HB1197 expands where adoption cases can be filed in South Dakota by allowing petitions to be filed in the county where the child was born or currently resides, in addition to the county where the adopting parent lives or where the child-placing agency is located. This gives families more flexibility in choosing a convenient courthouse for adoption proceedings.
The statute was rewritten to allow adoption petitions in three alternative counties—where the adopting parent resides, where the authorized agency is located, or where the child was born or resides—replacing the prior rule limiting venue to the child's or adopting parent's residence.
Signed by the Governor H.J. 496
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 480
Signed by the President S.J. 434
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 462
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 33, NAYS 0. S.J. 399
Judiciary Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 29
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 29
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 232
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 65, NAYS 0. H.J. 267
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 1. H.J. 14
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 178
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass
Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass