HB 1243 South Dakota House · 2026 Regular Session

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

HB 1243 requires all South Dakota public schools to display the state motto, "Under God the People Rule," in a prominent location like an entryway or cafeteria. Schools may use a mounted plaque, student artwork, or other approved form chosen by the principal. The bill also mandates that the state Attorney General provide free legal representation and cover related costs - including damages, fees, and expenses - for school districts, employees, or board members facing lawsuits over displaying the motto. This applies to both the state motto and the national motto when displayed per this law.
Bill status in committee 2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Failed
Feb 2026
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Feb 10, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced House Education Engrossed · 5 edits · Feb 6, 2026
MODERATE
This bill transforms from a browser compatibility notice into a substantive legislative proposal requiring public schools in South Dakota to display the state motto 'Under God the People Rule.' The bill mandates specific display requirements including size, location, and acceptable formats, while also providing state-funded legal protection for schools facing lawsuits related to motto displays.
Scope change
The bill's scope changed from being a technical browser error message to a substantive education policy affecting all public schools in South Dakota.
REQUIREMENT

Requires all public schools to display the state motto 'Under God the People Rule' in prominent locations such as entryways, cafeterias, or common areas where students are most likely to see it.

Specifies display requirements including minimum size of eleven inches by eight and one-half inches, with acceptable formats including mounted plaques, student artwork, or other forms determined by the school principal.

FISCAL

Mandates that the state provide free legal representation to school districts, employees, boards, or members if they face lawsuits related to displaying state or national mottos.

Requires the state to assume financial responsibility for any monetary damages, attorney fees, and costs incurred by schools in motto-related lawsuits.

SCOPE

Expanded existing legal protection in § 13-24-24 to include lawsuits related to displaying the state motto, not just the national motto.

Floor votes · House Feb 10, 2026

How they voted

2838
Failed · 4 other
Total votes 70
Feb 10, 2026
D Democratic5
5 Nay
100% Nay
R Republican65
28 Yea 33 Nay 4
50% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Amendments
1
Feb 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 28, NAYS 38 H.J. 282
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (28-38-4)
house
Feb 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Education Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 6
lower
Feb 6, 2026
Introduced
Education Motion to amend , Passed, Amendment 1243B
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
First read in House and referred to House Education H.J. 192
lower
6 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors