Search Bills

prohibit the use of certain mobile electronic devices while driving, and to provide a penalty therefor.

This bill prohibits drivers from using hand-held mobile electronic devices—such as cell phones, tablets, and portable gaming devices—while operating a vehicle on South Dakota roads, including when stopped at traffic lights or in traffic. The law applies even when a vehicle is temporarily stationary, but excludes devices like CB radios and commercial two-way radios, as well as phones that are lawfully parked. Violators will face penalties as specified elsewhere in the bill.

require certain vehicles to be equipped with mud flaps.

Large trucks and trailers (weighing 10,000 pounds or more) must now be equipped with mud flaps or similar protection behind their rear wheels to prevent dirt and water from spraying onto following vehicles' windshields. The mud flaps must be wide enough to cover the full tire width and sit no more than 10 inches from the ground, though farm equipment and vehicles used solely for hauling agricultural products are exempt from this requirement.

transfer the Office of Indian Education to the Department of Education.

SB158 moves the Office of Indian Education from its current location to the Department of Education, consolidating Native American education oversight under one department. This change reorganizes how the state manages programs and policies related to Indian education by placing them within the existing Department of Education structure.

Honoring the 2023-2024 Canton C-Hawks boys wrestling team for its outstanding accomplishments.

This resolution honors the Canton C-Hawks boys wrestling team for their outstanding 2023-2024 season. The bill makes minor technical amendments to state law sections but is primarily a ceremonial measure recognizing the team's accomplishments rather than creating substantive changes to how state government operates.

establish provisions for the operation of automated motor vehicles.

HB 1095 creates new definitions and rules for self-driving vehicles in South Dakota, establishing legal terms for automated driving systems and fully autonomous vehicles that can operate without a human driver. The law defines key concepts like "dynamic driving task" (the real-time functions needed to operate a vehicle) and "automated driving system" (the technology that performs those functions), laying the foundation for how self-driving cars can legally operate on state roads.

make appropriations for water and environmental purposes and to declare an emergency.

SB16 allocates state funding for water and environmental projects and declares an emergency to expedite their implementation. The bill eliminates several outdated provisions in state law related to appropriations and modifies existing water appropriation procedures. This allows the state to quickly address water and environmental needs without following standard budget timelines.

modify an administrative procedure for revoking a nonresponsive insurance producer's license.

SB41 streamlines the process for revoking an insurance producer's license when they fail to respond to the state insurance department, making the revocation procedure faster and more efficient. The bill eliminates several outdated procedural requirements and clarifies the steps the insurance commissioner can take to remove a nonresponsive producer from their license list.

Recognizing the Dell Rapids Quarriers as the 2023 State 11A football champions.

This resolution officially recognizes the Dell Rapids Quarriers as South Dakota's 2023 state 11A football champions. The bill doesn't change existing law; it's a ceremonial measure honoring the team's achievement.

authorize transportation activities by air ambulance operators.

Air ambulance operators can now use their ground ambulances to transport patients between hospitals and the airports where they operate. Additionally, when an air ambulance can't fly due to mechanical or weather problems, the operator's ground ambulance can transfer non-emergency patients between healthcare facilities—but only if the local ambulance service can't respond within 30 minutes or the patient's doctor approves a different timeframe.

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

HB1102 provides state funding to build a new community center in the town of Whitewood. The bill directs money from the state budget toward this construction project to serve the Whitewood community.

revise the process for annexing or excluding property contiguous to a road district.

SB 102 modifies the rules for how property next to a road district can be added to or removed from that district's boundaries. The bill streamlines the annexation and exclusion process by revising the procedures outlined in state law, making it easier for property owners and road districts to adjust district boundaries when property is located along a road.

provide an appropriation for the replacement of pipes for the McCook Lake pumping system.

HB1115 appropriates state funds to replace pipes in the McCook Lake pumping system. This is a one-time spending bill that provides money for infrastructure repairs at this water system, but does not change any existing state laws or regulations.

incorporate the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings in the social studies curriculum.

SB161 requires South Dakota schools to incorporate the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings—a framework that reflects Native American perspectives and history—into the state's social studies curriculum standards. This change updates the existing social studies requirements in state law to include indigenous viewpoints alongside traditional curriculum content.

Celebrating the career and accomplishments of LeRoy Koopman, on the occasion of receiving the National Volunteer Fire Council Lifetime Achievement Award.

SC806 is a ceremonial resolution that honors LeRoy Koopman for his career in volunteer firefighting and his receipt of the National Volunteer Fire Council Lifetime Achievement Award. This bill does not change any state law; it simply celebrates Koopman's accomplishments and service.

permit the playing of an Honor Song at graduation ceremonies.

SB 155 allows schools to include an Honor Song as part of their graduation ceremonies. The bill modifies state education law to explicitly permit this practice, giving schools the option to incorporate this musical tradition into their graduation events.

provide that required exterior hunting garments may be fluorescent pink.

South Dakota hunters using firearms to hunt big game (except turkeys and mountain lions) are currently required to wear fluorescent orange clothing above the waist for visibility and safety. This bill allows hunters to wear fluorescent pink instead of—or in addition to—fluorescent orange to meet that requirement. The change applies to hats, caps, shirts, jackets, vests, coveralls, and ponchos worn above the waist.

Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota revising the process by which a legislative vacancy is filled.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would change how South Dakota fills vacant legislative seats. Voters will decide on the proposed amendment at the next general election. The specific details of how the vacancy-filling process would change are not clearly shown in this excerpt, but the amendment modifies the current constitutional procedure in Section 36-4-4.