South Dakota Bills

introduced · South Dakota · House Mar 4, 2026

HC 8025: honoring the accomplishments of University of South Dakota women's basketball player Josie Hill.

This bill honors Josie Hill, a University of South Dakota women's basketball player, by officially recognizing her athletic achievements and community contributions. The legislation acknowledges her success at high school, Chicago State University, and her current role at the University of South Dakota, where she has become a role model for Indigenous youth. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but instead formally records the state's appreciation for her accomplishments. The measure is sponsored by Representative Pourier and serves as a tribute rather than a functional policy change.

Spencer Gosch (R) Eric Emery (D) Carl Perry (R) William Shorma (R) Peri Pourier (R)

introduced · South Dakota · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SC 820: honoring Dr. Margaret Becker as the recipient of the 2025 Copic Humanitarian Award.

This bill honors Dr. Margaret Becker by formally recognizing her as the recipient of the 2025 Copic Humanitarian Award. It acknowledges her work as a physician at Monument Health Spearfish Clinic and her eight-year role as medical director of the Good Shepherd Free Clinic, where she has provided care to patients who might otherwise lack access to medical attention. The legislation designates the Good Shepherd Free Clinic as the recipient of the $10,000 donation associated with the award, which Dr. Becker chose to direct toward her clinic. This commemorative resolution celebrates her volunteer medical services and contributions to improving lives in western South Dakota.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

introduced · South Dakota · House Mar 4, 2026

HC 8019: honoring Dr. Kelly Glodt upon his retirement as superintendent of the Pierre School District.

This bill is a legislative commemoration honoring Dr. Kelly Glodt as he retires from his position as superintendent of the Pierre School District. It formally recognizes his nearly two decades of service and acknowledges his contributions to educational leadership and fiscal management within the district. The resolution expresses appreciation for his tenure and legacy but does not create new laws or change existing policies.

introduced · South Dakota · House Mar 4, 2026

HC 8022: recognizing the achievements, leadership, and lifelong public service of Cecelia Fire Thunder.

This bill is a legislative commemoration that honors Cecelia Fire Thunder for her achievements, leadership, and lifelong public service. It recognizes her historic role as the first woman elected president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in 2004 and her career as a nurse, health educator, and community advocate. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to Indigenous rights, women's empowerment, and her work building bridges between tribal nations and the state of South Dakota.

introduced · South Dakota · House Mar 4, 2026

HC 8023: honoring the legacy and strength of grandmothers in this state.

This bill is a legislative commemoration that formally honors the legacy and strength of grandmothers in South Dakota. It recognizes their vital roles as caregivers, cultural leaders, and community pillars across diverse backgrounds including tribal traditions. The resolution acknowledges the sacrifices grandmothers make in raising families and preserving cultural heritage without granting any new laws or funding. This symbolic measure serves to publicly acknowledge their contributions rather than enact policy changes.

introduced · South Dakota · House Mar 4, 2026

HC 8024: honoring the life and legacy of Elizabeth Cook-Lynn.

This bill is a legislative commemoration honoring the life and legacy of Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, a scholar and advocate of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. It formally recognizes her contributions to Native American studies, her academic work at Eastern Washington University and Arizona State University, and her advocacy for Indigenous sovereignty and land rights. The resolution expresses gratitude from the South Dakota Legislature for her achievements and enduring impact on Indigenous education and scholarship.

Topics ✓ Education

introduced · South Dakota · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SC 821: honoring Arthur Mauf for his dedication and service to the United States as he approaches his 100th birthday.

This bill is a legislative commemoration honoring Arthur Mauf as he approaches his 100th birthday. It recognizes his service in the United States Marine Corps aboard the USS General John Pope from 1945 to 1946 and his subsequent dedication to farming in Madison, South Dakota. The resolution expresses gratitude for his contributions to his country and community while noting his legacy is further honored at the Veterans Honor Park in Madison alongside his grandson.

Topics ✓ Veterans

introduced · South Dakota · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SC 827: honoring Ashlan Carlow-Blount for excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership.

This bill is a legislative commemoration honoring Ashlan Carlow-Blount, a senior student-athlete from Mahpíya Lúta High School, for her achievements in athletics, academics, and leadership. The resolution formally recognizes her accomplishments in basketball and track, her academic success including National Honor Society membership and scholarship offers, and her role as a community leader representing the Oglala Lakota people. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of her contributions to her school, community, and state.

introduced · South Dakota · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SC 823: honoring the achievements of Canton C-Hawks wrestling team coach Jeremy Ask.

This bill is a legislative commemoration honoring Jeremy Ask, the wrestling coach at Canton C-Hawks in South Dakota. It recognizes his achievements as a two-time state champion wrestler and highlights his coaching milestones, including becoming the first coach in state history to lead both girls and boys teams to state championships in the same year. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to high school wrestling in Canton and South Dakota through the 101st Legislature. No new laws or policies are enacted; the bill serves solely as an official recognition of his accomplishments.

introduced · South Dakota · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SC 822: honoring TKO’s Custom Catering and Capitol Cafe for outstanding service.

This bill is a legislative commemoration that honors TKO's Custom Catering and Capitol Cafe for their outstanding service during the legislative session. It recognizes the catering team for providing meals to legislators, staff, and visitors throughout the Capitol Building, contributing to a positive work environment. The resolution formally acknowledges their dedication and high-quality food service, but does not create any new laws, regulations, or funding.

passed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 224: provide a rebuttable presumption in favor of joint physical custody of a minor child.

SB 224 creates a legal presumption that joint physical custody (where a child spends roughly equal time with both parents) is in the best interest of a child during custody disputes in South Dakota. It directly affects parents involved in custody cases by requiring courts to start with this presumption unless evidence shows joint custody would harm the child. The bill specifies that courts must consider factors like safety or stability to rebut the presumption, and defines joint physical custody as time split approximately equally between parents. This change applies to all custody determinations under South Dakota law, replacing prior standards.

failed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SJR 508: proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election, amendments to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, removing the lieutenant governor as presiding officer of the Senate.

SJR 508 proposes amending South Dakota's constitution to remove the lieutenant governor's role as presiding officer of the Senate. If approved by voters, the lieutenant governor would no longer serve as Senate president (currently outlined in Article IV, Section 5), though they would retain other duties delegated by the governor. The bill also repeals a related constitutional provision (Article XVI, Section 6) regarding the lieutenant governor's role in gubernatorial impeachment trials. This change would require voters to approve the constitutional amendment at the next general election. The amendment directly affects the lieutenant governor's official duties and Senate procedural rules.

Bill results