This bill clarifies South Dakota law on wrongful death lawsuits by explicitly stating that punitive damages (extra money meant to punish wrongdoing) cannot be awarded in these cases. The change makes clear that injured families can only recover actual financial losses from the death, not punishment damages, and overrides any court decisions that may have suggested otherwise.
Judiciary Deferred to the 41st legislative day Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Do Pass Failed, YEAS 3, NAYS 9.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House Judiciary H.J. 120
First Reading House H.J. 105
Prime sponsor · Rep
R
Dist. HD-017
Cosponsors
Judiciary — Do Pass
Judiciary — Deferred to the 41st legislative day