The penalty for preventing practice of religion was increased from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony.
26.780.9 26.780.10 101st Legislative Session 113 2026 South Dakota Legislature Senate Bill 113 Introduced by: Senator Mehlhaff Underscores indicate new language. Overstrikes indicate deleted language. ENROLLED AN ACT ENTITLED An Act to increase the penalty for preventing practice of religion. 1 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA: 2 Section 1. That § 22-19B-4 be AMENDED: 3 22-19B-4. Any person who, by threats threat or violence, intentionally prevents 4 another person from performing any lawful act enjoined upon or recommended by the 5 religion which such the other person professes, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor Class 6 6 felony. 7 26.780.10 2 113 SB113 ENROLLED An Act to increase the penalty for preventing practice of religion. I certify that the attached Act originated in the: Senate as Bill No. 113 Secretary of the Senate President of the Senate Attest: Secretary of the Senate Speaker of the House Attest: Chief Clerk of the House Senate Bill No. 113 File No. ____ Chapter No. ______ Received at this Executive Office this _____ day of _____________, 2026 at ____________M. By for the Governor The attached Act is hereby approved this ________ day of ______________, A.D., 2026 Governor STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, ss. Office of the Secretary of State Filed ____________, 2026 at _________ o'clock __M. Secretary of State By Asst. Secretary of State