South Dakota would create a new felony crime for trespassing at places of worship with intent to disrupt services, harass worshippers, or intimidate congregants through fear or political coercion. The law applies to anyone entering or remaining on a place of worship's premises or within 50 feet of its exits during the hour before or after services, with violators facing Class 5 felony charges. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
The amendment narrowed the protected zone around places of worship from one thousand feet to fifty feet and limited the offense to occur only one hour before or after worship services, while clarifying that the fifty-foot radius applies to any exit point. These changes make the trespass law more targeted and less broadly restrictive of activity near religious buildings.
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Failed, YEAS 21, NAYS 48. H.J. 225
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 4. H.J. 6
Judiciary Motion to amend H.J. 6
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House Judiciary H.J. 136
First Reading House H.J. 124
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Do Pass Amended