HCR 6013 is a non-binding resolution encouraging South Dakota's U.S. congressional representatives to meet annually with the state Legislature. It proposes that each member of the delegation meet for at least one hour with the Legislature (as a joint committee) to discuss federal government actions and their work representing South Dakota. The resolution does not require the delegation to attend or create new obligations, but formally invites them to engage with state lawmakers. This is a procedural gesture focused on fostering communication, not a policy change.
This House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 6012) is a symbolic gesture honoring the YMCA's 175th anniversary of service across the United States and in South Dakota. It recognizes the YMCA's historical contributions, including founding basketball, providing childcare, and serving over 17 million people annually through programs for youth, families, and communities. The resolution specifically acknowledges South Dakota's YMCA chapters, which serve nearly the entire state with 1,274 staff and 1,000 volunteers. The bill does not create new laws or alter policies; it solely expresses legislative appreciation for the YMCA's community impact.
HB 1325 prohibits South Dakota's public universities (controlled by the Board of Regents) from requiring students to live in on-campus housing or buy meal plans after their first year of enrollment. This directly affects undergraduate students at institutions like the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University. The bill removes mandatory requirements for housing and meal plans beyond a student's initial academic year. It does not change first-year housing or meal plan policies but gives returning students the choice to live off-campus or arrange their own meals. The law takes effect upon enactment.
HB 1266 defines "public employees" to include state/local government workers, school staff, and public service personnel. It prohibits using official authority for political interference, soliciting political contributions in the workplace, coercing political activity, or engaging in political activity during work hours or in government facilities. The bill also restricts using state resources or vehicles for political purposes while allowing employees to vote, express political views, campaign, and contribute to political causes outside work hours. These rules align with federal standards for public employee conduct and apply to all state and local government roles covered by the law.
HB 1031 revises South Dakota's rape offense definitions and increases penalties, primarily affecting victims under 13 and perpetrators convicted of sexual crimes against minors. It adds new circumstances to rape definitions (e.g., victim incapacity due to intoxication) and establishes a 15-year minimum sentence for first offenses involving victims under 13. The bill also removes the statute of limitations for rape cases involving victims under 13 or using force/coercion, allowing charges to be filed until the victim turns 25. These changes directly impact criminal sentencing for sexual offenses and extend legal accountability for certain victims.
SB 141 exempts sales of fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy, baked goods, flowers, and artisanal products directly to consumers at qualifying farmers' markets from South Dakota's sales tax. It applies specifically to recurring public markets where multiple independent farmers and producers sell agricultural goods directly to shoppers. The bill removes the tax burden on these transactions, benefiting both small-scale farmers who sell at markets and consumers purchasing locally grown or made products. This policy change directly affects farmers' market operators and shoppers at these venues within South Dakota.
HB 1142 requires parties or their lawyers in civil lawsuits to disclose in writing to the court and other parties any third party (including organizations or individuals) who could receive payment based on the case's outcome, along with any related agreements. This disclosure must happen within 10 days of signing such an agreement or at the time of filing the lawsuit, whichever comes later. The bill excludes standard loan repayments (with interest limits) and routine attorney fee agreements from this requirement. It aims to increase transparency in civil cases involving contingent payment arrangements.
HB 1165 creates two new esthetics licenses (basic and advanced) for skin care professionals in South Dakota, replacing the previous single license. It revises cosmetology and nail technology licensing rules while explicitly exempting natural hair braiders from all licensing requirements. The bill defines specific skin treatments like dermaplaning (using a blade) and microdermabrasion (mechanical exfoliation) as part of the new licensing framework. This directly affects estheticians seeking to perform these treatments, salons offering such services, and natural hair braiders who remain unlicensed under the exemption.
HB 1167 amends South Dakota law to clarify exemptions for certain sex offenders regarding loitering in community safety zones. It specifically adds that the prohibition does not apply if the offender was under 18 at the time of the offense and was not tried or convicted as an adult, or if a court has granted an exemption under § 22-24B-28. The bill directly affects registered sex offenders who meet these specific juvenile offense criteria. The amendment does not change the felony penalties (Class 6 for first offense, Class 5 for repeat offenses) or the core prohibition against loitering in safety zones or public libraries. This is a technical revision to the existing statute (§ 22-24B-24) with no new policy changes.
HB 1216 updates South Dakota's list of professionals required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It adds "religious healing practitioner" and "safety-sensitive position" (as defined in another law) to the existing list, which already includes doctors, teachers, social workers, and clergy. The bill also clarifies that confidentiality protections (like those for medical or therapy records) cannot be used to avoid legal consequences when reporting abuse under these statutes. This directly affects the new categories of professionals and religious practitioners who must now report suspected cases, while removing legal barriers to using such reports in court.
HB 1231 clarifies documentation requirements for renters with disabilities who need assistance animals (including emotional support, service, or therapy animals) in rental housing. Landlords may only request documentation confirming the tenant’s disability and need for the animal, issued by a licensed health provider within the past year (unless the disability is obvious or permanent). The documentation must include the provider’s license details, be based on a personal assessment, and cannot be required if the disability or need is already apparent. This bill directly affects renters with disabilities and landlords, while exempting small owner-occupied buildings (4 units or fewer) and single-family homes sold without agents. Violating these rules by providing false documentation may lead to eviction or a $1,000 fee.
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.
