HB 1081 South Dakota House · 2026 Regular Session

exempt certain individuals from, and require specific notice for, jury duty.

HB 1081 exempts certain healthcare providers, public safety workers, and caregivers from jury duty under specific conditions. Healthcare providers caring for pregnant patients or those with serious medical conditions can request exemption if their absence would cause patient hardship, such as uncontrolled pain or worsened health. Public safety workers (like police and EMTs) and individuals solely responsible for daily care of a permanently disabled household member may also be exempt if their absence risks public safety or the disabled person’s health. The bill also requires courts to notify jurors 14 days in advance of their required service date.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
House Passage
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2026 Last action Jan 26, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
0
Jan 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Judiciary Deferred to the 41st legislative day , Passed, YEAS 11, NAYS 2 H.J. 7
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Introduced
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 43
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of John Sjaarda
John Sjaarda
RRepublican
SD
2