HB1243

Dead

require the display of the state motto in public schools and provide for associated legal representation.

Phil Jensen

House Bill·Introduced Feb 2, 2026·Last action Feb 10, 2026

Government OperationsK-12 Education

Official Page

IntroducedIntro

In CommitteeCmte

Passed OriginPassed

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At GovernorGov

DeadDead

South Dakota public schools must now display the state motto "Under God the People Rule" in a prominent location such as an entryway or cafeteria, with the display being at least 11 by 8.5 inches in size. The state attorney general will provide free legal representation and cover all costs—including damages and attorney fees—for any school district, school board, or employee sued over displaying this state motto or the national motto.

AI-generated summary

Classroom contentBill would restrict (relevance: 60%)State agency operationsBill would reform (relevance: 50%)Government transparencyBill would expand (relevance: 40%)

Changes to Existing Law

2 sections affected659 words added9 words removed

View full diff

§ 13-24new § 13-24-24amended

History (5)

Feb 10, 2026H
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Failed, YEAS 28, NAYS 38. H.J. 282
Feb 6, 2026H
Education Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 6.
Feb 6, 2026H
Education Motion to amend
Feb 6, 2026H
Education Scheduled for hearing
Feb 2, 2026H
First read in House and referred to House Education H.J. 192

Sponsors (6)

Phil Jensen

Prime sponsor · Rep.

Cosponsors

Roll Call Votes (2)

Do Pass Amended

Feb 10, 2026House Floor

Failed

Yea: 28Nay: 38Absent: 4

Education — Do Pass Amended

Feb 6, 2026House Committee

Passed

Yea: 9Nay: 6Absent: 0