South Dakota Bills

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1003: amend provisions pertaining to the required criminal background investigation of certain school employees.

This bill updates South Dakota's background check requirements for school employees. It requires criminal background investigations for technical college instructors and student teachers during initial hiring, while allowing multi-district employees to use existing checks (within 5 years) if districts share results with written consent. School districts must report terminations due to criminal convictions to the Department of Education within 10 days. The bill exempts event referees from background checks and clarifies that districts may refuse employment for certain serious offenses like sex crimes or violence.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 1019: revise provisions regarding pesticide laws.

HB 1019 removes the requirement that pesticide violations must involve "knowing" or "willful" action. This means sellers, distributors, and manufacturers could face penalties for accidental or unintentional violations of pesticide labeling, registration, or sale rules. The bill amends sections of South Dakota law that currently prohibit distributing adulterated pesticides, selling unregistered products, or mislabeling products - now eliminating the need to prove intentional wrongdoing. It directly affects agricultural businesses, retailers, and pesticide applicators who handle or sell pesticides within the state. The change simplifies enforcement by making violations occur even without evidence of intentional misconduct.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 1043: make an appropriation to reimburse health care professionals who have complied with the requirements for rural recruitment assistance programs, and to declare an emergency.

HB 1043 allocates $978,294 to reimburse 12 specific rural healthcare professionals (4 family physicians, 2 physician assistants, and 6 nurse practitioners) who met requirements under §34-12G-3 for rural recruitment programs. It also allocates $370,000 to reimburse other eligible healthcare professionals meeting requirements under §34-12G-12. The funds come from the state general fund and are intended to cover costs incurred by providers who participated in designated rural recruitment initiatives. The bill declares an emergency to expedite funding, with unspent funds reverting per standard procedures.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 25, 2026

SB 67: make an appropriation for costs related to emergencies and disasters impacting the state and to declare an emergency.

SB 67 appropriates $4,205,497 from the general fund to a special emergency and disaster fund for costs related to emergencies or disasters impacting South Dakota, as defined by existing law. The bill directs the Department of Public Safety Secretary to approve payments and the state auditor to issue warrants for these expenses. It also declares an immediate state emergency to authorize the spending, effective upon passage. The funding directly supports state agencies managing disaster-related costs, with no new policy provisions beyond the financial allocation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 25, 2026

SB 68: make an appropriation for costs related to the suppression of wildfires impacting the state and to declare an emergency.

SB 68 appropriates $2,652,561 from the general fund to the state fire suppression special revenue fund to cover costs for suppressing wildfires across South Dakota. The bill authorizes the Department of Public Safety to approve payments for firefighting expenses and declares an emergency to allow immediate spending. Unspent funds must revert to the general fund per state law. This is a one-time funding measure specifically for active wildfire suppression efforts, not prevention or recovery.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 25, 2026

SB 63: establish the state office of apprenticeship within the Department of Labor and Regulation.

SB 63 establishes a State Office of Apprenticeship within South Dakota's Department of Labor and Regulation. The office will serve as the state's main agency for apprenticeships, setting standards for training programs, promoting apprenticeship opportunities, and resolving disputes between apprentices and employers. It directly affects apprentices, employers, and training programs participating in registered apprenticeships across South Dakota. The office will implement federal apprenticeship standards effective January 1, 2026, as outlined in 29 C.F.R. § 29.1-29.14.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 25, 2026

SB 117: make an appropriation for the design and construction of a new soccer venue at South Dakota State University and to declare an emergency.

SB 117 appropriates $5,040,000 for the design and construction of a new soccer venue at South Dakota State University (SDSU). The bill directly affects SDSU by funding the project through state funds and allows the Board of Regents to accept additional external funding (e.g., federal grants or donations) for the venue. It declares an emergency to expedite the project, stating the appropriation is necessary for supporting state public institutions. The bill includes provisions for cost adjustments due to inflation or regulatory changes but limits total funding to 125% of the initial $5.04 million estimate.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 1118: make an appropriation for the design and construction of an addition to the existing swine wean-to-finish barn at South Dakota State University and to declare an emergency.

HB 1118 appropriates $1,720,000 to fund the design and construction of a new wean-to-finish barn addition at South Dakota State University's swine research facility. The bill directly affects SDSU's agricultural programs and swine research operations by enabling facility upgrades for raising pigs from weaning to market weight. Key provisions include allowing cost adjustments for inflation (up to 125% of the initial amount), accepting external funds (like federal grants or donations), and declaring an emergency to expedite funding. The bill does not alter existing laws but provides specific funding for this infrastructure project.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 1137: make an appropriation for the design and construction of an athletic facility at the University of South Dakota and to declare an emergency.

HB 1137 allocates $40 million from state funds for the design and construction of a new athletic facility at the University of South Dakota. The facility will include an indoor track, practice areas, seating for 2,000 spectators, and supporting amenities like locker rooms and training spaces. The bill allows for cost adjustments up to 125% of the original estimate to account for inflation or regulatory changes, and declares an emergency to expedite the project. Unspent funds would revert per state procedures, and the project cannot create state debt or liens. The bill directly affects the University of South Dakota's athletic programs and facilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1034: increase fees for decals and license plates mailed to vehicle owners.

HB 1034 would increase fees for vehicle decals and license plates mailed directly to owners. Specifically, it raises the fee to $2.50 per decal set and $12 per license plate set when mailed. This change directly affects South Dakota vehicle owners who choose to have their decals or plates sent by mail instead of picking them up in person. The bill amends existing law to implement these higher mailing fees, which apply only to mail-delivered items, not in-person transactions. The policy change is limited to the fee structure for mailed vehicle registration materials.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 54: revise the conditions for in-service distributions from the South Dakota deferred compensation plan.

SB 54 allows South Dakota state employees aged 59.5 or older to withdraw money from their deferred compensation plan while still employed, without stopping future contributions. This new option, added to existing conditions like retirement, death, or emergencies, lets participants choose any permitted withdrawal method. It directly affects state workers enrolled in the deferred compensation plan who meet the age requirement. The bill does not change other distribution rules or eligibility for emergency withdrawals.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 1030: amend provisions pertaining to the timing of municipal elections.

HB 1030 revises timing rules for municipal elections in South Dakota, primarily affecting cities and towns holding elections on annexation, dissolution, or consolidation. It requires that questions like annexation must be held within 60 days of certain actions or included in the next annual election if filed within 90 days prior, reducing separate special elections. The bill also adjusts deadlines for special election notices and aligns board term lengths with even-year elections. These changes streamline election scheduling for all South Dakota municipalities conducting these specific vote types.

Bill results