500,000 funding free online classes about Hall of Fame inductees. The money will only be awarded once the recipient demonstrates it has raised at least $1 million in matching funds from other sources.

revise the process by which a legislative vacancy is filled.

When a state legislator leaves office, the Governor must now fill that seat by choosing from three candidates nominated by the former legislator's political party through county-level party committees in that district. The party committees have 30 days to submit their list (or just 5 days if the Legislature is in session), and the Governor then has 90 days to make the appointment (or 10 days if the Legislature is meeting).

Celebrating the life of Robert "Bob" Montross of De Smet, South Dakota.

This is a memorial resolution honoring Robert "Bob" Montross of De Smet—it doesn't change any state law. The resolution simply celebrates his life and contributions to his community through a formal acknowledgment by the South Dakota House of Representatives.

establish the state flag design commission.

South Dakota creates a new state flag design commission to evaluate whether the current state flag effectively represents South Dakota and to develop a process for receiving and reviewing new flag design proposals. The commission, made up of public members, tribal representatives, state officials, artists, and four legislative members, must recommend a new official state flag design by December 6, 2024.

include a medical marijuana card issued by a South Dakota tribe in the definition of nonresident cardholder.

SB 141 expands South Dakota's medical marijuana program to recognize cards issued by South Dakota tribes as valid nonresident cardholder credentials. This change allows Native American tribal members with tribal-issued medical marijuana cards to access the same protections and privileges as other nonresident cardholders under state law.

establish the Commission on Truth and Reconciliation.

SB154 creates a new Commission on Truth and Reconciliation in South Dakota, which will examine historical injustices and work toward healing and understanding between affected communities. The bill amends existing law to establish this commission's structure, powers, and responsibilities, though the specific details of how it operates would be determined by the commission's framework.

make an appropriation for victim services.

SB168 appropriates state funding for victim services in South Dakota. The bill increases the money available under state law for programs that assist crime victims, expanding the resources dedicated to victim support and compensation programs.

modify tax refunds for elderly persons and persons with a disability, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

SB28 expands the tax refund program for elderly and disabled South Dakota residents by modifying eligibility requirements and refund amounts under state tax law. The bill repeals four outdated sections of law and includes a state appropriation to fund these enhanced benefits, which the legislature declares an emergency measure requiring immediate implementation.

create the indigent legal services fund, to provide ongoing revenue therefor, and to make an appropriation therefor.

SB31 creates a new fund dedicated to paying for legal representation of poor people in criminal and civil cases, and sets up ongoing money to support it. The bill eliminates several old provisions related to how the state previously funded indigent legal services and restructures the system under new rules. This ensures South Dakota has a more stable, dedicated funding stream for public defenders and court-appointed lawyers representing people who cannot afford their own attorneys.

provide for the distribution of tax revenue from certain gross receipts occurring on fairgrounds.

SB32 changes how tax revenue from sales and other business activities at South Dakota fairgrounds is distributed among state and local entities. The bill repeals several old fairground tax provisions and updates the rules for which agencies receive shares of this tax money. The specific changes redirect some fairground tax revenue to support fair operations and local governments rather than other state programs.

permit the operation of a Class I electric bicycle on the Mickelson Trail.

SB 56 allows Class I electric bicycles (pedal-assist bikes with motors under 750 watts) to be ridden on the Mickelson Trail, a popular recreational path in South Dakota. The bill modifies existing regulations to permit this specific type of e-bike while removing outdated or conflicting provisions from state law related to trail use.

make an appropriation for costs related to emergencies and disasters impacting the state and to declare an emergency.

HB1061 appropriates state funding to cover costs related to emergencies and disasters affecting South Dakota and declares a state of emergency. The bill modifies the state's emergency management laws by repealing several outdated provisions and updating others to streamline how the state responds to and funds disaster relief efforts.

waive certain fees for nondriver identification cards for individuals who are homeless.

South Dakota will waive the fee for nondriver identification cards for homeless individuals, provided they submit a letter from a homeless services provider confirming their homeless status. The bill defines "homeless" as lacking a fixed nighttime residence, living in an unsuitable sleeping location, or residing in a shelter, and applies to both new and duplicate ID cards.

standardize certain school safety practices.

South Dakota schools must now monitor all exterior doors during school hours—either with staff physically present if doors are unlocked, or through video surveillance if doors are locked. The state will also establish a new anonymous tipline (website, phone, or app) where people can report dangerous, violent, or unlawful activity at schools, with reports referred to school officials or law enforcement as needed, and each school district must publicize this tipline to students and families.

make an appropriation to reimburse health care professionals who have complied with the requirements for health care recruitment assistance programs, and to declare an emergency.

SB44 appropriates state funds to reimburse health care professionals who completed requirements under South Dakota's health care recruitment assistance programs. The bill eliminates several outdated program sections while updating the framework for how these reimbursements are administered and distributed.