Changes to Existing Law

HB1243 — require the display of the state motto in public schools and provide for associated legal representation.

2 sections modified+97-0

Changes from Amendments

What changed between bill versions as it moved through the Legislature.

IntroducedEngrossedHouse Education committee+140 -40

The amendment adds a specific size requirement (at least eleven inches by eight and one-half inches) for the state motto display in public schools, which STRENGTHENS the bill by making the mandate more concrete and enforceable. The change ensures schools cannot comply with minimal or token displays.

~~26.468.23~~ 26.468.24 101st Legislative Session 1243 2026 South Dakota Legislature House Bill 1243 HOUSE EDUCATION ENGROSSED Introduced by: Representative Jensen (Phil) Underscores indicate new language. Overstrikes indicate deleted language. An Act to require the display of the state motto in public schools and provide for 1 associated legal representation. 2 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA: 3 Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 13-24: 4 The motto of the State of South Dakota, "Under God the People Rule," must be 5 displayed in each public school. The display must be placed in a prominent location within 6 each public school. The display must be at least eleven inches by eight and one-half inches 7 in size, and may take the form of a mounted plaque, student artwork, 7 or any other 8 appropriate form, as determined by the school principal. 8 9 For purposes of this section, "prominent location," means a school entryway, 9 10 cafeteria, or other common area where students are most likely to see the state motto 10 11 display. 11 12 Section 2. That § 13-24-24 be AMENDED: 12 13 13-24-24. For any lawsuit brought or any complaint filed against a school district, 13 14 an employee of a school district, the board of a school district, or a member thereof as a 14 15 result of a school district displaying the national motto of the United States in accordance 15 16 with § 13-24-23 or the motto of this state in accordance with section 1 of this Act, the 16 17 attorney general shall provide legal representation at no cost to the school district, 17 18 employee, school board, or member of the school board. 18 19 In addition to the expenses of representation, the state shall assume financial 19 20 responsibility for any other related expense incurred by the school district, an employee, 20 21 the board, or member thereof, including any award for monetary damages, attorney's 21 22 fees, and costs for which the school district, an employee, the board, or a member thereof 22 23 would be otherwise responsible. 23 24

View:

§ 13-24

New Section

+83

NEW SECTION added to Chapter 13-24

The motto of the State of South Dakota, "Under God the People Rule," must be displayed in each public school. The display must be placed in a prominent location within each public school. The display may take the form of a mounted plaque, student artwork, or any other appropriate form, as determined by the school principal. For purposes of this section, "prominent location," means a school entryway, cafeteria, or other common area where students are most likely to see the state motto display.

§ 13-24-24

Amended

+14

Section 13-24-24 — AMENDED

For any lawsuit brought or any complaint filed against a school district, an employee of a school district, the board of a school district, or a member thereof as a result of a school district displaying the national motto of the United States in accordance with § 13-24-23 or the motto of this state in accordance with section 1 of this Act, the attorney general shall provide legal representation at no cost to the school district, employee, school board, or member of the school board. In addition to the expenses of representation, the state shall assume financial responsibility for any other related expense incurred by the school district, an employee, the board, or member thereof, including any award for monetary damages, attorney's fees, and costs for which the school district, an employee, the board, or a member thereof would be otherwise responsible. 23

Changes from Amendments

What changed between bill versions as it moved through the Legislature.

IntroducedEngrossedHouse Education committee+140 -40