HB1178

This bill clarifies South Dakota's small claims court rules for notifying defendants when mail service fails. Specifically, it updates the language to make clear that notice is still valid even if a defendant refuses it, and it streamlines the process for what happens next—requiring the clerk to involve the sheriff or pursue other court-ordered methods of service at the plaintiff's expense. If all notification attempts fail after 90 days, the clerk can dismiss the case without prejudice, allowing the plaintiff to try again later.