South Dakota Bills

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 39: revise provisions relating to industrial hemp.

SB 39 revises South Dakota's legal definitions for industrial hemp by clarifying what qualifies as an "industrial hemp product." The bill specifically excludes products containing certain chemically derived cannabinoids (like Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, THC-O, HHC, and THCP) from being classified as industrial hemp products. It also defines key terms such as "greenhouse" (requiring 2,880 sq. ft. minimum), "industrial hemp stalk bale," and "licensed hemp producer" under USDA guidelines. This amendment directly affects hemp businesses, processors, and growers by setting clear standards for product eligibility and licensing under state law. The change ensures only hemp-derived products with ≤0.3% delta-9 THC (excluding specified synthetically altered cannabinoids) can be legally marketed as industrial hemp products.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 121: transfer moneys and make an appropriation for the replacement of the Richmond Lake dam and spillway and to declare an emergency.

SB 121 appropriates $101 from South Dakota's general fund to support economic development efforts. The bill authorizes state payments through vouchers and warrants, with unspent funds reverting per standard procedures. It does not specify particular projects, programs, or entities that would receive the funds. The bill is procedural in nature, with no substantive policy changes beyond the minimal appropriation. The $101 amount appears to be an error, as it is insufficient for meaningful economic development initiatives.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 119: create the capitol restoration fund and to transfer moneys thereto.

SB 119 appropriates $101 from South Dakota's general fund to "enhance the economic health of South Dakota," though the amount is likely a placeholder or error in the bill text. The bill contains no specific economic programs or targeted beneficiaries - it only authorizes standard payment procedures for this minimal appropriation. It requires the state to approve vouchers and pay expenses through the state auditor, with unspent funds reverting per existing state procedures. The bill is procedural and effective June 30, 2026, but lacks concrete policy mechanisms to impact economic health.

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1066: revise a provision related to theft by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier.

HB 1066 revises South Dakota's theft statute to clarify that contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers do not commit theft by withholding payment proceeds until work is completed and approved. The bill amends Section 44-9-13 to explicitly state that holding funds pending final work approval is not a violation of the theft law. This directly affects construction industry professionals who handle project payments and must pay for labor or materials before using funds. The key change removes ambiguity about when withholding payment constitutes theft, specifically excluding legitimate holds for completed work. The amendment maintains existing penalties for actual theft but clarifies the legal boundary for payment management.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 106: modify the amount required to be set aside for extraordinary expenses incurred in providing special education programs.

SB 106 modifies South Dakota's funding for special education by increasing the state's annual allocation for unforeseen costs. Starting July 1, 2026, $4.5 million must be set aside for extraordinary expenses in special education programs, rising annually by an inflation index starting July 1, 2027, with a maximum cap of $5.5 million per year. Unspent funds will not revert to the general state budget, ensuring they remain available for future special education needs. The bill directly affects school districts providing special education services to children with disabilities across South Dakota.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1038: allow the Public Utilities Commission to assess actual costs to data centers that are customers of public utilities.

HB 1038 allows South Dakota's Public Utilities Commission to charge data centers the actual costs of processing their contract approval requests for new utility service. It specifically applies to "large new customers" like data centers that require approval under existing utility regulations. The bill requires the commission to collect these processing fees and deposit the funds into a dedicated state utility fund. This changes how the commission recovers administrative costs for new large-scale electricity customers.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 15: create the Developmental Disability Service Delivery Committee.

SB 15 creates the Developmental Disability Services Oversight Committee to examine and monitor South Dakota's Medicaid waiver programs providing home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The committee, composed of nine legislative members including committee chairs and appointed representatives, will review program operations, hear testimony from the Department of Human Services, and gather feedback from affected individuals, families, and service providers. It must annually report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Research Council by November 1 to improve service efficiency and operations. This bill directly affects individuals receiving waiver services, their families, community support providers, and the Department of Human Services. The committee's role is strictly advisory and oversight-focused, not policy-making.

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 89: create a task force to study the provision of emergency medical services as an essential service and the funding thereof.

SB 89 requires all South Dakota counties and municipalities to ensure a minimum level of emergency medical services (including response times, staffing, and treatment protocols) are available within their boundaries for prehospital care. It directs the state health department to create rules defining these minimum standards, covering aspects like ambulance response and required personnel. The bill also establishes a legislative task force to study funding mechanisms for these services and report recommendations by November 2026. The law would take effect on July 1, 2028, impacting local governments responsible for emergency medical service provision.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 131: revise the season in which a nonprofit organization may host a special pheasant hunt for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients.

SB 131 clarifies the timing for nonprofit-hosted pheasant hunts benefiting disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. It revises the law to specify these hunts may occur "before or during the regular pheasant season" (removing confusing prior language about the "private shooting preserve season"). The bill directly affects nonprofit organizations hosting these events and the disabled veterans/Purple Heart recipients participating. Key provisions maintain that no fees may be charged to participants and require the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to create rules for administering these hunts. The bill does not change eligibility criteria for participants or alter the no-fee requirement.

Topics ✓ Veterans

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 132: modify provisions related to the South Dakota Veterans Council.

SB 132 amends South Dakota law (§ 1-46A-5) to clarify the composition and consultation process of the South Dakota Veterans Council. The bill specifies that the Council must include one representative each from eight designated veterans organizations, such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, plus a representative from Vietnam Veterans of America chapters 1054 and 959. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to consult with the Council quarterly on veteran-related matters and mandates the Council provide recommendations on budgets, legislation, policies, and programs affecting veterans and their dependents. This bill directly affects the Council's membership structure and its formal role in advising state veterans' affairs.

Topics ✓ Veterans

signed · South Dakota · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1148: adopt the respiratory care interstate compact.

HB 1148 adopts the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing respiratory therapists licensed in South Dakota to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill also requires respiratory care practitioners to undergo a criminal background check and submit fingerprints as part of their South Dakota licensure application. This compact aims to increase access to respiratory therapy services, support military families by easing relocation for therapists, and address workforce shortages through streamlined interstate practice. It preserves each state’s authority to regulate licensure and protect public health while creating a standardized process for therapists moving across state lines.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · South Dakota · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 137: establish procedures for anti-SLAPP actions to protect the exercise of a person's constitutional rights, including freedom of speech.

South Dakota Senate Bill 137 creates a legal process to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target free speech on public issues. It allows people sued for protected expression - like criticizing government actions or speaking on matters of public concern - to file a special motion asking a court to dismiss the case within 60 days. If filed, the court must pause all other legal proceedings related to the lawsuit until the motion is decided, with limited discovery allowed only for specific evidence. The bill does not apply to lawsuits by or against government entities enforcing public safety laws or to routine commercial disputes.

Bill results