South Dakota Bills

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 1014: modify the surcharge for a responding party in a forcible entry and detainer action.

HB 1014 modifies a $25 surcharge that typically applies when a defendant responds to a landlord-tenant lawsuit (forcible entry and detainer action) in South Dakota circuit court. The bill specifically removes this fee requirement for cases involving: (1) government entities (state, county, city, school district), or (2) defendants receiving assistance benefits under Title 28. This change ensures these groups and individuals are exempt from the surcharge, streamlining access to court for vulnerable populations and public entities in housing disputes. The bill does not alter the underlying legal process but adjusts fee collection rules for specific parties.

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 1012: revise and repeal provisions allowing probation for contempt of a custody or visitation decree.

HB 1012 revises South Dakota law by removing the option to place individuals on probation for contempt of custody or visitation court orders. The bill repeals sections 25-4A-6 and 25-4A-7, which previously allowed courts to impose probation (up to five years) for violations of custody or visitation decrees. This change means parents who violate these court orders can no longer be given probation; instead, the court must handle contempt through other legal means. The bill directly affects parents who fail to comply with court-ordered custody or visitation schedules.

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 1022: revise and repeal provisions related to the crime victims' compensation program.

HB 1022 revises South Dakota's crime victims' compensation program by updating administrative procedures. It amends Section 23A-28B-28 to clarify the Department of Public Safety's process for reviewing claims and issuing orders, while repealing the redundant Section 23A-28B-31. The bill requires the department to issue orders containing specific elements (findings, payment amount, claimant name, and review options) without duplicating requirements. This affects victims applying for compensation through the program, streamlining how the department handles their claims but not changing eligibility or payment amounts.

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 1013: clarify the purposes permitted for certain offenders to operate a motor vehicle.

HB 1013 clarifies the specific purposes for which certain DUI offenders in South Dakota may operate a motor vehicle during a license revocation period. The bill explicitly permits driving for employment, school attendance, child care, health appointments, court/probation meetings, and treatment programs, provided the offender proves financial responsibility. It applies to individuals convicted of DUI-related offenses (listed in the bill) whose licenses are revoked for 90 days (first offense) or one year (subsequent offenses), ensuring courts can issue clear temporary driving permissions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

introduced · South Dakota · Senate Mar 2, 2026

SC 813: celebrating Solventum's expansion of its Brookings, South Dakota, manufacturing facility.

This bill is a legislative commemoration that recognizes Solventum's $220 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Brookings, South Dakota. The resolution formally acknowledges the company's investment, which includes adding a 274,000-square-foot building with sixteen new loading docks to enhance distribution capabilities. It celebrates the project as a demonstration of confidence in South Dakota's business environment and marks the planned April 2, 2026, opening of the expanded facility. The measure does not change laws or policies but serves to honor the economic contribution of the company to the local community.

introduced · South Dakota · House Mar 2, 2026

HC 8017: commending the Harrisburg Tigers on their 2026 Class AA state gymnastics championship.

This bill formally recognizes the Harrisburg Tigers gymnastics team for winning the 2026 Class AA state gymnastics championship in South Dakota. The legislation highlights the team's achievements, including their conference victories, final score, and individual accomplishments by team members and coaches. It serves as an official commendation from the state legislature without changing any laws or policies.

introduced · South Dakota · House Mar 2, 2026

HC 8016: honoring the South Dakota Health Care Association on its seventy-fifth anniversary.

This bill is a legislative commemoration that honors the South Dakota Health Care Association on its seventy-fifth anniversary. It recognizes the organization's seventy-five years of providing assistance and long-term care services to elderly individuals and persons with disabilities in South Dakota. The bill formally congratulates the association for its life-enhancing work and lists the current members of its Board of Directors. This is a ceremonial measure with no changes to laws or policies.

passed both · South Dakota · House Mar 2, 2026

HB 1275: create requirements for age verification and parental consent for application stores and to provide a penalty therefor.

This bill amends existing state consumer protection laws to add requirements for age verification and parental consent for application stores, which are digital platforms where users download software applications. The legislation would require these stores to verify the age of users and obtain parental consent from minors before allowing them to access or download applications. It also establishes penalties for businesses that fail to comply with these new verification and consent requirements. The bill does not create new consumer protection categories but rather modifies existing deceptive trade practices provisions to include digital application store compliance.

Topics ✓ Technology

passed · South Dakota · House Mar 2, 2026

HB 1261: provide a tax credit for owner-occupied property, to make an appropriation therefor, and to transfer moneys to the general fund.

HB 1261 provides a property tax credit for homeowners of single-family residences in South Dakota, reducing their 2027 property tax bills by up to $500 or the full tax amount owed, whichever is lower. The credit applies automatically to tax bills sent by county treasurers for owner-occupied homes. To fund the credit, $120 million is reallocated from the housing infrastructure fund ($60 million) and the general fund/budget reserve ($60 million each), with the state treasurer transferring funds to cover the revenue loss. This policy directly affects single-family homeowners paying property taxes in 2027, while the funding mechanism ensures no new state revenue is required.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

introduced · South Dakota · House Mar 2, 2026

HC 8015: honoring Alice Simonson of Day County, who is believed to be the oldest citizen of this state.

This bill (HC 8015) is a legislative commemoration honoring Alice Simonson of Day County, South Dakota, who is believed to be the state's oldest living citizen. The resolution recognizes her life, including her 108 years (106 in Day County), her marriage of 75 years, her farming records preserved at South Dakota State University, and her community service. It does not create new policy or affect any laws; it simply formally acknowledges her as the oldest resident through a ceremonial resolution by the South Dakota Legislature.

passed both · South Dakota · Senate Mar 2, 2026

SB 223: modify the requirements for a petition to refer an excess tax levy of a school district to a vote.

SB 223 modifies South Dakota's process for school districts to refer excess tax levies to voter approval. It changes the petition signature requirement from a flat 50 voters to "at least five percent of the registered voters" in the school district. The bill also adjusts notice rules, waiving newspaper publication requirements if the district mails the resolution to all property taxpayers within 20 days. This affects school districts seeking voter input on tax increases and directly impacts local taxpayers who may petition to refer levy decisions.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

passed · South Dakota · House Mar 2, 2026

HB 1065: revise the medical purpose affirmative defense in cannabis prosecution.

HB 1065 would require individuals facing cannabis-related charges to possess a registry identification card to use a legal defense claiming they are permitted to possess cannabis. Currently, South Dakota law does not mandate this card for such defenses, but the bill would amend § 34-20G-53 to make it a requirement. This change would directly affect people charged with cannabis offenses who attempt to rely on this specific defense in court. The bill creates a new condition for accessing this defense, requiring the card as a prerequisite for its use.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Bill results