South Dakota Bills

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 17, 2026

SB 10: revise a provision related to the adoption of federal motor carrier regulations.

This bill adopts specific federal motor carrier regulations from Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations for South Dakota operations, with key modifications. It expands the application of federal rules to most intrastate operations (excluding small vehicles under 26,000 lbs not carrying hazardous materials or over 15 passengers), sets a minimum age of 21 for drivers in interstate commerce or handling hazardous materials, and exempts intrastate drivers from federal medical certification requirements unless required by employers. These changes directly affect commercial motor vehicle operators, drivers, and safety enforcement within South Dakota. The bill updates state law to align with federal standards while clarifying exemptions for smaller, non-hazardous intrastate operations.

Topics ✓ Transportation

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1055: update the official code of laws.

HB 1055 updates South Dakota's official code of laws by revising references to the most current legal revisions. It specifies that the code now includes the 2026 revisions of certain volumes (like Volume 16 and 18), replaces outdated references (e.g., changing "2025" to "2026" in the text), and clarifies that the code's adoption does not affect prior legal matters. This is a procedural update, not a policy change, and directly affects how state laws are cited and organized for legal reference. It was introduced at the request of the Code Commission to maintain accurate legal documentation.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 22: clarify when certification of values is transmitted to the county.

SB 22 clarifies the deadline for South Dakota's Department of Revenue to transmit tax assessment documents to county auditors. It specifies that failure to send these documents by the second Wednesday in August does not invalidate property taxes if the documents are delivered within a reasonable time afterward. This procedural bill directly affects the Department of Revenue and county auditors in handling property tax assessments. The change modifies existing law to provide clearer timing expectations without altering tax rates or assessment methods.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1054: repeal the creation and budgeting for the Digital Dakota Network.

HB 1054 repeals the creation and budgeting requirements for South Dakota's Digital Dakota Network. The bill removes specific statutory provisions that established the network's structure, budgeting process, and the separate Office of Digital Dakota Network within the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications. It transfers all remaining network-related functions - including management, programming, and budgeting - directly to the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications. This change eliminates the network as a distinct program and ends the requirement for the Bureau to submit separate budgets for it. The bill directly affects the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications, which will now manage all telecommunications network operations under existing authority.

Topics ✗ Technology

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 38: modify the annual fee imposed on certain concentrated animal feeding operations.

SB 38 increases annual fees for certain concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in South Dakota that process manure or wastewater under water pollution permits. It raises fees per animal for specific livestock, including dairy cows ($0.43 from $0.17), other cattle/bison ($0.30 from $0.12), and horses ($0.60 from $0.24). The bill directly affects CAFOs operating under water pollution control permits, excluding livestock auctions, out-of-state operations, and Indian country. The changes modify existing fee rates in Section 34A-2-125.1 of South Dakota law.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1042: authorize the construction of a National Guard vehicle maintenance shop in Sturgis, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

HB 1042 authorizes the construction of a National Guard vehicle maintenance shop in Sturgis, South Dakota, using $30 million in federal funds. The bill directs the Department of the Military to build and equip the facility, with oversight by the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration. It requires all funds to be spent by June 30, 2031, or revert to the state. The bill declares an emergency to expedite the project, directly affecting the South Dakota National Guard’s vehicle maintenance operations in Sturgis.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 8: permit a school district to administer epinephrine using a nasal spray.

SB 8 allows South Dakota public schools to stock and administer epinephrine nasal spray (in addition to auto-injectors) for students experiencing severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) during school hours. It requires schools to adopt clear policies for storage and use, notify parents about these policies, and train designated staff (like school nurses) to recognize allergic reactions, administer the nasal spray, and provide emergency care. The bill also provides liability protection for schools and staff who follow the protocol, shielding them from ordinary negligence claims when acting in good faith during emergencies. This directly affects all public school districts, students with allergies, and school personnel authorized to respond to allergic emergencies.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 9: revise provisions regarding notices to the one-call notification center.

SB 9 updates South Dakota's rules for excavation notices and utility marking. It requires excavators (like construction crews) to notify the one-call center at least 48 hours before digging, excluding weekends and holidays. The bill also sets a 48-hour deadline for utility operators to mark underground facilities after receiving a notice, with the timeline starting either from the notice date or the excavator's stated start time, whichever is later. The law allows the state board to shorten this window for emergencies or extend it for non-excavation requests.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 4: revise procedures for returning and withholding security deposits for residential premises.

SB 4 revises South Dakota's rules for security deposits in rental housing, directly affecting landlords and tenants. It requires landlords to return full deposits within 21 days of lease end or provide a written explanation for withholding, limited to unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or costs to restore the property. Landlords must also give tenants an itemized accounting of withheld amounts within 45 days of request. Failure to comply results in forfeiting all rights to withhold the deposit and potential $200 punitive damages for bad-faith retention.

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1016: modify provisions related to the controlled substances schedule and to declare an emergency.

HB 1016 amends South Dakota's controlled substances law by adding a new definition for "chemically derived cannabinoid" and adjusting the definition of "controlled substance analogue." The bill specifies that certain cannabinoid products - such as those created through natural decarboxylation (without chemical catalysts), non-psychoactive cannabinoids, and topical creams - will not be classified as "chemically derived cannabinoids." It also clarifies that "controlled substance analogues" do not include substances with an approved new drug application. These changes directly affect how cannabinoid products are regulated by the Department of Health, impacting businesses, dispensaries, and consumers in the state's cannabis-related industry.

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 1047: make an appropriation for the construction costs at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery, and to declare an emergency.

HB 1047 appropriates $8 million total ($3.5 million in federal funds and $4.5 million in other funds) to construct, renovate, and modernize infrastructure at the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery. The funds cover facilities like heating, plumbing, laboratories, and equipment to support the hatchery’s operations. The bill declares an emergency to expedite the project, allowing immediate use of funds without standard delay procedures. It directs the Department of Game, Fish and Parks to manage the work and outlines payment processes for the project.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · South Dakota · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 1052: authorize the transfer of certain surplus real property by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks to the Spearfish Canyon Foundation for a public purpose.

HB 1052 authorizes South Dakota's Department of Game, Fish and Parks to transfer a disused hydroelectric plant (3.75 acres in Lawrence County) to the Spearfish Canyon Foundation for public use, such as a historic museum. The transfer requires the foundation to maintain the property for a public purpose, with the state automatically regaining title if the site is not used publicly for two consecutive years. The bill covers both the land and related improvements, conveyed via a special warranty deed under state property laws. This directly affects the Spearfish Canyon Foundation, which gains the property for public preservation, while the public benefits from a maintained historic site.

Bill results