South Dakota Bills

passed · South Dakota · House Jan 26, 2026

HCR 6002: honoring the life and achievements of the late Charlie Kirk.

HCR 6002 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, who was assassinated in 2025 at age 31. The resolution recognizes his work founding Turning Point USA at 18, his advocacy for free markets and constitutional liberties, and his influence through media and policy advising. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely symbolic. The resolution urges South Dakota citizens to reflect on Kirk’s legacy and extends condolences to his family. This is a procedural honor without legal or practical impact.

Al Novstrup (R) Tesa Schwans (R) Sue Peterson (R) John Hughes (R) Scott Odenbach (R)

passed · South Dakota · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 1008: direct the amendment of the Administrative Rules of South Dakota regarding the awarding of high school credit for participation in extracurricular athletics.

HB 1008 requires South Dakota schools to amend administrative rules to allow students to earn high school credit for participation in extracurricular athletics. Specifically, it permits up to one fine arts credit (max 1/4 credit per activity per year) and up to one-half physical education credit (max 1/4 credit per varsity athletic activity per year) through school-sanctioned activities. School districts must document how these activities align with state standards for fine arts and physical education. The amendment must be filed by September 30, 2026, directly affecting South Dakota high school students and school districts.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · South Dakota · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 1: amend the process by which moneys are distributed from the employer's investment in South Dakota's future fund.

SB 1 amends South Dakota's "Employer's Investment in South Dakota's Future Fund" to clarify how funds are distributed for economic development loans and grants. The bill requires the Governor's Office of Economic Development to establish specific rules for applicants, including how economic impact is assessed, selection criteria, interest rate limits (capped at 200 basis points above the federal funds rate), and repayment procedures. It directly affects businesses, researchers, and organizations seeking funding for projects that boost the state's economy. The changes streamline the process for awarding loans/grants while ensuring repayments replenish the fund. The bill updates existing rules under Section 61-5-29.1 without altering the fund's core purpose.

passed · South Dakota · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 83: require that any holder of a commercial driver license in this state must be proficient in the English language, and to provide a penalty therefor.

SB 83 requires all commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency, aligning with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11). This applies directly to individuals seeking or holding CDLs for commercial motor vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add this requirement, which must be satisfied alongside other federal and state conditions like passing knowledge/skills tests and completing entry-level training. Violations may result in penalties, though specific enforcement details are not outlined in the provided text.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · South Dakota · House Jan 23, 2026

HB 1061: require the acceptance of cash as payment in certain transactions.

HB 1061 requires most retail businesses in South Dakota to accept cash payments for in-person purchases under $100, where the customer chooses cash and the seller is physically present. Businesses cannot charge higher prices for using cash, and the law applies only to face-to-face transactions meeting these conditions. Exemptions include credit unions, security deposits requiring credit cards, and airplane sales. The bill also mandates that state offices accept cash for public fees under $100 when paid in person.

passed · South Dakota · House Jan 23, 2026

HB 1090: require publication of notices of gubernatorial appointments and reappointments.

HB 1090 requires the governor's office to publish notices of appointments or reappointments to state boards, commissions, councils, or other entities in the next regularly scheduled issue of the South Dakota Register. This applies to all positions the governor can appoint under state law, including filling vacancies. The bill mandates this publication as a standard step for transparency, directly affecting the governor's office and the public who access the Register. It does not change appointment powers or create new requirements beyond publication.